55 pages 1 hour read

Paula McLain

When the Stars Go Dark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Part 2, Chapter 30-Part 3, Chapter 44Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2: “Secret Things”-Part 3: “Time and the Maiden”

Part 2, Chapter 30 Summary

Will and Anna drive to Napa to interview Drew, Cameron’s uncle, who operates a successful vineyard. While they wait for Drew to come in from the vineyard, Lydia, his wife, tells Will and Anna that she worried about Cameron staying in a toxic home where Emily and Troy were constantly fighting. She confirms that several weeks ago, Cameron found out, when she accidentally picked up the phone, that Troy’s latest lover is pregnant.

When Drew arrives, he and Lydia tell Will and Anna that the night Cameron disappeared they were both working in the vineyard. Will suggests they both take a polygraph. Drew is taken aback and assures Will the rape charges years ago were a misunderstanding. As the two depart, Lydia offers to post a generous reward to help find Cameron.

Part 2, Chapter 31 Summary

On the drive back, Anna tells Will she has a feeling (perhaps based on her own childhood experiences) that Cameron’s past in foster care might be important and suggests they unseal her adoption records. Anna also proposes the town organize a public event to generate media attention for Cameron.

When they return to Mendocino, Anna decides after a long day in the car to take a walk along the coast.