Prologue: Secrets and Sales

In Boston, the wealthy and ruthless Millstone family is thrown into chaos after patriarch Randolph Millstone's sudden death. Arthur and his wife Rowena, desperate to secure their inheritance, realize a crucial document—Randolph's latest will—has gone missing, likely hidden in a piece of furniture sold during the estate sale. Their panic is palpable, as the will's contents could destroy their lavish lifestyle and expose their misdeeds. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, siblings Cullen and Luna Bodman prepare for the grand opening of their new restoration and café business, unaware that a simple, battered table they acquire will soon entangle them in the Millstones' web of secrets and greed.

Sibling Synergy

Cullen, practical and skilled in restoration, and Luna, a free-spirited empath with psychic abilities, combine their talents to launch the BARRN and Namaste Café at the Stillwell Art Center. Their close bond, forged through years of mutual support and shared adversity, is the foundation of their new venture. Luna's intuitive gifts, often dismissed by others, are embraced by Cullen, who has learned to trust her instincts. Together, they create a welcoming space for art, community, and healing, setting the stage for the collision of their peaceful world with the Millstone family's turmoil.

Luna's Gift Revealed

Luna's unique sensitivity to people and objects is both a blessing and a burden. Her work with local law enforcement on missing persons cases, especially the rescue of a lost child named Avery, brings her into contact with U.S. Marshal Christopher Gaines. Their instant chemistry is undeniable, and Luna's intuition proves invaluable in finding Avery. This event cements Luna's reputation as someone whose "woo-woo" talents can make a real difference, even as she struggles with the emotional toll of her empathy and the skepticism of others.

The Missing Child

When three-year-old Avery goes missing, Luna volunteers for the search, guided by her psychic impressions and her dog Wiley's instincts. Working alongside Marshal Gaines, Luna leads the team to Avery's hiding place, saving the child's life. The experience forges a deep connection between Luna and Gaines, blending professional respect with personal attraction. Luna's reluctance to seek the spotlight keeps her role quiet, but the event marks a turning point, drawing her further into the world of law enforcement and setting up future collaborations with Gaines.

The Art Center Dream

In North Carolina, philanthropist Ellie Stillwell realizes her dream of creating a vibrant, eco-friendly art center. She brings together artists, vintage dealers, and food vendors, including Cullen and Luna, to foster creativity and community. The grand opening is a triumph, drawing crowds and acclaim. The center becomes a hub for artistic expression and personal growth, with Luna's café and readings adding a spiritual dimension. Ellie's support and open-mindedness provide a safe haven for Luna's gifts, while the center's success attracts attention far beyond Asheville.

The Millstone Dilemma

Back in Boston, Arthur and Rowena's search for the missing will intensifies. Their investigation reveals that Colette Petrov, the former house manager, may have witnessed Randolph's signature on the new will. Fearing exposure and financial ruin, they employ private investigator Jerry Thompson to track down Colette and the lost document. Their marriage, built on convenience and mutual manipulation, begins to fray under the pressure, as each suspects the other of incompetence and betrayal. The stakes rise as they realize the will's location is tied to the furniture now scattered across the country.

A Will Goes Missing

Jerry Thompson's investigation leads him to Buffalo, where Colette has started a new life. Using deception and surveillance, he attempts to extract information about the will's whereabouts. Colette, wary and resourceful, senses danger and refuses to be intimidated. Meanwhile, Rowena orchestrates a massive buyback of the estate's furniture, hoping to recover the hidden document. The search becomes a race against time, with the Millstones' future hanging in the balance and innocent lives at risk.

New Beginnings, Old Shadows

As the Stillwell Art Center thrives, Luna's psychic impressions grow stronger, especially around a battered table in Cullen's workshop. Unbeknownst to them, this table holds the key to the Millstone mystery. Luna's growing relationship with Gaines offers hope and romance, but the shadow of the Millstones' machinations looms. The siblings' peaceful existence is threatened as strangers begin to circle, drawn by the scent of hidden wealth and secrets.

