Secrets and Stolen Innocence

Jocelyn Rush, a Philadelphia detective, juggles single motherhood and a demanding job, haunted by family secrets and her sister Camille's trauma. When her adopted daughter Olivia innocently asks about her father, Jocelyn's carefully constructed world trembles. The day's routine is shattered when Jocelyn's car is stolen with Olivia inside, triggering a desperate chase and a mother's primal terror. This event is not just a crime but a catalyst, forcing Jocelyn to confront her own vulnerabilities and the legacy of violence and silence that has shaped her family. The emotional stakes are set high, and the story's undercurrent of generational pain and resilience is established.

The Carjacking and Aftermath

Jocelyn's pursuit of the carjacker is fueled by fear and fury, culminating in a violent confrontation. She recovers Olivia unharmed, but the incident leaves Jocelyn physically and emotionally battered. The police response is complicated by departmental politics and Jocelyn's own reputation for intensity. She is forced into anger management and therapy, her actions scrutinized by colleagues and superiors. The event exposes the fragility of safety and the cost of vigilance, especially for women in positions of authority. Jocelyn's guilt over leaving Olivia alone, even briefly, becomes a recurring wound, deepening her empathy for other victims and setting the tone for her relentless pursuit of justice.

Anita's Nightmare Unfolds

Anita Grant, a former addict and sex worker striving for stability, is lured into a trap by two men posing as clients. She is abducted, brutalized, and literally crucified—her hands and feet nailed to the floor by a third, masked man. The violence is both physical and psychological, echoing the city's indifference to women like Anita. Her suffering is compounded by the knowledge that her children and ailing mother depend on her. Anita's ordeal is a stark depiction of vulnerability and the predatory nature of those who exploit the marginalized. Her silence in the aftermath is both a survival mechanism and a barrier to justice.

Trauma, Therapy, and Restraint

Jocelyn's broken wrist and emotional turmoil are met with bureaucratic solutions: therapy, anger management, and the threat of disciplinary action. Her colleagues, especially Inez and Kevin, offer support, but the system's focus on liability over healing is clear. Jocelyn's ex-lover Phil, now an ADA, is assigned to her case, adding personal tension. The chapter explores the limits of institutional compassion and the ways trauma is managed, ignored, or exploited. Jocelyn's struggle to balance her roles as mother, detective, and survivor is mirrored in Anita's refusal to speak, highlighting the complexities of recovery and the cost of silence.

Nails, Scars, and Silence

Anita's injuries are both evidence and stigma. Jocelyn's investigation leads her to a hardware store, searching for the type of nail used in the assault—a grim, methodical task that underscores the banality of evil. The physical scars on Anita and, later, other victims become symbols of the violence inflicted on women whose stories are often dismissed. The chapter delves into the psychological impact of such wounds, the difficulty of speaking out, and the ways in which pain is both hidden and displayed. Jocelyn's own scars, both literal and emotional, connect her to the victims she seeks to help.

The Past Resurfaces

Jocelyn is plagued by dreams of her sister Camille's rape, a crime that was never prosecuted due to family pressure and societal denial. The trauma of the past bleeds into the present, influencing Jocelyn's actions and relationships. Camille's continued struggles with addiction and prostitution are both a consequence and a reminder of unresolved pain. The chapter explores the intergenerational transmission of trauma, the corrosive effects of secrets, and the longing for justice that drives Jocelyn. The narrative weaves together personal and professional stakes, making the case deeply personal for the protagonist.

Hardware Store Clues

Jocelyn's investigation into the nails used in Anita's assault is both procedural and symbolic. The search for the right size and type of nail becomes a metaphor for the painstaking work of uncovering truth in a world that prefers to look away. The hardware store scene, with Olivia in tow, juxtaposes innocence and horror, highlighting the detective's dual roles. The evidence gathered is a small but crucial step toward understanding the perpetrator's methods and mindset, setting the stage for a broader inquiry into patterns of violence against women.

Division Tensions Rise

Jocelyn's return to work is marked by tension with colleagues, especially the inept and antagonistic Finch. The Germantown Groper case, another example of predatory violence, underscores the city's pervasive danger. Jocelyn's confrontations with Finch reveal the misogyny and incompetence that hinder effective policing. The camaraderie and conflict among detectives illustrate the challenges of working within a flawed system. Jocelyn's anger, both a liability and a source of strength, is contrasted with the apathy and self-interest of others. The chapter sets up the internal obstacles Jocelyn must overcome to pursue justice.

