Summary of The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Chapter 1 

The author describes her life as a rollercoaster ride of change, with a sense of frisson and instability. She wears a black dress, white apron, and stiff leather boots to work at the living history museum in Golden, Colorado, where she plays the part of “Mrs. Hiram Burch,” a farmer’s wife who tells school groups and tourists about the hardships on the Western Frontier.

The author’s job is not the worst, but it has its drawbacks. She calls her husband, Camden, to ask how it is to talk about churning butter without saying the words “cream” or “pole.” Camden is present, but she doesn’t see him in the kitchen.

On Wednesday, Camden tutors at junior college until seven, and there’s real worry in her voice when she asks him about his health. He smiles and says that if she had known Goody Proctor was haunting the house, she would have tried to rent something else. She replies that she didn’t feel like changing at the park and assumed she would be free from mockery in her own home.

She sits across from him, the phone just inches from her soda when she sets it down. She studies the man she married nearly a decade ago, not constantly posting about him on social media. Camden doesn’t even have social media, and there’s always been something about him and their relationship that feels private and special.

The narrator is in no hurry to face his family and wants to take the scenic route instead of the busy city. He decides to take first shift and takes the scenic route, knowing that his wife might be curious about the journey. As they drive away, the narrator receives an eighteenth birthday present from Ruby, which has an inscription on the back.

The narrator wonders if these words were meant as an encouragement, warning, or threat. He admits that writing down the letters makes things real and allows less room for eliding. He doesn’t care anymore if people find the letters and know the truth of everything, as he knows his end is coming soon for some but right on time for him.

The narrator is satisfied with the experiment and the satisfaction it brings. They have never written the word “fucking point” before, but now they see why people use it. This experiment is already going well, and the narrator is grateful for the support and understanding from their wife.

The text is about the author’s tragic disappearance and miraculous rescue from her family. She recounts her childhood, including her disappearance on a family picnic at three and her subsequent stay with the Darnells in Alabama. The author recalls that she was mistaken for her own child, Dora, by Mrs. Darnell, who had been drunk and wandered into the woods. The author recalls a miscommunication between her nanny and mother, leading to a miscommunication between them.

The author spent much time in her father’s office as a child, learning about a doll she had accidentally given to Nelle. She was worried about her parents trading dolls with Nelle, and she feared burning the doll before giving it to Nelle. However, her mother did not ask her to trade, and she gave her the doll. The author named it Grace, but when she mentioned it, her mother gave her an ugly look. She suggested Kitty instead, which the author agreed on.

One day, Grace’s eye got stuck in her office, reminding her of her mother’s headaches. The author still cannot stand the smell of gin, which her mother loved, and whenever she smells it, she thinks of her mother. The author’s story highlights the importance of family and the unique experiences of children in their lives.

The narrator finds her father’s office, where she finds a newspaper with her name on it. She learns that the man who took her was Jimmy Darnell, and his wife Helen had called her Dora. They had another baby, Claire, born just after Ruby was returned to her family. The newspaper also mentions that the child’s former nanny, Grace Bennett, left North Carolina after questioning.

The narrator is filled with guilt and elation as she reads about the scandalous event. When Nelle enters the office, she tries to tell her father that she is in the office, but she is told that she is just a baby and that he won’t believe her. Nelle argues that she is not her real sister and that she will believe him over her. The narrator refuses to tell anyone, and the battle continues over something else.

The narrator wonders if there was ever a chance to break this pattern and be more than wary enemies. She believes that maybe that moment in Daddy’s office was their chance, and she has missed it. She cannot forgive Nelle for voicing her greatest fear so often, that she was Dora Darnell, a cuckoo in the nest.

In the end, she leaves the office, picking up her doll and deciding that she will never forget her past. The narrator is left to wonder if they ever had a chance to break this pattern and find love again

Chapter 2

The narrator and her husband Camden McTavish are driving to Colorado, a country they’ve grown up in. They’ve driven through the Inland Empire, the high desert of Utah, and the jagged peaks of the Rockies. The country is vast and different from the mountains they’ve seen in Florida, California, and Colorado. They’re nearing their house, Ashby House, which Camden owns. The narrator is excited to live in a rental, but Camden disagrees, stating that he’s unhappy in the house because of the people in it. The narrator is surprised by the mountains they’ve left behind, but Camden explains that the Appalachians are older and more beautiful. The narrator is shivered by the comparison, but Camden assures her that the mountains are older than bones and that their family has lived there for almost as long.

