Clanton, Mississippi

Clanton, Mississippi, is the fictional town where most of this novel is set. Jake and his family live in Clanton. Jake’s law firm is located in downtown Clinton. Stuart lived in Clanton. He was killed by his girlfriend’s teenage son in the bedroom of his home outside Clanton.

Stuart’s House

Stuart’s house is the opening setting of the novel. Josie and her children are still awake when Stuart comes home drunk at nearly 2 a.m. He beats Josie, and her children fear that he has killed her. Believing that he needs to do something to protect himself and his sister, he shoots Stuart before Stuart can do anything to hurt them. Later, Earl and his remaining sons visit Stuart’s house. They burn the mattress and bed on which Stuart was killed. They also collect and burn all of Josie's, Kiera's, and Drew...