The Search for Colette

Realizing she is being hunted, Colette takes her young son Max and seeks refuge with Clive Dunbar, Randolph's trusted attorney, at his remote cabin. There, she reveals the existence of a notebook documenting Arthur's financial misdeeds and the circumstances surrounding the missing will. Clive, recognizing the gravity of the situation, vows to protect Colette and Max while working to ensure Randolph's true wishes are honored. The circle of trust tightens as the forces of greed and justice converge.

The Salvage Trail

Rowena's relentless pursuit leads her to the salvage company that bought the garage contents, and from there to Cullen Bodman in North Carolina. Disguised and determined, she travels to the Stillwell Art Center, intent on recovering the will at any cost. Meanwhile, George Nelson, the salvage dealer, and his accomplice Leroy, also descend on the center, hoping to cash in on the mysterious interest in the old furniture. The stage is set for a dramatic confrontation as all parties converge on the unsuspecting Bodmans.

Hidden in Plain Sight

Luna's intuition and persistence pay off when she and Cullen finally open the jammed drawer of the battered table, discovering Randolph Millstone's missing will. The document, witnessed by Colette, reveals that Randolph intended to leave his fortune to charity, disinheriting Arthur and Rowena. Realizing the explosive implications, Luna seeks advice from Gaines and secures the will in Chi-Chi's safe. The discovery triggers a cascade of events, as the Millstones, the salvage men, and the law all close in on the art center.

The Will's Discovery

Rowena, George, and Leroy attempt to recover the will through subterfuge and force, but are thwarted by Luna's quick thinking, Chi-Chi's calm, and the timely arrival of Gaines and Cullen. A dramatic standoff involving a fire extinguisher, duct tape, and the intervention of the enigmatic artist Jimmy Can-Do ends with the intruders' arrest. The truth about the will and Arthur's embezzlement comes to light, and the Millstones' reign of greed is brought to an end.

Confrontations and Confessions

With the will secured and the villains in custody, the various threads of the story come together. Colette's testimony and the evidence in the notebook expose Arthur's financial crimes. Clive ensures that Randolph's wishes are honored, and the charities named in the will prepare to receive their bequests. Luna and Gaines, their bond strengthened by adversity, look to the future with hope. Cullen and Chi-Chi's friendship deepens, hinting at new possibilities.

The Truth Unveiled

Arthur and Rowena face charges of fraud, embezzlement, and attempted theft. Their assets are frozen, and their social standing destroyed. Colette and Max, finally safe, are rewarded for their integrity and courage. The Stillwell Art Center, once threatened by outside forces, emerges as a beacon of community, creativity, and resilience. Luna's gifts are embraced, and her relationship with Gaines blossoms into love.

Justice and New Futures

The aftermath of the ordeal brings closure and new opportunities. Colette is offered a job with Clive's law firm and a financial gift from Randolph's estate, ensuring a secure future for her and Max. The Bodmans' business flourishes, and the art center becomes a beloved institution. Luna and Gaines, united by their shared experiences, look forward to building a life together. The Millstones, stripped of their ill-gotten gains, are left to contemplate the cost of their greed.

Epilogue: Legacies and Love

As the holidays approach, the Stillwell Art Center buzzes with activity and joy. New artists join the fold, and the spirit of generosity and creativity infuses every corner. Luna and Gaines's romance deepens, Cullen and Chi-Chi's friendship grows, and Colette and Max settle into their new life. The legacy of Randolph Millstone, once threatened by secrecy and avarice, is restored through the courage and compassion of ordinary people. The story ends with hope, laughter, and the promise of more adventures to come.

Characters

Luna Bodman

Luna is a free-spirited, deeply intuitive woman whose psychic abilities shape her life and relationships. Her empathy makes her both vulnerable and powerful, allowing her to connect with people and objects on a profound level. Luna's journey is one of self-acceptance, as she learns to embrace her gifts and use them for good. Her close bond with her brother Cullen provides stability, while her growing romance with Marshal Gaines offers hope and healing. Luna's courage, humor, and compassion make her the emotional center of the narrative, guiding others through darkness to light.