Camden, a man from a distant past, is discussing his family and his relationship with Ruby. He mentions that Nelle, Ruby’s older sister, was born four years younger than Ruby and was born just after Ruby’s return in the 1700s. Camden reveals that Ruby was conceived to replace Ruby, but she was conceived as an understudy. He reveals that Ruby left her alone for most of her life, and it is impossible for anyone to hate her. Camden asks the woman to identify which person hates her the most, and she agrees. They share a moment of affection, and the woman feels a rush of affection for Cam. She promises to tell him the whole story, as they are almost there, and soon, everything she’s done will be worth it.

The author shares her experience of moving to Paris and learning French, which she finds to be too late for her. She advises others to learn from old ladies, but she doesn’t. She shares her experience with Duke Callahan, who she knew long before meeting him. Duke was Edward Callahan’s eldest son and heir, and his father was a wealthy man. During their brief marriage, she was unflappable, even throwing earrings he had given her into the Atlantic Ocean.

On Nelle’s sixteenth birthday, she is unsure about her dress and the cake she ordered. She is home from a ladies’ college in Atlanta, where she feels like she is waiting for a man to marry her. She misses the independence she had in Atlanta and the familiar hallways of Ashby House. She feels caught between two lives, which she believes is a common experience.

In 1960, the narrator is twenty years old and unsure about her readiness to marry. She is livid about her dress, which her sixteen-year-old sister livid about. She retreats to her father’s office, where she smells a freshly lit cigarette and cologne. She is tasked with a fight with Duke Callahan, who had been her “white whale” for the past year. Duke is a man who has never thought about his grin, but the people who have seen it think about it. The narrator thinks about the grin and how if he hadn’t given her that grin, he might still be alive. She has a picture of Duke, but she believes it doesn’t do him justice.

The protagonist, Ruby, is attracted to Duke, a handsome young man with similar traits to her friends. Duke is a different person from the others in her circle, who all have similar appearances and manners. Duke invites Ruby to go out of her father’s office and asks her why she didn’t have a big party when she turned sixteen. Ruby admits she did, but Duke laughs at her. He offers her a cigarette and suggests she should see more of the world, especially London, Rome, and Paris. Ruby agrees and plans to book a honeymoon with Duke, which thrills her. The idea of a third door besides Dutiful Daughter and Dutiful Wife is intriguing.

Ruby McTavish, a twenty-year-old woman, is a wife to a man who would take her with him when he went out in the world. Duke, her father, is intrigued by her story of her kidnapping and the death of her fiancée, Jill. The story is about a dangerous fall in the woods, where Peter Whalen, a UNC student, fell and was found dead. Ruby feels guilty for her fascination with the dark details of the story, but Duke assures her that no one knows what to make of her. She is a wealthy woman who hides at parties and is not a brain. She has a suspicion that she has been placed in the wrong life, living out a role written for someone else. Duke and Ruby leave the conversation in the dim light of their father’s office, hoping to end their lives together.

Chapter 3

Camden Andrew McTavish, a man from a distant past, is driving up a mountain to a haunted house. He feels the last time he was on the road, a time when he was away from Ashby House and the McTavishes. He agrees with Ruby that the road should not be smooth, as it would make it too easy for people to come and gawk at the house. He doesn’t want to come back to this haunted place, as he prefers a normal life in Colorado. However, when he returns to Ashby, he is portrayed as the “Luckiest Boy in North Carolina” by a magazine profile. This image is a reflection of his past, as he has been an orphan and heir to the McTavish estate. As the dirt track turns into gravel, the trees block out the sun, making the car feel like he is being swallowed by something. He wants the past to stay buried and find a way to tolerate this place, as he believes Jules will love it.

Cam and his girlfriend Jules are nearing the gates of Ashby House, where they are greeted by a beautiful sunflower garden. Cam is surprised by the garden, which was planted by Ruby’s first husband, Duke, who died in Europe. The passcode for the gate is 13-6-61, which is the day Ruby’s first husband died. Cam is unsure why she wants to remember this date every time they go in and out of the gates.

