Manipulation
Wendy intentionally deceives Millie from the beginning by portraying herself as a helpless woman trapped in an abusive marriage. She carefully crafts this act, knowing it will compel Millie to help her, and her plan works flawlessly. As Wendy manipulates Millie and earns her trust, she conceals her true intentions. Millie, unaware of Wendy's ulterior motives, falls for Wendy's fabrication, which ends with Douglas Garrick's death. This theme shows how manipulation influences decisions, making it hard to think clearly and leaving people vulnerable in difficult situations.
Trust
Trust is a key theme in the story, as Millie’s compassionate nature leads her to trust people easily. At first, she believes Wendy’s story and thinks she is helping a woman who suffers in an abusive marriage. However, Wendy deceives Millie and her husband, Douglas, eventually killing him for his wealth. Russell, who pretends to be Douglas in front of Wendy, also betrays his wife, Marybeth's trust. In the end, Millie, with the help of Enzo and Marybeth, devises a plan to teach Wendy and Russell a harsh lesson about the dangers of betrayal and deceit.
Justice
Justice is also a key theme in this novel, as Freida often ensures her characters face consequences for their actions. In the story, Millie faces accusations of a murder she did not commit. Millie initially believes she is guilty; however, Wendy, who Millie tries to help, murders her husband with the help of Russell and frames Millie. Enzo helps Millie clear her name but vows not to let Wendy escape punishment. Russell's wife, Marybeth, seeks Millie's help to take revenge on Wendy and Russell after he betrays her. This story shows that every crime has consequences, even if they take a while.
