Chapter 62 (Chapter 61) Summary: The Truth About Tara
⚠️ 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
Natalie receives texts from Seth and Caleb asking where she is. She texts them back saying she found Dawn but does not specify their location on the pier near the Angry Crab restaurant. Dawn asks what happens next; Natalie wants to take her to the police to clear the murder charges but worries Detective Santoro might still blame Natalie. They walk back as Caleb and Seth arrive. Caleb rushes to embrace Dawn, expressing his fear and relief. Seth gives Natalie his scarf. Seth mentions the radio news that the dead woman has been identified as Tara Wilkes. Natalie recognizes the name—Tara was her high school friend who helped write fake valentines that led to Amelia Hodge’s suicide. Natalie sees Dawn’s reaction and realizes Dawn murdered Tara, making Dawn a dangerous woman.
Key Events
- Natalie receives multiple missed texts from Seth and Caleb, and replies that she found Dawn.
- Dawn asks what will happen next; Natalie wants to go to the police station to clear her name.
- Caleb arrives first and embraces Dawn, holding her tightly and expressing his worry.
- Seth arrives and gives Natalie his scarf, showing care.
- Seth reveals that the dead body in Cohasset has been identified as Tara Wilkes.
- Natalie recognizes Tara as her high school best friend who helped write the fake valentines.
- Natalie notices Dawn’s reaction to the name, confirming Dawn killed Tara.
- Natalie understands Dawn is dangerous and that no one else knows the truth.
Character Development
Natalie begins this chapter shaken but determined. Her kindness toward Dawn—suggesting they return and figure things out—shows growth from the earlier antagonistic coworker dynamic. She also re-evaluates Seth, acknowledging his support and considering a more personal connection. The final revelation forces her to see Dawn as a calculated killer, not merely a victim.
Dawn initially appears vulnerable, wobbling on the pier and fearing Caleb’s anger. Yet her reaction to the name Tara Wilkes—frozen, with a completely different expression—reveals the cold, vengeful side she has hidden. She does not deny the crime; she simply says “Awful” with chilling ambiguity.
Caleb shows his deep love for Dawn, rushing to her and holding her protectively. His relief overrides any anger, highlighting his devotion.
Seth steps up in this chapter, providing practical help (bailing Natalie out, driving) and emotional warmth (the scarf). He also delivers the key piece of news, inadvertently exposing Dawn’s secret.
Tara Wilkes appears only through backstory and the news report, but her murder becomes the chapter’s turning point. She was complicit in the bullying that drove Amelia to suicide, making her a target of Dawn’s revenge.
Amelia Hodge remains a ghost in the narrative. Her suicide years ago continues to drive the present violence.
Detective Santoro is mentioned only in Natalie’s thoughts, but his premature arrest of Natalie is shown to be reckless, which may affect his credibility going forward.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Revenge and Its Ripple Effects. Dawn’s quest for vengeance against everyone responsible for Amelia’s death has escalated from hate mail and threats to actual murder. Tara’s death proves Dawn is willing to kill, not just herself.
Guilt and Complicity. Natalie’s guilt over the high school incident is reanimated by learning Tara’s fate. She realizes she and Tara were partners in cruelty, and that past actions have deadly consequences.
The Danger of Secrets. Natalie alone connects the dots between Tara’s murder, Dawn’s reaction, and the high school history. This secret knowledge isolates her and makes her a potential next target.
Appearances vs. Reality. Dawn projects vulnerability (trembling, hugging Caleb) but is revealed as calculating and lethal. The scarf from Seth symbolizes fleeting warmth and trust in a world where Natalia can trust no one fully.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 62 is the pivot point where the mystery of the body in the woods is solved for the reader. Natalie’s horrified recognition of Tara Wilkes turns the story from a survival thriller (will Dawn jump?) to a psychological crime drama (will Dawn kill again?). It confirms that Dawn is the killer and that Natalie’s past is entangled with the present violence. The chapter also deepens Natalie’s character arc: she is no longer just a suspect but a witness who understands Dawn’s true nature. This sets up the final confrontation and raises the stakes for everyone involved.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Natalie feel a chill that has nothing to do with the cold when she sees Dawn’s reaction?
Natalie realizes that Dawn is responsible for Tara Wilkes’s murder. Dawn’s calm response (“Awful”) and her lack of surprise confirm that Dawn knew the victim’s identity. Natalie understands that Dawn is a dangerous woman willing to kill for revenge, and that she, Natalie, is the only person who knows the truth.
2. How does Seth’s role in the chapter change Natalie’s view of him?
Seth bailed Natalie out of jail, drove her to Rhode Island, offered to pay for a lawyer, and gave her his scarf when she was cold. Natalie admits she may have underestimated him and even considers asking him to stay with her that night. His reliable, supportive behavior contrasts with the earlier tension between them.
3. What does Caleb’s hug reveal about his feelings for Dawn?
Caleb throws his arms around Dawn before she can speak, his voice cracking with emotion. He says he was “so worried” and wonders how she could think of harming herself. His immediate, intense relief shows that he loves her deeply and would be devastated by losing her, regardless of her past actions.