As they approach the gate, they notice that it is already open, and the wrought iron fence is a family secret. Cam is hesitant to walk along the fence, but Jules assures him that if he were in good shape, he could climb it.

Upon entering Ashby House, Cam feels disoriented and thrown back in time. The house smells of beeswax polish, fresh flowers, and woodsmoke, and the Tiffany lamp on the table and the carpet runner on the stairs are all familiar. The front hallway widens to display the massive windows that look out onto the back lawn.

The narrator is feeling dizzy and unsure of what a heart attack feels like. He sees Ruby McTavish, a portrait of her, and Jules, who is his friend. They discuss their past and how they coped with the house. Jules is a funny and understanding person, and they share their experiences. The narrator is surprised to see that Libby is no longer a teenager, but Ben, who is two years older, looks almost exactly the same. Ben reminds the narrator that he owes her five dollars and that the house is named after Anna, his great-grandmother. Jules reveals that she doesn’t have a last name, but she keeps her last name when she married Cam, making her Ms. Brewster. The family’s obsession with genealogy and who birthed who can tell someone everything they need to know about the narrator. The narrator is left feeling dizzy and unsure of what to do next.

In the twenty-first century, Camden and Jules Brewster, two friends, are discussing their future together. Camden, a lawyer, is hesitant to have the same last name as his child, as it may make people think they are not married or divorced. Ben, a lawyer, is hesitant to discuss this with his wife, Nana Nelle, who has been struggling since Dad’s death. Ben offers to entertain them for the evening, but Camden is uneasy about the idea of returning to her childhood bedroom. Ben, a lawyer, is eager to work on paperwork for Camden. As they walk to Ashby House, Camden imagines a tragic event, such as a racket hitting the wall and a pool of blood spreading from beneath his blond hair. As they approach Ruby’s portrait, Camden feels her presence and realizes she would be proud of him. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by young people in the modern world.

Chapter 4

On her first morning at Ashby House, the narrator feels content and grateful for the peaceful surroundings. She enjoys a delicious homemade casserole from Cam, who seems distant. The narrator is surprised by Cam’s room, which feels like a guest room with its own center of gravity. Despite the discomfort, Cam and the narrator fall in love, and life is good with a comfortable chair, gorgeous views, excellent coffee, and two orgasms before 8:00 A.M.

The narrator meets an older woman named Cecilia, who is excited to see her and Camden returning home. They discuss the beautiful house and the fact that Camden knows every nook and cranny of it. Nelle, the housekeeper, is a bit pinched and unsure of her identity. She tells Cecilia that Camden’s house is Camden’s, built by her grandfather in 1904, but now belongs to a boy from the streets. Cam appears behind her, wearing a dark gray T-shirt and jeans, and Nelle is embarrassed. He thanks Cecilia for the casserole and asks about Ben, who is trying to show her where to spend his money. The narrator is drawn to the veranda and dreams of the day when it’s just her and Cam.

The narrator and Cam have a good life in Colorado, enjoying their friends, neighbors, and favorite places. However, they are still renting a tiny house and haven’t moved deeper. They plan to convince Cam to stay, but haven’t done so yet. One day, they find their belongings gone, and Cam’s bag is found in a blood-red room. The narrator is confused and wonders if it’s just a misunderstanding. They hope to find Cam’s bag and their belongings in the house.

Camden and the narrator discuss changing rooms at Ashby House, which they find to be a strange change. They discuss the house, Cecilia, and their family, and Cam admits to being a bit of a cliché. The narrator is grateful for Cam’s support and the kindness of his family. They discuss their time together and the tension they have experienced. Camden and the narrator discuss their work as a teacher, mentioning their school in Colorado. The narrator wishes Ben would step on the gas, as several people have died on the road. The narrator is grateful for Cam’s support and the memories they have shared.

