“All Good People Here” is the debut novel by Ashley Flowers, an Indiana native and host of the true crime podcast “Crime Junkie.” The story revolves around Margot Davies, a reporter haunted by the murder of her childhood friend, January Jacobs. The narrative alternates between 2019 and 1994 as Margot investigates the mystery of a recently kidnapped girl and its connection to January’s murder. The book delves into small-town secrets and the pursuit of purpose. Content warning: It contains graphic descriptions of harm against children¹.
Main Characters
!All Good People Here,” the main characters include:
- Margot Davies: The protagonist and a journalist haunted by the murder of her childhood friend, January Jacobs. She investigates the mystery surrounding a recently kidnapped girl and its connection to January’s murder.
- January Jacobs: Margot’s childhood friend who was murdered in 1994. Her death remains a central mystery throughout the novel.
- Other Supporting Characters: The book features a cast of small-town residents, each with their own secrets and motivations.
Plot
Certainly! The plot of “All Good People Here” unfolds through alternating timelines: 2019 and 1994. Here’s a concise overview:
- 2019 Timeline:
- Margot Davies, a journalist, is haunted by the unsolved murder of her childhood friend, January Jacobs.
- A recent kidnapping case in their small town prompts Margot to investigate. She believes it may be connected to January’s death.
- As Margot digs deeper, she uncovers long-buried secrets, strained relationships, and hidden motives among the townspeople.
- The tension escalates as Margot races against time to solve the mystery and find the missing girl.
- 1994 Timeline:
- Flashbacks reveal the events leading up to January’s murder.
- The reader learns about the close bond between Margot and January, as well as the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.
- The past and present converge, revealing shocking truths about the town and its inhabitants.
Settings
Certainly! The central location in “All Good People Here” is the small town of Wakarusa, Indiana. Here are some key details about the setting:
- Wakarusa:
- Wakarusa serves as the backdrop for the novel’s events.
- It’s a genial yet stifled town, where everyone knows each other’s business.
- The town holds secrets related to the unsolved murder of January Jacobs twenty years prior.
Theme
The theme of “All Good People Here” revolves around secrets, community, and the impact of violence. Let me elaborate:
Secrets and Hidden Truths:
- The novel delves into the hidden secrets of a small town, Wakarusa, where everyone knows each other.Characters harbor personal secrets, and these concealed truths shape their lives and relationships.The mystery surrounding the unsolved murder of January Jacobs is at the heart of these secrets. Community Dynamics:
- The town of Wakarusa serves as a microcosm of human interactions.Relationships, alliances, and rivalries among the townspeople play a significant role.The impact of collective memory and shared history affects how the community responds to tragedy. Violence and Its Echoes:
- The violent death of January Jacobs reverberates through time.The kidnapping of a young girl in the present day adds urgency to the investigation.The novel explores how violence leaves scars on individuals and communities alike.
