Dawn's Unsettling Absence

At Vixed, Natalie, a successful salesperson, notices her coworker Dawn's unusual absence. Known for her punctuality and routine, Dawn's missing presence is unsettling. Natalie recalls an odd email from Dawn about a "matter of great importance," but dismisses it as a minor issue. Despite trying to brush off her concerns, the unease lingers, hinting at something more sinister beneath the surface.

A Mysterious Phone Call

While at Dawn's desk, Natalie receives a phone call with a panicked voice whispering, "Help me." The brief call leaves Natalie shaken and worried about Dawn's safety. Her attempts to contact Dawn are unsuccessful, deepening the mystery and prompting Natalie to consider visiting Dawn's home to ensure her well-being. The urgency of the call and Dawn's continued absence suggest a deeper, more troubling situation.

The Turtle Figurine

Natalie discovers a turtle figurine on her desk, reminiscent of Dawn's obsession with turtles. The figurine is stained with a dark red substance, further unsettling Natalie. She questions its origin, suspecting it might be a message or clue related to Dawn's disappearance. The figurine's presence adds to the growing tension and mystery, suggesting a deeper connection between Natalie and Dawn.

Detective Santoro's Investigation

Detective Santoro arrives at Vixed to investigate Dawn's disappearance. He questions Natalie about her relationship with Dawn, probing for any signs of conflict or motive. Although Natalie insists they were merely coworkers, Santoro's questions suggest he suspects more. The detective's presence and probing questions heighten the tension, making Natalie feel scrutinized and uneasy.

Secrets and Suspicions

As the investigation unfolds, secrets about the office dynamics emerge. Natalie's past affair with her boss, Seth, complicates her situation. The revelation of their relationship raises questions about motives and alliances within the office. Natalie's interactions with her coworkers reveal underlying tensions and suspicions, adding layers to the mystery and complicating the investigation.

A Shocking Discovery

The investigation takes a grim turn when Dawn's body is discovered, confirming the worst fears. She was beaten to death, and the brutality of the crime shocks everyone. The discovery intensifies the investigation, with Detective Santoro focusing on finding the killer. Natalie's involvement in the case deepens, as she grapples with the implications of Dawn's death and her own role in the unfolding drama.

Caleb's Betrayal Unveiled

Natalie is released on bail, thanks to Seth, who realizes she didn't embezzle money. As they drive home, Seth reveals that Dawn recommended Caleb for his job, raising Natalie's suspicions. She recalls Caleb's actions and realizes he might have framed her. Determined to uncover the truth, Natalie decides to visit the motel Caleb claimed to have checked, suspecting he might be hiding something crucial.

Dawn's Desperate Plan

Dawn, hiding in a motel, reflects on her plan to frame Natalie for her murder. She recalls her friendship with Mia, who was bullied by Natalie and later took her own life. Dawn's hatred for Natalie fuels her desire for revenge. She plans to end her life to ensure Natalie is convicted, believing it's the only way to honor Mia's memory and make Natalie pay for her past actions.

Confrontation on the Pier

Natalie finds Dawn on a pier, ready to jump with a cinderblock tied to her ankle. Dawn blames Natalie for Mia's death and accuses her of stealing Caleb. Natalie pleads with Dawn, expressing remorse for her past actions and revealing Caleb's love for her. As Dawn hesitates, Natalie uses mace to stop her, preventing a tragic end and opening a path for reconciliation.

Secrets and Revelations

After saving Dawn, Natalie learns that the body found in the woods was Tara Wilkes, her former friend and accomplice in bullying Mia. Dawn's involvement in Tara's death becomes clear, but Natalie keeps the secret, knowing Dawn could expose her embezzlement. They form an unspoken pact, each holding the other's secrets, ensuring mutual silence and a chance for redemption.