The protagonist, a young girl, recalls her childhood in Ashby House, where her father and mother, Ruby, were always involved in her reading. Ben, her father, tries to make amends for their past, but she still feels guilty about the money they received. As they pass through a small town, they notice the closure of a cozy restaurant and the town’s complications in Ruby’s will. The protagonist’s father, Ben, tries to make amends but still feels guilty about the money. The protagonist also learns about the “Mrs. Kill-more” story, a string of dead husbands, which Ruby had shared with her at the Jay. The protagonist is left feeling guilt and unsure if Ruby truly loved her.

Camden and his friends, Hugh, Andrew, and Roddy, visit a store in their hometown. Ben, a local businessman, introduces himself and tells them about Ruby’s son, Tyler. They both remember Ruby’s influence on their lives, but also the good times they had together. Ben gives them a flyer with the word “missing” and reveals that the hikers were on the east side of Ashby House, a mountain that is often discussed in the family. Camden recalls hiking the trail with Ben and his cousin, Tyler, who went missing. Ben offers to put the money on his Visa, and Camden is ready to go. He asks Steve about the amount he owes and is relieved to have him back in town. However, he feels homesick and wishes he could sleep with one eye open in the house.

Chapter 5

In the morning, the narrator finds a bathroom in their house that is in pieces, and Camden, the owner of Ashby House, is adamant about the damage. Camden has replaced the floors in one of the bedrooms and is planning a cement truck for the next day. The narrator is surprised by Camden’s gung-ho attitude and asks if he would mind taking her on a tour of the land around Ashby House. The narrator agrees, but is hesitant to venture further than the falls. Camden advises her to stay away from the edge, and they head out into the woods. As they head out, the narrator asks Camden about the number of people who have died in the woods. Camden ominously reveals that no one knows, and the narrator suggests making up a number to make the campfire scary story more effective. The narrator is left feeling unsure of how to handle the situation.

The narrator is walking through the woods near Ashby House, feeling isolated and scared. They encounter Benjamin Franklin McTavish, who accuses Camden of not being worthy of their attention. Ben explains that Camden had the trails made and maintained by her husband, and the money for such a thing is Cam’s. The narrator realizes that they have only been walking for about ten minutes, and that help would take time to arrive. They hear the distant rumble of the falls and know that others have gone missing in the woods. Ben pulls the narrator up tight against her, and they discuss their plans. The narrator feels like she has never left the house, and her wife, Jules, loves it. The narrator is reminded of their ally in their wife, and the narrator is grateful for their time together.

Camden McTavish finds himself in Ruby’s office, looking through an old photo album. He finds a picture of him, a fifteen-year-old girl, and realizes that Christmas at Ashby House is something else. He almost tells her the truth about his departure, but she insists it’s impossible for them to stay. He tells her that any embarrassing pictures of him in the album are her wife’s duty to burn.

Nelle, a McTavish, enters the house and asks about their relationship. Camden reminds her that she owns the house and that it’s Jules’s house. Nelle smiles at him, expressing her anger and wariness. She explains that she thought she would never be rid of her, but when she died, she left and finally had her own house.

Camden, a young man, is constantly threatened by his ex-girlfriend Nelle, who constantly reveals her true nature. He is constantly reminded that he is nothing more than an experiment of Ruby’s, and that she is a weapon she has decided to wield against them. Camden is constantly reminded of Ruby’s portrait and the constant pressure to be together in their large house. Libby, a woman with a sly smile, is mixing up a noxious liquid in the kitchen, and Camden is surprised by her beauty. Libby suggests that if Camden had not been so weird about it, everything would have worked out better than it has. Camden is shocked by this idea, but Libby believes that if they had been married, they would have lived happily ever after at Ashby. This realization makes Camden realize that that night might have meant something different to her than it did to him.

Camden, a teenager, recalls a night when he was rejected by his cousin Libby. He tries to be gentle, but his mind struggles to process the memories. Libby, a seventeen-year-old, reveals that no one has ever said no to him, but he believes that he was sent in to seduce Camden. He feels guilty for not being the answer and tries to find something better. Libby suggests that he should be himself and not be a part of the family. Camden is left feeling guilty and regrets not leaving that night and never returning. He calls his lawyer, Nathan, but his gut tells him it’s something else. The call is about a meeting to go over paperwork, but Camden is left feeling he should have left that night.

