Pippa is an eighteen-year-old high school senior living in Fairview, Connecticut. She is widely known for solving a notorious local cold case, though the emotional toll of that investigation makes her vow never to podcast again. Her strong sense of justice and resourcefulness are tested when a classmate's brother goes missing and the police refuse to help.

Ravi is Pippa's boyfriend and a supportive partner in her investigative efforts. He carries the grief of his brother Sal's death and false accusation but maintains a grounded, steadying presence. He helps Pippa analyze clues and map out timelines during the new investigation.

Jamie is a twenty-four-year-old college dropout living with his parents in Fairview. He generally possesses a laid-back, sensitive demeanor, but his behavior becomes increasingly erratic right before he vanishes. His disappearance serves as the central mystery of Pippa's new investigation.

Connor is a high school senior and a close friend of Pippa. He is deeply loyal to his older brother and becomes frantic when Jamie fails to return home. Connor pushes Pippa to restart her podcast to generate public interest in the disappearance.

Max is a wealthy college student standing trial for sexual assault. He leverages his family's money and his charming exterior to manipulate the justice system, serving as a constant source of outrage for Pippa.

Joanna is Jamie and Connor's mother. She is generally tolerant and nurturing, offering a sharp contrast to her husband's strictness. She becomes increasingly distressed as the investigation uncovers unfamiliar aspects of her missing son's recent behavior.

Arthur is Jamie and Connor's father. He frequently argues with Jamie over his eldest son's lack of focus and ambition. When Jamie initially disappears, Arthur is dismissive, assuming the young man simply ran off to avoid responsibilities.

Charlie is a kindly neighbor living on Pippa's street. He presents a friendly face to the community and occasionally offers Pippa advice when she questions the morality of her investigations and the negative public feedback she receives.

Stanley works as a volunteer at the *Fairview Mail*. He previously interacted with Pippa during her first investigation and agrees to help her publicize Jamie's disappearance by featuring the story in the local paper.

Nat is a local woman who survived a sexual assault by Max Hastings. She harbors resentment toward Pippa because of events from a previous investigation, making her initially uncooperative when questioned about Jamie's disappearance.

Luke is a local drug dealer with a heavily tattooed, intimidating appearance. He dates Nat da Silva and quickly falls under Pippa's suspicion regarding Jamie's disappearance.

Daniel is a Fairview police officer and Nat's brother. He actively dislikes Pippa and frequently attempts to obstruct her amateur detective work, preferring that investigations remain strictly in the hands of law enforcement.

Andie is a deceased local teenager whose tragic history was uncovered during Pippa's first podcast. The town gathers to commemorate her and her falsely accused boyfriend at the start of the novel.

Sal is Ravi's older brother who died years earlier. He was falsely accused of murder, a wrong that Pippa successfully corrected in her previous investigation.

Detective Hawkins is a local law enforcement officer familiar with Pippa's past work. He strictly follows police protocol, refusing to declare Jamie officially missing because the young man is a legal adult.

Cara is one of Pippa's close friends. She attends local parties and sometimes requires Pippa's help to get home safely when she drinks too much.

Leanne is Pippa's mother and a realtor in Fairview. She worries extensively about the danger her daughter courts by investigating crimes and demands that Pippa exercise caution.

Josh is Pippa's ten-year-old brother. He looks up to his older sister and attempts to mimic her sleuthing habits, which prompts Pippa to warn him about the dangers of uncovering secrets.

Adam Clark is a new history teacher at the high school, taking over for a disgraced former instructor. He is a young professional who quickly falls under Pippa's scrutiny as she searches for digital clues.

Stella is a high school classmate of Pippa and Connor. She attends local parties and becomes inadvertently tied to the investigation when her likeness is used without her permission.

Flora is Charlie's wife and Pippa's neighbor. Her missing watch provides Pippa with a crucial physical clue regarding Jamie's movements on the night he disappeared.

Tom is a high school student seeking internet fame. He inserts himself into the missing persons investigation by providing false information, drawing Pippa's intense anger when she uncovers his lie.

Becca is Andie Bell's younger sister, currently serving time in prison. Her tragic past and involvement in her sister's death still cast a shadow over Fairview and inform Pippa's dedication to justice.