A dedicated police officer in the small town of North Falls and a member of the prominent Clifton family. She struggles to balance her demanding job with a strained marriage to her high school sweetheart as a missing persons case hits close to home.

The long-serving and respected Sheriff of North Falls and Emmy’s protective father. He leads the investigation into the missing girls with a heavy hand, working closely with his daughter while managing community expectations.

Emmy’s loyal best friend and the stepmother of Madison, one of the teenagers who vanishes. Her desperate need for answers and emotional turmoil drive Emmy’s deep involvement in the investigation.

Emmy’s husband and an aspiring musician who spends more time smoking weed than supporting his family. His lack of ambition and responsibility creates significant tension in the household.

A local teenage girl and Hannah’s stepdaughter who vanishes during the town's Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Her sudden disappearance alongside her best friend ignites the central mystery of the novel.

Madison’s best friend who disappears with her on the night of the fireworks. Known for having a rebellious streak, her fate becomes inextricably linked to the dark secrets of North Falls.

Emmy and Jonah’s bright and observant eleven-year-old son in the past timeline. He eventually follows in his mother’s footsteps, becoming a police officer in the timeline set twelve years later.

The Chief Deputy of the North Falls Police Department and a longtime colleague of Gerald and Emmy. He is a fixture in local law enforcement, assisting with the logistics of the unfolding investigation.

A local man and social outcast who becomes the primary suspect in the investigation. Accusations leveled against him drive much of the community's anger and the police's focus.

A seasoned and sharp FBI Special Agent known for her expertise in hunting child predators. Nearing mandatory retirement, she arrives in North Falls to consult on a case resembling past tragedies.