When we meet in A Letter to Die For Cary is a senior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She’s tall, very attractive, with dark hair and very green eyes. Adopted at birth, she is the daughter of Frank Warren, a physician, and Alice Warren, a stay-at-home mom. All her memories are of a warm and happy family relationship.

Cary has gone to good schools, and her friends, for the most part, come from similar surroundings. She had been taught integrity and good manners. Even in memories from childhood, Cary enjoyed so many happy times and important learning experiences.

Then one night, Cary’s world comes tumbling down around her like a child’s block house in a toy box.
Cary has planned the vacation for her mom and dad, even waving goodbye to them as they pulled out of the drive. Now Tennessee State Troopers bring Cary the devastating news that both of her parents have been killed in an automobile accident. Suddenly alone, Cary must deal with the fact that had it not been for her insistence that they needed a vacation, Frank and Alice might still be a part of her world.

In the days that follow, Cary must deal with her guilt. Also, in the dark emotional aftermath of her parent’s deaths, she seizes on the fact that success or failure in life now depends on her and no one else. In her thoughts, Cary questions if she has the depth of spirit that will be required in the days and weeks to come.