Local Woman Missing

Meredith is one of the novel’s three main narrators. Her portions of the story cover events leading up to her disappearance and death. Small in stature but highly driven by nature, Meredith invests her time and energy in what she sees as worthwhile causes, particularly through her work as a doula, which she performs even though her family doesn’t need the money. As a mother of two children, Meredith is attentive and engaged, though she sometimes feels conflicted about dividing her time between her work and family. Meredith highly values her independence, which leads her to avoid mentioning certain things to Josh.

Meredith derives particular satisfaction from supporting vulnerable women who might otherwise not be treated with the dignity they deserve. Her morality creates a huge internal conflict when she and Bea run over Shelby. Instead of championing Shelby, she allows Bea to convince her to help hide the body. Eventually, Meredith’s conscience-driven nature wins out. Though Bea deprives her of the opportunity, she resolves to tell the authorities the truth, demonstrating Meredith’s moral resilience.

Kate is another of the novel’s three main narrators. She is primarily responsible for recounting events that transpired immediately following Meredith’s disappearance. A veterinarian by trade, Kate is kind and thoughtful in her treatment of others.