Chapter 6

The protagonist, a woman who has done everything for her husband Cam, is determined to return to their home, Ashby House, after he leaves California. She has been stalking the McTavishs on Instagram and Google alerts, but has not received any communication from them. The protagonist is unsure if Cam will heed the request to come home and sort out their financial tangles. She considers reaching out to Nelle, Libby, or Ben, but ultimately chooses Ben due to his social media presence and shared content that emphasized being a McTavish. The protagonist’s identity is the only thing he can truly claim to, and she is unsure if she can trust anyone else to help her. The protagonist’s decision to return to Ashby House is a risky one.

The protagonist, Ruby, is trying to convince Camden to take a settlement from the trust and turn over the rest of the wealth to Ruby’s family, the McTavishes. They are passionate about taking back what belongs to Camden and living the life they deserve. Ruby grew up in a trailer park in Panama City and admired Camden’s integrity. Camden, a kind and decent person, sees Ruby as worthy and deserves her. Ruby loves Tavistock, a small town with idyllic buildings and a beautiful town. She plans to change her name to Mrs. McTavish if the situation works out.

In a town called Tavistock, Libby’s shop is closed, but she is still present. Jules, who is in town, meets Libby and she talks about supporting the local economy and the beauty of the place. Libby explains that the town was built by her great-great-grandfather over a hundred years ago, and she doesn’t have to do anything. Jules is surprised to see Libby and her cousin, Camden, who is Camden’s wife. Libby explains that Camden was always quiet but nice, and they might throw a parade if they stay. Jules is drawn to the idea of a statue in the town square, and it feels like fate for the town to be better without the McTavishes.

In the afternoon, the narrator returns to Ashby House, where she meets Camden, who introduces her to an old friend, Beth. Camden reveals that Beth is a third-grader with dark hair and good skin, and they plan to have dinner together in the formal dining room. The narrator is surprised by Camden’s meanness and the formal dress code. The narrator is surprised by the comfort of Ashby House, but the formal dining room, which hasn’t changed since 1904, is filled with family history. The narrator is drawn to the painting on the opposite wall, which depicts a hunting scene with a deer being ripped out by hounds. Libby sends up a dress for the dinner, which the narrator is unsure about. The narrator is surprised to see her wife dressed like her cousin.

Jules arrives at the family dinner, wearing a beautiful Ruby dress. The family is seated at the table, with Nelle at the head and Ben at her right hand. The family is uneasy, as the house is as twisted as the people who live in it. Ben asks about the contractor who visited the house, and the family is relieved when Cecilia brings in food. The family is considering hiring more staff for the house, as Ruby had a paranoia about people working there. The family’s thoughts are for someone who plans to stay and take ownership of the house, which is unlikely to be the author.

At a dinner party, the protagonist is unsure of what they just ate and is waiting for the drama to end. They are all excited about the 1959 Dom Pérignon Rosé, Ruby’s favorite. Ben brings champagne, and the protagonist is excited to share it with Jules. Libby throws a folder on the table, and the protagonist is told that they will be told that Ruby McTavish is not Ruby at all. They are shocked and confused.

Chapter 7

The narrator is at a party with Jules, who is upset about the McTavishes. They discuss Ruby, who had a DNA test done on the narrator’s hair, and how she knew about the test. Ruby admits that she knew about the test and that she paid for it. The narrator is surprised by Ruby’s honesty and the fact that she had her own DNA test done, which revealed that she had no biological link to Eleanor McTavish or miraculous recovery for Baby Ruby. The narrator suspects there is more to Ruby’s story, but it doesn’t matter now.

In this text, the narrator recounts a call from Nathan Collins about a McTavish with the key to a safety-deposit box that Ruby had set up in 2010. She explains that Mason left it all to Ruby, who then left it to her. Nelle, a friend of Ruby, accuses her of revealing a secret about her, which she denies. The narrator explains that she had Nathan Collins review the will a decade ago, as Ruby was too smart for him. She asks everyone to stop talking about the situation, except for Nelle, who tries to make it seem like they’re done. Nelle reassures her that she’s not related to any of the characters and that her doctor advised her to be careful with her health. Ben, who is now a lawyer, also mentions that Ruby’s mother died young and her father was not very old.