Anita's Story Revealed

Anita finally recounts her ordeal to Jocelyn, providing crucial details about her attackers: two black men, Larry and Angel, and a third, masked white man known as Face. The narrative exposes the calculated nature of the crime and the complicity of those who enable such violence. Anita's testimony is a turning point, transforming her from victim to witness. Jocelyn's empathy and persistence are instrumental in breaking through Anita's defenses. The chapter highlights the importance of listening to survivors and the power of naming perpetrators, even when the system is slow to respond.

Patterns and Connections

Jocelyn and her colleagues begin to see connections between Anita's assault and other, similar cases. The pattern of crucifixion, sexual violence, and the involvement of multiple perpetrators suggests a serial offender with a specific, sadistic fantasy. The investigation expands to include other victims, both reported and unreported, revealing the scale of the problem. The chapter explores the challenges of building a case with limited evidence, the reluctance of victims to come forward, and the ways in which predators exploit systemic weaknesses. Jocelyn's determination to pursue the third man, despite jurisdictional obstacles, drives the narrative forward.

Camille's Downward Spiral

Camille's arrest for prostitution and her subsequent interactions with Jocelyn reveal the depth of her struggles. The sisters' relationship is fraught with resentment, guilt, and longing for connection. Camille's addiction is both a symptom and a cause of her alienation, and her inability to care for Olivia is a source of pain for both women. The chapter delves into the complexities of family loyalty, the limits of forgiveness, and the ways in which trauma shapes identity. Jocelyn's tough love is contrasted with her underlying compassion, setting the stage for eventual reconciliation.

Interrogations and Denials

Jocelyn and Kevin interrogate Larry and Angel, who admit to parts of the crime but deny the existence of the third man. Their rehearsed denials and refusal to cooperate highlight the power the masked man holds over them. The frustration of hitting a wall in the investigation is palpable, and the detectives' sense of urgency grows as more victims are identified. The chapter explores the dynamics of complicity, fear, and self-preservation among perpetrators. Jocelyn's willingness to push boundaries, both ethical and procedural, is tested as she seeks a breakthrough.

The Third Man's Shadow

The investigation turns to the identity of the third man, whose sadistic fantasies and need for control drive the violence. Clues point to someone with police or legal connections, someone who can manipulate the system and evade detection. The narrative explores the psychology of the predator, the allure of power, and the ways in which privilege and respectability can mask depravity. Jocelyn's suspicions fall on both Phil and Finch, colleagues with access and motive. The tension between personal and professional trust is heightened, and the danger becomes increasingly immediate.

Family Secrets and Guilt

Jocelyn confronts her uncle Simon about the family's role in covering up Camille's rape and the subsequent framing of her sister's attackers for child pornography. The moral ambiguity of revenge and justice is laid bare, as is the cost of silence and complicity. Jocelyn's struggle to do the right thing, even when the system fails, is contrasted with Simon's rationalizations. The chapter explores the limits of forgiveness, the burden of guilt, and the possibility of breaking cycles of harm. Jocelyn's decision to pursue truth over vengeance marks a turning point in her personal journey.

The Case Grows Personal

The perpetrators target Camille, crucifying her in a manner identical to previous victims. The attack is a message to Jocelyn, making the case intensely personal and raising the stakes. Camille's survival and desire to recover offer a glimmer of hope, but the trauma is profound. Jocelyn's anger and determination are reignited, and the investigation takes on new urgency. The chapter explores the intersection of personal and professional duty, the vulnerability of those closest to us, and the ways in which violence reverberates through families and communities.

The Schoolteacher Attack

The abduction and crucifixion of Jennifer Maisry, a wealthy schoolteacher, brings the case into the public eye. The media frenzy and institutional response are markedly different from previous cases involving marginalized women. Jocelyn's investigation uncovers Maisry's secret life as an escort, complicating the narrative and exposing societal double standards. The chapter examines the role of class, race, and respectability in shaping responses to violence. The pressure to solve the case intensifies, and the need to protect victims' privacy is weighed against the demands of justice and public safety.

Press, Panic, and Pursuit

The police hold a press conference, releasing details and mug shots of Warner and Donovan. The city is gripped by fear and outrage, and the investigation becomes a race against time. The third man's ability to manipulate events and evade capture is increasingly apparent. Jocelyn and her colleagues face internal and external obstacles, including skepticism, bureaucratic inertia, and the threat of further violence. The chapter explores the power of narrative, the impact of public scrutiny, and the challenges of pursuing justice in a media-saturated environment.

