Chapter 37: July 27, 2021 – Holly's Intuition Ignites
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Holly is praying and missing Bill Hodges when she receives a call from Randy Holsten. Randy recalls that Bonnie told him she was a Christmas elf at a New Year's Eve party. Holly follows up with Keisha Stone, who confirms Bonnie was an elf for a Zoom party hosted by the Harrises and later did clerical work for Mrs. Harris, who seemed to have a romantic interest in her. Holly also learns that Ellen Craslow worked in the Life Sciences building, where Professor Rodney Harris might have kept an office. Later, Tanya Robinson calls to inform Holly that Barbara's mentor Olivia Kingsbury is in the hospital with A-fib and terminal cancer; Barbara is staying with her. Before bed, Holly texts Barbara a picture of Cary Dressler and the Golden Oldies bowling team. Barbara replies with just two words: "Which one?" Holly senses her intuition is on the right track.
Key Events
- Randy Holsten calls Holly to share Bonnie's casual mention of being a Christmas elf.
- Keisha Stone expands on Bonnie's work for the Harrises, including Mrs. Harris's possible attraction.
- Holly connects Ellen Craslow to the Life Sciences building, tying her to Rodney Harris.
- Tanya Robinson updates Holly on Barbara's mentor Olivia Kingsbury's grave illness.
- Holly texts Barbara a bowling team photo; Barbara replies "Which one?" – implying she recognizes more than one person.
Character Development
- Holly Gibney – Her intuitive "heat" returns as she pieces together disparate facts. She shows empathy by calling Barbara despite the late hour and finishes a text with "I love you."
- Barbara Robinson – Her brief reply indicates she is processing the photo while dealing with her mentor's impending death, showing her maturity and focus.
- Randy Holsten and Keisha Stone – They act as unwitting informants, providing crucial links without understanding their significance.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Intuition vs. Overthinking – Holly repeatedly warns herself that her connections are "supposition, not fact," yet her gut guides her.
- Interconnectedness – The chapter reveals how the missing women (Bonnie, Ellen, presumably others) all orbit the same couple: the Harrises.
- Mortality – The subplot with Olivia Kingsbury's terminal illness parallels the growing certainty that Bonnie is dead.
- Prayer and Ritual – Holly's prayers bookend the chapter, grounding her obsessive investigation.
Why This Chapter Matters
This is the chapter where the case's major pieces begin to lock into place. Bonnie's connection to the Harrises, Ellen's workplace proximity, and Barbara's recognition of multiple faces in the bowling team photo all point toward a conspiracy rather than isolated disappearances. The Harrises become the prime suspects, and Holly's intuition shifts from vague unease to actionable leads.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the significance of Bonnie being a Christmas elf for the Harrises?
It establishes a direct link between Bonnie Dahl and the elderly couple, Professor Rodney Harris and his wife Emily. This connection deepens when Keisha reveals Bonnie did further clerical work for Mrs. Harris, suggesting the relationship was not just a one‑night gig.
2. How does Holly's phone call with Tanya Robinson serve the plot?
It removes Barbara from immediate availability, explaining why Holly communicates by text. It also adds a layer of emotional weight: Barbara is dealing with a mentor's final illness while the investigation accelerates.
3. Why is Barbara's reply "Which one?" so important?
The single question implies she recognizes more than one person in the bowling team photo – possibly including Rodney Harris (aka Small Ball) or other suspects. This gives Holly a clear next step: ask Barbara to identify everyone she knows.