Inheritance

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, death by suicide, and graphic violence.



In 1806, Astrid Grandville marries Collin Poole, a shipbuilder, in Poole’s Bay, Maine. During a break from the wedding festivities, Astrid reflects on her plans to move into Collin’s manor house. Filled with love for her new husband, she dreams of building a home filled with laughter, joy, and children. As she returns to the party, she greets a woman whom she assumes is a lost guest. The woman, Hester Dobbs, suddenly stabs Astrid and steals her wedding ring. She then maliciously declares that Astrid will remain a bride forever but will never become a wife. She swears that either Collin will belong to her, or she will kill more brides. Collin finds Astrid and pleads with her not to leave him, but she dies in his arms.

The narrative shifts to the present day, as a 28-year-old Boston-based graphic designer named Sonya MacTavish plans to marry her co-worker, Brandon Wise. Although Sonya prefers a small, intimate ceremony, she gives in to Brandon’s desire for an extravagant and sophisticated affair.