The friendship between Lauren, Kelsey, and May first begins when they all meet at Camp Wildwood, a central location for each woman’s coming-of-age experiences. Unfortunately, their time at Wildwood has been marred by scandal and death, and Alafair Burke uses this dynamic as a lens to examine the many unspoken pressures of female friendships. Notably, the three friends’ camaraderie is profoundly affected by the complexities of various romantic relationships, along with career pressures and the ravages of racism. As the details of their multilayered interactions unfolds, it becomes clear that the confluence of secrets, past traumas, and external perceptions can threaten even the most enduring friendships. Thus, the Hamptons weekend precipitates an acute crisis for all three friends, forcing them to reevaluate their bonds and obligations to one another. Ironically, this highly divisive episode begins as a getaway that is intended to rekindle a neglected bond. However, as the friends soon realize, their casual, long-distance habit of playing a word game together every day is much easier than preserving their mutual support and loyalty in the midst of uncovering impactful lies.

Burke notes that in this trio, each person has a comfortable role to play, and the stability of the three-way friendship is contingent on this dynamic.