Chapter 165 Summary: The Destruction of The Briars
⚠️ 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
In December 2018, a fire burns down The Briars, the estate of late tech billionaire Colin Wren, on the opposite coast from the Mendocino Complex Fire. The blaze starts in the basement, where old, frayed wiring ignites unsafe insulation installed in 1973. Heavy snowfall slows the fire department’s response; an electrical short also disables the gate, forcing crews to spend nearly ten minutes cutting through with the Jaws of Life before they can reach the fully engulfed manor. As the fire trucks finally disappear up the driveway, a pickup parked across the road switches on its headlights. The driver, Gwen, then drives home.
Key Events
- A fire destroys The Briars in December 2018.
- The cause is old wiring in the basement igniting outdated insulation from 1973.
- Snow and a power failure at the gate delay the fire crews.
- Emergency responders use the Jaws of Life to open the gate.
- Once the fire trucks enter the estate, Gwen, who was observing from a pickup, turns on her headlights and drives away.
Character Development
Gwen – Her presence at the scene and deliberate departure after the fire trucks arrive imply either direct involvement or careful observation. She does not alert anyone, nor does she stay to watch the fire be extinguished; instead, she leaves as soon as the estate is fully engulfed. This suggests she may have set the fire or ensured it would succeed, marking a turning point in her role from passive observer to active agent.
Colin Wren (deceased) – Though he does not appear in the chapter, his house is the target. The description of the fire’s origin – old wiring and shoddy 1970s insulation – hints at decay and neglect associated with his wealth.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Fire as Destruction and Rebirth – The fire not only obliterates a physical structure but also wipes away a remnant of Colin Wren’s legacy. The chapter treats the blaze as both a tragic accident and a deliberate act, questioning whether destruction can be a form of cleansing or revenge.
- Snow and Concealment – Heavy snow slows response and obscures visibility, symbolizing how secrets and hidden actions (like Gwen’s vigil) are masked by the environment.
- Decay of Old Wealth – The wiring and insulation date to 1973, suggesting that even a billionaire’s mansion suffers from age and neglect. The source of the fire – frayed, outdated materials – implies that wealth cannot prevent inevitable decay.
Why This Chapter Matters
This brief chapter provides a crucial piece of plot infrastructure: the destruction of Colin Wren’s home in a fire that appears accidental but is observed by Gwen. Her presence across the road, waiting until the fire is well underway before leaving, strongly suggests she is responsible or complicit. The chapter therefore recontextualizes her earlier actions and sets up future revelations about her motives and the consequences of the blaze. The fire also removes a key setting and possible evidence, raising questions about what was lost and what Gwen hoped to achieve.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What caused the fire at The Briars, and why was the response delayed?
The fire began in the basement because old, frayed wiring ignited unsafe insulation that had been packed into the walls in 1973. The response was delayed by heavy snowfall and an electrical short that disabled the gate, forcing firefighters to use the Jaws of Life for nearly ten minutes to open it.
2. How does the chapter hint at Gwen’s involvement in the fire?
Gwen is parked across the road in a pickup, watching the estate. She does not leave until the fire trucks have passed through the gate and the manor is fully engulfed. She then turns on her headlights and drives home, implying she was ensuring the fire’s success or confirming its outcome.
3. What thematic purpose does the fire serve in the story?
The fire destroys a physical symbol of Colin Wren’s wealth and past, echoing themes of decay and hidden corruption. It also acts as a turning point for Gwen, potentially marking her shift from a reactive to a proactive role. The snow and isolation of the estate reinforce motifs of secrecy and concealed guilt.