This Is Our Story

Lindsey’s changed testimony, with the addition of Shep’s name, is a major plot twist. It impacts the book’s primary plot, the detective hunt to catch Grant’s killer, as well as the secondary plot of Kate’s and Shep’s romance. The two are now inextricably tied together with this revelation. Facing new pressure, Kate is driven to find Grant’s killer because of her belief in justice and because it’s the only way that Shep will conceivably be acquitted of Grant’s murder.

Roman’s testimony shows how the testimonies from random witnesses, characters who themselves are no significant to the plot, are impactful in the way they confirm facts—but also muddy the waters as to who Grant’s murderer may be. Roman’s story confirms what Shep already told Kate about Grant switching the boys’ numbers in her phone. This makes Shep seem trustworthy, to both the reader and Kate. However, Roman’s story also paints Shep as a violent person with a grudge against Grant. This makes it plausible that Shep could be a killer.

Meanwhile, the testimony from vice-principal Flynn shows how misleading appearances can be. Her statement that all the boys loved Grant is false. Each of the boys had issues with Grant, for various reasons. Henry and Shep were both angry at him regarding girl-related issues, while Logan had a grudge against him because of money. Later, the reader will learn that John Michael was angry because Grant had an incriminating photo of John Michael’s dad. While the boys might have presented a united front to the world, they were in fact splintered.

This speaks to another central theme, one closely linked to that relating to male privilege: the indestructible nature of the “good ol’ boys” club. The privileged white males recognize that by sticking together and protecting one another, they are strongest. By threatening John Michael with an incriminating photo of his father paying off Gaines, a photo that could land John Michael’s father and Gaines both in prison, Grant is breaking this boys’ club code. It is, in John Michael’s view, reason enough to kill him.

Greater insights are given into John Michael’s character as he takes increasingly extreme actions to protect his secret identity as Grant’s killer. He will not stop at hurting other people; he has already threatened Shep and Kate anonymously. The book foreshadows that he will also try to harm Lindsey, thanks to his mention of the pills in his pocket that he apparently plans to dose her with.

Although the reader still doesn’t know John Michael is the killer, these details solidify the reader’s view of the anonymous River Point Boy. In the first introduction of this narrator, it was conceivable that Grant’s death was indeed an accident. Then, the physical evidence showing how close Grant was to the shooter suggested otherwise. Now, the anonymous killer is being painted in an increasingly brutal light. It’s increasingly clear that this was a case of cold-blooded murder. This knowledge heightens the reader’s desire to bring the killer to justice. Even though Kate is taking actions she shouldn’t, thanks to her secret relationship with Shep, the reader can cheer for her without hesitation.