Delia Owens

In the late 1950s, a young girl named Kya is abandoned by her family and left to fend for herself in the marshes of North Carolina. Surviving off the land and the generosity of a local man named Jumpin', she grows up in isolation, earning the derogatory nickname "Marsh Girl" from the townsfolk. A brief foray into public education results in humiliation and she retreats back to her marsh, where she spends her time watching the wildlife and the local boys, including the charismatic Chase Andrews. Her solitary life takes a turn when she befriends Tate Walker, a friend of her brother Jodie, who takes her under his wing and teaches her to read. Their friendship blossoms into a young romance, only to be cut short when Tate leaves for college.

In Tate's absence, Kya finds herself drawn to Chase, who lures her with promises of love and acceptance. However, their relationship takes a dark turn when Chase proves to be unfaithful and violent. In spite of this, Kya finds success as an author of nature books, thanks to Tate's encouragement. Her life takes another drastic turn when Chase is found dead by the abandoned fire tower in the marsh. The circumstances of his death are suspicious and, due to her known issues with Chase and her status as an outsider, Kya quickly becomes the prime suspect. Despite an alibi, evidence mounts against her and she is arrested and put on trial.

During her trial, Kya is defended by pro-bono lawyer Tom Milton. He challenges the prosecution's evidence and, with the support of witnesses including Tate, manages to drum up reasonable doubt about Kya's involvement in Chase's death. After a tense trial, Kya is acquitted and returns home to the marsh she loves. In the years that follow, she and Tate rekindle their relationship. Kya continues to write and publish books until her death at age sixty-four. After her passing, Tate discovers a collection of poems written by Kya under a pseudonym which hint at her involvement in Chase's death, along with the missing necklace that Chase was supposedly wearing on the night of his death. Despite the shocking revelation, Tate chooses to protect Kya's memory and destroys the evidence.

Delia Owens Books in Order (1 Book Series)

Where the Crawdads Sing

What To Read Next

Delia Owens Books in Order (1 Book Series)

Where the Crawdads Sing

What To Read Next

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