Waterloo, Iowa

The town of Waterloo, Iowa, is the opening location in the novel and the setting for the defining event of the novel: the discovery of a murdered man in the theater after Arden’s performance. The town is run by Sheriff Mose Huber, Virgil Holt’s best friend and lifelong rival. Mose’s status in the town is what drags Holt into Arden’s life. Holt’s presence at Arden’s performance and his knowledge of the murder are brought about by Mose.

Janesville, Iowa

Janesville, Iowa, is Virgil Holt’s hometown and the primary location in the novel. The reader discovers little about the town itself, as most of the narrative is set within the walls of the police station while Holt interviews Arden. As Clyde and Arden escape Janesville at the end of the novel, they reflect that it’s a nice town, although it...