Chapter 37 (Chapter Thirty-Six) Summary: Jen's Lunch with Cynthia Prior

⚠️ 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

Jen Rafferty texts her friend Cynthia Prior to arrange a lunch meeting at the Woodyard arts centre cafe, run by Matthew Venn's husband Jonathan. Before meeting, Jen attempts to phone Matilda's parents but gets no answer. At the cafe, Jen chats with Lucy Braddick, a woman with Down's Syndrome who works there; Lucy mentions visiting her father Maurice for weekends. Cynthia arrives late, wearing a new pink coat, newly single and enjoying her freedom after divorce from Roger. Over lunch, Jen discusses the Bartholomew Lawson case. Cynthia, a fellow magistrate, describes Lawson as a horrible, lazy, bigoted bully who would have brought back hanging, treated female defendants harshly, and frequently exceeded sentencing guidelines. Cynthia notes Lawson and his wife were childless, which affected him. Jen asks about potential offenders who threatened Lawson, but Cynthia doubts any would have acted in the remote Scully location. Cynthia agrees to ask around. After lunch, Jen longs to confide in Cynthia about her ex Robbie and her irrational desire for another child, but holds back. Cynthia suggests a girls' night when the case ends, sensing Jen is troubled.

Key Events

Jen texts Cynthia to meet for lunch and attempts to call Matilda's parents without success.
Jen and Cynthia meet at the Woodyard cafe; Jen briefly interacts with Lucy Braddick.
Cynthia reveals details of her divorce from Roger and her newfound single freedom.
Cynthia provides damning testimony about Bartholomew Lawson's character and conduct as a magistrate, including his bias against women with children and his bullying nature.
Cynthia confirms Lawson and his wife were unable to have children.
Jen probes for possible threats from offenders; Cynthia dismisses the likelihood of a local offender murdering Lawson at Scully cliffs.
Cynthia offers to investigate further and suggests a future girls' night, noting that Jen seems troubled.

Character Development

Jen Rafferty: Demonstrates her dedication to the investigation while grappling with personal issues. She resists confiding in Cynthia about her longing for another child and her ex Robbie, revealing vulnerability and a tendency to compartmentalize her emotions.
Cynthia Prior: Newly divorced and embracing independence, Cynthia is perceptive, empathetic, and witty. Her detailed critique of Lawson shows her integrity as a magistrate and her willingness to speak truth to power.
Lucy Braddick: A minor character, Lucy's brief appearance shows her independence and caring relationship with her father Maurice, adding warmth and community texture.
Bartholomew Lawson (deceased): Through Cynthia's account, Lawson is further characterized as a prejudiced, lazy, and cruel figure, deepening the motive landscape for his murder.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The Gendered Nature of Justice: Cynthia's critique highlights how Lawson's bias against women with children skewed sentencing, reflecting systemic sexism in the justice system.
Personal vs. Professional Boundaries: Jen's internal struggle to share her personal longing with Cynthia mirrors the challenge of maintaining professionalism while dealing with private turmoil.
Community and Lunch as Catalyst: The cafe setting, community interactions (Lucy, Bob in kitchen), and the shared meal facilitate information exchange, underscoring how investigation advances through social networks.
The Symbolism of the Woodyard: The arts centre managed by Jonathan represents a neutral, creative space where detective work and personal life intersect—the view of mud and rotting boats echoes the stagnation and decay in Lawson's past.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 37 deepens the portrait of Bartholomew Lawson as a detestable figure, strengthening suspicion that many people had motive to kill him. It also provides crucial exposition about his childlessness and harsh treatment of female defendants, tying potential motives to his personal history. Simultaneously, it advances Jen's subplot: her unresolved feelings about having another child and her difficult ex Robbie add emotional depth to her character and may influence future decisions. The chapter serves as a breather from active investigation while building character relationships and setting up future collaboration between Jen and Cynthia.

Study Questions and Answers

1. What does Cynthia's description of Bartholomew Lawson reveal about his character and potential motives for his murder?
Cynthia paints Lawson as a misogynistic, lazy, and bullying magistrate who targeted single mothers and ignored sentencing guidelines. His childlessness and bitterness, combined with his harshness, suggest he made many enemies—both among offenders he sentenced and colleagues who resented his behavior. This supports the theory that his murder could stem from personal vengeance or ideological opposition to his judicial cruelty.

2. Why does Jen choose not to tell Cynthia about her longing for another child?
Jen senses Cynthia has never shown interest in children and likely wouldn't understand her "irrational longing." Jen is also still processing her feelings after her difficult divorce from Robbie, a lawyer who financially exploited her. She may feel vulnerable and prefers to keep work and personal life separate, especially during an active murder case.

3. How does the setting of the Woodyard cafe contribute to the chapter's tone and themes?
The Woodyard, managed by Matthew's husband Jonathan, provides a neutral, familiar space where Jen can combine personal and professional contacts. The view of mud and rotting boats reinforces a sense of decay and past troubles, echoing the unresolved issues in both Lawson's past and Jen's personal life. The cafe's community atmosphere—with Lucy Braddick and local staff—emphasizes that detection relies on networks of trust and informal conversation.