Summary

In Chapter 5, at the start of the summer, Vic’s press was “cited for ‘typography, fine workmanship, and general excellence,’” in a British “publisher’s annual” (53). Vic was pleased. He and “his meticulous printer, Stephen Hines” worked on printing their twenty-seventh book (53).

Although Melinda thought their friends were acting cold because of Vic’s story, Vic “found their social relations . . . easier” (53). To keep Melinda from feeling “bored or lonely,” Vic took her to more shows and concerts (54). On “July fourth weekend,” they attended an “annual dance at the club” (55). Even the Petersons and Wilsons, who “didn’t belong to the club,” attended (55). June and Don Wilson were new in town. Vic did not like Don, who was “humorless and standoffish” (56). He was a writer, and fancied himself an amateur detective. He seemed to suspect Vic of the McRae murder.

The dance was pleasant, and...