Chapter 35 Summary and Analysis

⚠️ 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

Two weeks before the main events of the novel, Marlowe attends a party at Blaine's lake house. He lurks in the trees, waiting for the right moment to confront Blaine about something—the exact nature of the confrontation is not yet revealed, but Marlowe is clearly nervous and determined. After Blaine finishes socializing and goes inside, Marlowe follows him through the sliding glass doors into the kitchen. Before he can proceed, he notices Kassidy standing in a dark corner, crying quietly. She is watching Chloe and Ellison by the pool. Kassidy quickly wipes away a tear and tries to act casual, blaming too many mojitos and cartwheels.

Marlowe learns that Izzy left the party because her mother called her home. Kassidy then reveals that she is planning a graduation trip to Ashwood Manor, a week-long getaway with only seven guests and no adults. Izzy does not yet know about the trip. Kassidy invites Marlowe, explaining that she wants Izzy to have what she wants, and that if Marlowe and Izzy don't find a way to be together by the end of the week, it isn't meant to be. She warns Marlowe not to tell Izzy about her crush, threatening to push him off a cliff if he does.

Marlowe accepts the invitation, realizing that a week at Ashwood Manor gives him the perfect opportunity to get to know Izzy and also to confront Blaine in an isolated setting. He decides he no longer needs to confront Blaine that night and leaves the party. In the car afterward, he reflects on the evening, recalling images of Izzy, Kassidy, and Blaine. He recognizes a growing feeling inside him—hope—though it is tinged with a drop of sadness and grief. He chooses to embrace the hope for now.

Key Events

Marlowe waits in the trees at Blaine's party, planning to confront Blaine.
He follows Blaine inside but is intercepted by Kassidy, who is crying in the kitchen.
Kassidy reveals that Izzy left early because her mother called.
Kassidy invites Marlowe on the secret graduation trip to Ashwood Manor.
She warns him not to reveal Izzy's crush, threatening a cliff-push.
Marlowe accepts, deciding to postpone his confrontation with Blaine.
He leaves the party and experiences a new feeling: hope, mixed with grief.

Character Development

Marlowe: This chapter reveals Marlowe's internal conflict. He is nervous about confronting Blaine, but the invitation to Ashwood Manor shifts his focus. He shows a capacity for empathy when he notices Kassidy's distress and offers a kind word. His reflection at the end shows a character who is beginning to allow himself to feel hope, despite underlying grief. The mention of grief suggests a backstory that will be explored later.
Kassidy: Though a secondary character here, Kassidy demonstrates her loyalty to Izzy. She is emotionally vulnerable (crying over Chloe and Ellison), but also takes decisive action to set up the trip. Her playful threat about the cliff shows her protective, fierce side. She is a matchmaker who wants her friend to be happy.
Blaine: He appears only briefly, but his interactions with Chloe and his role as host set up tension. Marlowe's observation of Blaine's tense face hints at underlying issues.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Hope: The chapter ends with Marlowe identifying a new feeling—hope. This is a central motif, contrasting with the grief he also feels. Hope becomes a driving force for his actions on the trip.
Secret Plans: The Ashwood Manor trip is a secret, known only to a few. This motif of hidden intentions and surprises foreshadows the mystery that will unfold at the manor.
Foreshadowing: The invitation to Ashwood Manor and the warning about the cliff directly foreshadow events at the manor. Kassidy's threat, though playful, hints at danger.
Matchmaking: Kassidy's deliberate orchestration of the trip to bring Marlowe and Izzy together is a classic matchmaking trope, but it also sets up the social dynamics of the group.
Grief: Marlowe's 'drop of sadness' and his attempt to keep grief at bay suggest a past loss that colors his present. This theme will likely deepen as the story progresses.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a crucial setup for the entire novel. It introduces the Ashwood Manor trip, which is the setting for the main mystery. It also establishes Marlowe's motivations: his desire to confront Blaine, his growing feelings for Izzy, and his internal struggle with hope and grief. The secret nature of the trip and the exclusive guest list create a closed-circle scenario perfect for a murder mystery. Additionally, Kassidy's warning about the cliff plants a seed of danger that will pay off later. The chapter also humanizes Marlowe, showing his vulnerability and his capacity for connection, making him a more sympathetic protagonist.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Marlowe decide not to confront Blaine after speaking with Kassidy?

Marlowe realizes that the upcoming trip to Ashwood Manor provides a better, more isolated opportunity to confront Blaine. He also becomes distracted by the possibility of getting closer to Izzy. The invitation shifts his priorities, and he chooses to postpone his plan.

2. What does Kassidy's threat about pushing Marlowe off a cliff reveal about her character and the tone of the story?

Kassidy's threat is playful but also protective. It shows her fierce loyalty to Izzy and her willingness to use humor and hyperbole to make a point. The threat also foreshadows the dangerous events at Ashwood Manor, blending lightheartedness with an undercurrent of menace.

3. How does the chapter use the setting of the lake house party to contrast with the upcoming Ashwood Manor trip?

The lake house party is a social, crowded event with many guests and distractions. In contrast, Ashwood Manor is described as isolated and wild, with only seven guests and no adults. This contrast highlights the shift from a public, chaotic environment to a private, intimate—and potentially dangerous—one. It also allows Marlowe to imagine a more controlled setting for his confrontation with Blaine.