Camden and his sister, Libby, are discussing the possibility of rewriting the past to reveal Ruby’s death in her sleep. Ben, who is a close friend, reveals that they were not present at the time of Ruby’s death. Libby, who was present at the time, claims that she saw Camden coming out of Ruby’s room and told a different story to the police. Camden and Libby discuss their plan to accuse Camden of murder, but Ben insists that they will keep their money and the house. Camden and Jules argue that they will always win, but Camden is unsure if their plan will work. She asks Camden what he wants him to do, but Camden argues that he wants him to fight against the people who hate him. The conversation drains out of him, and he realizes that he wants the place and everything it comes with, even after the accusations.

Jules and Camden are in a tense situation, with Jules feeling frustrated and angry. Camden tries to explain that the people in the room are obsessed with blood and who has the right to what. She insists that Camden has rights and a lawyer to tell Nathan about the accusations. Camden is hesitant to argue, but eventually leaves the room and goes to Ruby’s room. He finds her belongings, including a champagne bottle and pills, and decides to leave.

As he wakes up, he hears running feet and a slammed door. He screams and finds Ruby’s portrait, which he recognizes as his own. He asks for her help, but Ruby doesn’t answer. The painting shifts, and Camden tells him that he told him they shouldn’t have come here. Camden reveals that he made him come back, and he leaves, leaving Camden to fall into nothingness.

The protagonist wakes up to Cam, who comforts her and reminds her of her nightmares. They share a moment of peace, and Cam reveals that the cold-eyed man in her nightmare was just a figment of her imagination. They sit together, and Cam reveals that Nana Nelle is dead. Ben, who is the police officer, and the policemen follow them to Nelle’s bedroom. Ben tells the protagonist that Nelle had been sleeping since the last time they spoke, and that she had been tired last night. Ben explains that Nelle had passed the Ashby exam and that she wanted to pass at Ashby. Ben reveals that the drama at dinner was too much for her, and that Nelle herself was in the starring role. The protagonist is left to wonder if that was what finally made her heart give out.

The protagonist, Nelle, is visited by a young cop who is investigating an old woman who died in her bed. The officer, Harlan Jackson, apologizes to Nelle and the McTavish family, who hold a powerful power in town. Harlan tells Nelle that the coroner is on his way, and she is taken to Thornton’s. Harlan, who is Mrs. McTavish, is shocked by the situation and accuses Camden of finding Ruby. The protagonist is left feeling guilt and unsure of what to do.

Camden is found in a lace-covered bed, and the protagonist apologizes to him for the incident. She tries to comfort him, but he doesn’t respond. The protagonist feels a deep connection to Camden, who has been hurt by the incident. She tries to comfort him, but Camden remains tense and unsure of what to do.

The protagonist tries to comfort Camden, but he remains tense and unsure of what to do. The protagonist is left feeling a mix of guilt and hope, as she tries to find a way to heal the situation.

Chapter 8

Camden, a young man, is acquitted of killing his girlfriend, Ruby, in a college setting. He reveals that he chose CSU San Bernardino because it was the only college he knew about Ashby House and its impact on people. The man reflects on his past, revealing that he was a McTavish and that Ruby had a different perspective on him. He reveals that Ruby was a cruel and abusive person, and he had to stop her from leaving. He also reveals that he had to work at a restaurant in Chapel Hill to avoid Ruby’s advances. The man realizes that Ruby’s attempts to make it difficult for him to leave only proved why he couldn’t stay. The man is left with a sense of hope and a spark in his chest.

The protagonist, Jules, is struggling financially after losing another job and losing his car. He is trying to find a way to leave Ruby, but she refuses. Jules tries to talk to Ruby, but she refuses. Ruby reveals that she has a son named Tyler Hayes, who works for her company and runs a hotel. Jules is shocked by this, but she insists that Tyler’s father works for her. Ruby offers to fire Tyler if Jules wants, but Jules denies it. Ruby has a history of offering to use weapons to right the scales, but the protagonist always says no. Jules has seen how Ruby has done similar things for others, such as Howell and Nelle, but he doesn’t realize it was a test. The protagonist is left feeling trapped and unsure of how to move forward.