Raeann's Fate and Revelations

Raeann Church, the only surviving victim who saw the third man's face, is found murdered. Her death is a devastating blow to the investigation and a chilling demonstration of the perpetrator's reach. Jocelyn's interviews with suspects and witnesses, including her own family, reveal the interconnectedness of past and present crimes. The narrative weaves together threads of personal and systemic failure, highlighting the difficulty of achieving closure. The chapter ends with Jocelyn and her allies narrowing in on the third man, armed with new evidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Final Assault

The third man, revealed as Finch, breaks into Jocelyn's home, intent on repeating his sadistic ritual. Jocelyn's fight for survival is brutal and desperate, culminating in her killing Finch with a hammer to protect herself and Olivia. The scene is a cathartic release of years of fear, anger, and helplessness. The aftermath is both relief and exhaustion, as Jocelyn is hospitalized and the case is finally closed. The chapter explores the limits of endurance, the power of maternal love, and the possibility of reclaiming agency in the face of violence.

Survival and Forgiveness

In the wake of trauma, Jocelyn, Camille, and their extended family begin the slow process of healing. Camille enters rehab, determined to break the cycle of addiction and pain. Jocelyn leaves the police force to start a private investigation firm with Anita, seeking a new path that honors her values and experiences. The sisters confront their shared past, choosing forgiveness and hope over bitterness and regret. The story ends with a sense of hard-won peace, the promise of renewal, and the enduring strength of those who refuse to be defined by their wounds.

Characters

Jocelyn Rush

Jocelyn is a Philadelphia detective and single mother, defined by her relentless pursuit of justice and her deep-seated anger at the world's injustices. Her life is shaped by the trauma of her sister Camille's rape and the family's subsequent silence. Jocelyn's psychological complexity is rooted in her struggle to balance vulnerability and strength, motherhood and duty, rage and compassion. Her relationships—with her daughter Olivia, her partner Kevin, her best friend Inez, and her ex-lover Phil—are marked by loyalty, conflict, and the constant negotiation of boundaries. Jocelyn's journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and the quest to break cycles of harm.

Camille Rush

Camille is Jocelyn's younger sister, whose life was derailed by a brutal gang rape in adolescence and the family's refusal to seek justice. Her descent into addiction and prostitution is both a symptom and a rebellion against the world that failed her. Camille's relationship with Jocelyn is fraught with resentment, guilt, and longing for connection. Despite her self-destructive tendencies, Camille possesses a core of resilience and a desire for redemption. Her eventual decision to seek help and reconcile with Jocelyn is a testament to the possibility of healing, even after profound betrayal.

Anita Grant

Anita is a former addict and sex worker striving to build a better life for her children and ailing mother. Her abduction and crucifixion are a harrowing reminder of the dangers faced by marginalized women. Anita's initial silence is a survival strategy, but her eventual decision to speak out is an act of courage. Her relationship with Jocelyn is built on mutual respect and shared experience. Anita's journey from victim to partner in Jocelyn's new venture symbolizes the power of agency and the importance of community in overcoming trauma.

Kevin Sullivan

Kevin is Jocelyn's unofficial partner, a seasoned detective with a dry wit and a deep well of empathy. His loyalty to Jocelyn is unwavering, and his own brush with violence underscores the risks of their profession. Kevin's personal life is marked by solitude and a longing for connection, which he finds in his friendships with Jocelyn and Inez. His role as a stabilizing force is crucial to the team's success, and his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths makes him an essential ally.

Inez Graham

Inez is a patrol officer and Jocelyn's closest confidante. Her pragmatic approach to policing and life is balanced by a deep sense of justice and loyalty. Inez's own experiences as a mother and wife inform her empathy for victims and her understanding of Jocelyn's struggles. Her willingness to challenge authority and speak uncomfortable truths makes her a catalyst for change. Inez's presence is a source of comfort and strength, both in moments of crisis and in the slow work of healing.

Phil Delisi

Phil is a prosecutor whose relationship with Jocelyn is marked by attraction, control, and unresolved tension. His professional decisions are often colored by personal motives, and his role in the case is both help and hindrance. Phil's need for order and his discomfort with vulnerability make him a foil to Jocelyn's raw emotion. His eventual exposure as a possible suspect and his complicity in systemic failures highlight the dangers of unchecked power and the limits of institutional justice.