A New Beginning

A year later, Natalie and Dawn have found a fragile peace. Dawn and Caleb are engaged, and Natalie continues her charity work, raising money in Mia's honor. Despite their past, Natalie and Dawn maintain a truce, each aware of the other's potential for danger. As they navigate their new lives, they remain bound by their shared history and the secrets they keep.

Characters

Natalie Farrell

Natalie is a top salesperson at Vixed, known for her charm and success. Her relationship with Dawn is complex, marked by a mix of friendliness and underlying tension. Natalie's past affair with her boss, Seth, complicates her situation, as she navigates the investigation into Dawn's disappearance. Her character is tested as she faces accusations of bullying and struggles to maintain her innocence.

Dawn Schiff

Dawn is a peculiar and punctual employee at Vixed, known for her obsession with turtles. Her disappearance and subsequent murder reveal a life filled with routine and isolation. Dawn's interactions with her coworkers suggest she was often misunderstood and possibly bullied, adding depth to her character and the mystery surrounding her death.

Detective Santoro

Detective Santoro is tasked with investigating Dawn's disappearance and murder. His methodical approach and probing questions unsettle Natalie and her coworkers. Santoro's presence adds tension to the narrative, as he seeks to uncover the truth behind Dawn's death and the dynamics within the office.

Seth Hoffman

Seth is Natalie's boss and former lover, whose relationship with her complicates the investigation. His interactions with Natalie suggest a lingering affection, despite his recent separation from his wife. Seth's character is shrouded in mystery, as his motives and involvement in the office dynamics are questioned.

Kim Healey

Kim is Natalie's best friend at work, known for her gossip and lighthearted demeanor. Her interactions with Natalie reveal the complexities of office friendships and the impact of rumors. Kim's character adds a layer of intrigue, as her loyalty to Natalie is tested by the unfolding events.

Caleb McCullough

Caleb is a pivotal character, caught between his love for Dawn and his hatred for Natalie. His involvement in the plot against Natalie highlights his internal conflict and loyalty to his sister's memory. Ultimately, his love for Dawn prevails, leading him to seek redemption and a future with her.

Plot Devices

The Turtle Figurine

The turtle figurine serves as a recurring symbol throughout the narrative, representing Dawn's presence and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. Its appearance on Natalie's desk, stained with a dark substance, acts as a plot device to heighten tension and suggest a deeper connection between Natalie and Dawn.

Workplace Bullying Allegations

Allegations of workplace bullying against Dawn serve as a catalyst for conflict within the office. These accusations cast doubt on Natalie's character and relationships, driving the narrative forward and adding complexity to the investigation. The theme of bullying highlights the toxic dynamics within the workplace and the impact on Dawn's life.

Detective Santoro's Investigation

Detective Santoro's investigation is a central plot device, driving the narrative and uncovering secrets within the office. His probing questions and methodical approach create tension and suspense, as he seeks to unravel the mystery of Dawn's death. The investigation serves as a framework for exploring the characters' motives and relationships.

The Cinderblock

The cinderblock represents Dawn's determination to end her life and ensure Natalie's conviction. Its presence on the pier during the confrontation underscores the gravity of Dawn's plan and the lengths she is willing to go for revenge, serving as a turning point in the narrative.

The Motel

The motel is a crucial plot device, symbolizing the hidden truths and lies in the story. It serves as the location where Caleb and Dawn's deception unravels, leading to the revelation of Dawn's survival and the true nature of their plan, propelling the narrative toward its climax.

Analysis

"The Coworker" by Freida McFadden delves into themes of guilt, revenge, and redemption. Through the complex relationships and hidden secrets of its characters, the narrative explores the impact of past actions on the present. Natalie's journey from being framed for murder to seeking redemption highlights the struggle between guilt and forgiveness. The book underscores the toxic dynamics of workplace relationships and the consequences of bullying, while also offering a glimpse of hope and reconciliation. Ultimately, it is a story about the power of confronting one's past and the possibility of finding peace and redemption amidst chaos.

Last updated: April 13, 2025