Camden, a young man, is adamant about his loyalty to Ruby McTavish, who has given him every privilege and advantage since the first McTavish appeared three hundred years ago. Ruby believes Camden is his redemption and promises to prove it to him. Camden is confused and unsure of what he has done, but Ruby assures him that she made him better than him. As Camden dies, he holds onto a phone and tries to comfort her. Ruby’s death causes Camden to cry, but Jules, who had been crying around the phone, reveals that she trusted him to save her and took the pills because she believed he was a good person. Camden chooses to let Ruby die rather than stay at Ashby House, and when she does, she kisses him and tells him she loves him and that she threw him into a snake pit to prove something to herself.

Camden, a young man, discovers a sheaf of paper from Ruby’s desk, which he believes is from her. He finds letters written in Ruby’s hand, dated in the days before her death. The letters reveal her rumors, whispers, and guilt for suspecting she was a murderer. Camden feels relief and understands her better now. He reads the letters, but finds no clue who she was writing to. Camden and his friend Timbuktu, who is a friend of Ruby, realize that their story is over. Camden believes that love would be enough to chase out the darkness, and Ruby believed she loved Cam too. Timbuktu apologizes for not giving Cam what he wanted, but Camden thanks him for giving him everything. They kiss and Timbuktu leaves, acknowledging their love.

The narrator is a widow who is preparing to move into her husband’s home. She is unsure of where Cam is going and decides to pack up while Cam is away. She is unsure of what to do with Ruby’s letters, but she decides to destroy them. She finds Ruby’s office empty and searches for a hiding place. Ben, who is in the suit she wore to accompany Nelle’s body to the funeral home, is present and asks if she is looking for anything. She lies, claiming she didn’t look for anything. Ben reveals that he found a jeweled box in the house before Daddy died, which he had hung on to just in case. The narrator is frustrated and anxious, as Cam will be back soon and the house will become Ben’s office.

The protagonist, Mrs. McTavish, is a widow who is trying to find out about Camden’s wife, Jules, and her relationship with Camden. Ben, a smarter man, offers to help with the paperwork, but Mrs. McTavish refuses, fearing that it will hurt Camden. She reveals that Cam had killed her own grandmother, and if Camden relinquished his hold on the McTavish inheritance, Nelle would be next in line. Ben reveals that evidence of Cam’s murder is usually in their mouths, and she tries to convince Ben that she lied and schemed to get Cam to throw them out. She offers to watch an episode of Dateline, but she turns her back on a man with nothing to lose. The protagonist’s anger and frustration are evident as they struggle to find a way to protect themselves and their family.

Chapter 9

The author recalls making a borderline-creepy drive to Knoxville when he first got a car, a trip he never planned on making. He learned his birth mother’s name, Penny Halliday, at the age of fourteen. He stopped making these drives when he was eighteen, feeling weird about intruding on her life. He realizes that Penny was his true mother, and he still drives to Knoxville to see her. He realizes that Jules is his family, seeing the darkest parts of him and loving him anyway. Jules knows things about him that he hadn’t told her, such as the name of the soccer team he played on in middle school and his allergies to cats. He tries to use the money Ruby had left to pay for the best and most discreet private detectives, something Ruby had known when she found Claire Darnell.

The author finds Claire Darnell, who had a daughter, Linda, who died in a car accident in 2011. The author’s adoptive mother, Caitlin Julianne Darnell, was also dead. The author’s great-granddaughter, Ruby McTavish, showed up at the author’s work, and the author fell in love with her. Despite ten years together, the author’s wife, Jules, fell in love with him. The author realizes that the truth isn’t finite, but what we all choose to believe. As the author heads back home to Jules, the sky turns a bright orange, and the author hears smoke. The author is devastated and tries to protect his wife.

Ashby House is engulfed in flames, and the narrator watches as firefighters battle the flames. They hear a voice calling out to Jules, who is alive and tries to comfort them. The narrator is left to wonder if Jules will reveal the truth, but they hold onto their hand, watching the McTavishes burn. The narrator is left to wonder if she will write letters for him.