Kyle Finch

Finch is a police officer whose incompetence and misogyny mask a far darker nature. As the third man in the crucifixion assaults, his sadistic fantasies and need for control drive the violence. Finch's ability to evade suspicion is rooted in his position of authority and the trust placed in him by colleagues. His eventual unmasking and death at Jocelyn's hands are both a reckoning and a commentary on the dangers of unchecked privilege and the failure of systems to protect the vulnerable.

Larry Warner

Larry is one of Anita's attackers, a man whose life is shaped by poverty, addiction, and the lure of easy money. His partnership with Angel and Finch is both a survival strategy and a descent into complicity. Larry's reluctance to betray the third man, even when faced with severe consequences, speaks to the power of fear and the dynamics of control among perpetrators. His eventual confession reveals the tangled web of loyalty, coercion, and self-preservation that underpins criminal behavior.

Angel Donovan

Angel is Larry's partner, rendered mute by a gunshot wound and defined by his physical presence and emotional absence. His participation in the assaults is both active and passive, a reflection of his dependence on others and his inability to break free from cycles of violence. Angel's silence is both a literal and metaphorical barrier, preventing him from articulating his own pain or seeking redemption. His fate is a cautionary tale about the costs of complicity and the difficulty of escaping one's past.

Caleb Vaughn

Caleb is a lieutenant in the Special Victims Unit and Jocelyn's eventual romantic partner. His intelligence, empathy, and willingness to challenge the status quo make him a valuable ally. Caleb's own experiences as a single father and his understanding of trauma inform his approach to both the case and his relationship with Jocelyn. Their connection offers the possibility of healing and new beginnings, grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose.

Plot Devices

Interwoven Timelines and Trauma

The story employs a dual timeline, weaving together Jocelyn's present-day investigation with flashbacks and revelations about her family's past. The unresolved trauma of Camille's rape and the family's silence are mirrored in the current case, creating a sense of inevitability and deepening the emotional stakes. This structure allows for the exploration of generational harm, the persistence of violence, and the ways in which the past shapes the present.

Multiple Perspectives and Voices

The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Jocelyn, Anita, Camille, and other key characters, providing a multifaceted view of the case and its impact. This device humanizes victims, complicates the motivations of perpetrators, and highlights the challenges faced by investigators. The use of internal monologue and dream sequences deepens the psychological realism and emotional resonance of the story.

Symbolism of Scars and Nails

The recurring motif of nails, scars, and crucifixion serves as both literal evidence and symbolic representation of the violence inflicted on women. The physical wounds are markers of suffering, resilience, and the struggle to be seen and believed. The act of nailing victims to the floor is a grotesque assertion of power, while the survivors' scars become emblems of survival and the refusal to be erased.

Red Herrings and Misdirection

The investigation is marked by false leads, shifting suspicions, and the gradual unmasking of the true perpetrator. The narrative plays with reader expectations, implicating both Phil and Finch at various points. The use of origami cranes as cryptic warnings adds an element of psychological suspense and foreshadowing, linking past and present crimes.

Thematic Juxtaposition of Public and Private

The story explores the tension between public duty and private pain, institutional justice and personal vengeance. Jocelyn's pursuit of the case is motivated by both professional responsibility and the unresolved trauma of her family. The narrative interrogates the limits of the law, the failures of systems to protect the vulnerable, and the necessity of personal agency in the face of institutional indifference.

Analysis

Lisa Regan's Hold Still is a searing exploration of trauma, justice, and the resilience of women in the face of systemic violence. The novel interrogates the ways in which society fails its most vulnerable—sex workers, addicts, survivors of sexual assault—while also exposing the complicity of institutions and individuals in perpetuating harm. Through the character of Jocelyn Rush, Regan examines the psychological toll of unresolved trauma and the difficulty of breaking cycles of silence and retribution. The story's structure, with its interwoven timelines and shifting perspectives, mirrors the complexity of real-life investigations and the messiness of healing. The use of physical scars as metaphors for psychological wounds underscores the enduring impact of violence and the necessity of bearing witness. Ultimately, Hold Still is a testament to the power of survival, the importance of community, and the possibility of forgiveness. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about justice, privilege, and the cost of looking away, while offering a vision of hope grounded in empathy, courage, and the refusal to be defined by one's wounds.

Last updated: January 11, 2026