The structure of the novel involves 4 families (perhaps 5). Keeping track of their inter-relationships will be critical to understanding the nature of the mystery.
- PART ONE: THE HUFFAMS
- Book 1 - A Wise Child (chaps. 1 - 5)
- Book 2 - Friends Lost (chaps. 6 - 10)
- Book 3 - Fathers (chaps. 11 -
- PART TWO: THE MOMPESSONS
- PART THREE: THE CLOTHIERS
- PART FOUR: THE PALPHRAMONDS
- PART FIVE: THE MALIPHANTS