Epilogue Summary 

The protagonist, Bitch, is a mother who has been living in a small South Carolina town for five months. She is pregnant and hopes to use the gifts God gave her to support her daughter, Camden. She shares her experiences with her great-grandfather, grandmother, and mother, highlighting the different types of people in her life. She also shares her story of setting a house on fire and murdering two people, which she believes is not her fault. After her daughter’s death, she finds her father, Camden, in a new house. She tells Camden that her portrait, which was the only thing left from Ashby House, was the only thing left from the house. The couple decides to donate the portrait to a museum, as it was the only thing left from their time there. The portrait, professionally repaired and reframed, is the first thing they hang in their new house.

The protagonist, Camden, reflects on his past with Ruby, a woman who seemed to be his savior. However, he realizes that Ruby had manipulated him and him in ways he might never fully understand. Camden is now lighter, free from the burden of Ruby’s past and the money they have built together. The protagonist reflects on the letters Ruby had sent him, which he had hidden for years. He wonders if Ruby is pleased with the life they have built and if she has always been using him and Cam for her own ends. He finds Ruby’s card in his grandmother’s things after the death of his mother, and he is terrified and angry about being alone at nineteen.

The narrator searches for information about Ruby McTavish, her husbands, and Ashby House. They discover the story of her kidnapping and miraculous recovery, as well as the family in Alabama who stole her. They discover a crinkled piece of newsprint from August 18, 1987, with a photo of a parade in Iowa. The narrator recognizes the woman in the photo as Mrs. Faith Carter and Mrs. Lydia Hollingsworth, who looks exactly like Nelle. The narrator wonders if there was another story behind Ruby’s disappearance, or if it was a delusional hunch. The piece of newspaper is still present in the painting, wrapped gently in Ruby’s letters. The narrator thinks about Ruby’s happiness when it was painted and how easy it is to think the darkness has been exorcized from them both. They wonder if they were forced into the role of murderer and if they had any other choice.

Discussion Questions 

1. Unravel the Mystery: Was the solution to the book’s core mystery satisfying? Did it make sense given the hints offered, or did it feel like a surprise twist?

2.  Turning Points: Determine a crucial choice or event that drastically modifies the plot’s trajectory. How did it influence the characters and their decisions?

3.  Moral Ambiguity: Were there any characters whose acts you considered morally questionable? Did their motivations justify their decisions?

4.  Consequences & Choices: Discuss a character’s unique decision and how it affects the rest of the plot. Would other decisions have resulted in a different outcome?

5.  Red Herrings and Twists: Did the book successfully plant misleading clues or unexpected plot twists? Did they keep you guessing or make you feel unimportant?

6.  tempo and Tension: How did the author maintain the tempo throughout the story? Were there any sections that seemed rushed or dragging on?

7.  Justice and resolution: Were you satisfied with how the plot concluded? Did it feel appropriate or rushed?

8.  Unanswered Questions: Are there any lingering questions or loose ends at the conclusion of the book? Did they add to the mystery or leave you frustrated?

9.  Symbolism and Foreshadowing: Identify a specific symbol or pattern from the text. How does it advance the plot or foretell future events?

10.  Alternative Endings: Consider an other ending for the book. How would it affect the story’s message and the characters?

Reflection Essays 

1. Unravel the Mystery: Was the solution to the book’s core mystery satisfying? Did it make sense given the hints offered, or did it feel like a surprise twist?

2. Turning Points: Determine a crucial choice or event that drastically modifies the plot’s trajectory. How did it influence the characters and their decisions?

3. Moral Ambiguity: Were there any characters whose acts you considered morally questionable? Did their motivations justify their decisions?

4. Consequences & Choices: Discuss a character’s unique decision and how it affects the rest of the plot. Would other decisions have resulted in a different outcome?

5. Red Herrings and Twists: Did the book successfully plant misleading clues or unexpected plot twists? Did they keep you guessing or make you feel unimportant?

6. tempo and Tension: How did the author maintain the tempo throughout the story? Were there any sections that seemed rushed or dragging on?

7. Justice and resolution: Were you satisfied with how the plot concluded? Did it feel appropriate or rushed?

8. Unanswered Questions: Are there any lingering questions or loose ends at the conclusion of the book? Did they add to the mystery or leave you frustrated?

9. Symbolism and Foreshadowing: Identify a specific symbol or pattern from the text. How does it advance the plot or foretell future events?

10. Alternative Endings: Consider an other ending for the book. How would it affect the story’s message and the characters?