12 - ‘Golden Son’ Ch. 17-21

Golden Son continues the story of Darrow, a Red who infiltrates the privileged realm of the Golds to destroy their society from within. After completing his training at the Institute and securing a powerful patron, Darrow must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries among the Gold families. The novel is marked by intense action, political maneuvering, and unexpected twists, as Darrow strives to free his people and bring about a hopeful rebirth amidst a world of deceit and danger.

The novel tells the story of Grace Marks, who along with James McDermott, was convicted of the murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in 1843 Canada. The story is intertwined with the fictional character Dr. Simon Jordan, who attempts to understand Grace's mental state and her role in the murders through a series of interviews. Grace recounts her life from her childhood in Ireland to her employment as a servant and the events leading up to the murders. The novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human psychology, leaving the reader questioning whether Grace was the orchestrator of the murder, a reluctant accomplice, or an innocent woman manipulated by her co-accused.