Cullen Bodman

Cullen is the grounded, practical counterpoint to Luna's ethereal nature. Skilled in furniture restoration and business, he is the backbone of the BARRN and Namaste Café. Cullen's protective instincts toward Luna are matched by his respect for her abilities, and their sibling partnership is a model of mutual support. Cullen's journey involves stepping out of his comfort zone, trusting in intuition, and opening himself to new relationships, particularly with Chi-Chi. His integrity and work ethic anchor the story's themes of renewal and redemption.

Christopher Gaines

Gaines is a dedicated U.S. Marshal whose calm authority and open mind make him both an effective lawman and a compelling partner for Luna. Haunted by a failed marriage and the demands of his career, Gaines finds in Luna a kindred spirit who challenges and inspires him. His willingness to trust Luna's intuition, even when it defies logic, marks his growth from skeptic to believer. Gaines's protective nature, sense of humor, and vulnerability make him a multidimensional character whose relationship with Luna is both passionate and healing.

Ellie Stillwell

Ellie is the driving force behind the Stillwell Art Center, using her wealth and influence to create a haven for artists and dreamers. Her generosity, wisdom, and open-mindedness make her a mentor to Luna and a pillar of the community. Ellie's own journey through grief and renewal mirrors the story's larger themes, as she channels her loss into creativity and connection. Her support of Luna's gifts and her commitment to inclusivity set the tone for the art center's success.

Rowena Millstone

Rowena is a classic social climber whose beauty and cunning mask deep insecurity and greed. Her marriage to Arthur is a transactional alliance, and her relentless pursuit of the missing will reveals her willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain her status. Rowena's psychological complexity lies in her blend of entitlement, desperation, and self-delusion. Her eventual downfall is both a cautionary tale and a moment of dark comedy, as her schemes unravel and her true nature is exposed.

Arthur Millstone

Arthur is the spoiled, reckless son of Randolph Millstone, whose lifelong pattern of indulgence and irresponsibility leads to his undoing. Addicted to gambling and incapable of genuine connection, Arthur's relationship with Rowena is marked by mutual exploitation and mistrust. His attempts to cover up his financial crimes and secure his inheritance drive much of the plot's tension. Arthur's psychological profile is one of arrested development, narcissism, and denial, making his eventual comeuppance both inevitable and satisfying.

Colette Petrov

Colette is the former house manager of Millstone Manor, whose integrity and quick thinking make her a key player in the story. Her decision to hide the will and document Arthur's misdeeds puts her in danger, but also positions her as a guardian of Randolph's true legacy. Colette's devotion to her son Max and her courage in the face of threats highlight her resilience. Her eventual alliance with Clive Dunbar and budding relationship with Logan offer her a path to healing and stability.

Clive Dunbar

Clive is Randolph Millstone's trusted lawyer and friend, whose commitment to justice and fairness guides his actions. He serves as a protector for Colette and Max, a foil to Arthur and Rowena, and a facilitator of the story's resolution. Clive's calm, methodical approach contrasts with the chaos around him, and his willingness to go the extra mile for his clients underscores his integrity. His role as a mentor and father figure extends to Logan, Colette, and the broader community.

Chi-Chi Stone

Chi-Chi is a talented jewelry artist at the Stillwell Art Center, whose warmth, wisdom, and humor make her a beloved friend to Luna and Cullen. Her cultural heritage and creative vision enrich the community, while her practical support during the story's climactic events proves invaluable. Chi-Chi's ability to read people and situations, coupled with her unflappable demeanor, make her a stabilizing force and a symbol of the art center's inclusive spirit.

George Nelson

George is the salvage company owner whose greed and lack of foresight entangle him in the Millstone drama. His bumbling attempts to profit from the situation provide moments of levity, while his eventual capture underscores the story's themes of justice and accountability. George's partnership with the hapless Leroy adds a layer of farce to the proceedings, highlighting the absurdity of unchecked ambition.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel employs a dual narrative, alternating between the Bodman siblings' peaceful, art-centered life in North Carolina and the Millstone family's desperate machinations in Boston. This structure creates suspense as the reader anticipates the collision of these worlds. The gradual revelation of the will's location, the intertwining of personal and legal stakes, and the convergence of multiple characters at the Stillwell Art Center drive the plot toward its climax.

Foreshadowing and Psychic Intuition

Luna's psychic abilities serve as both a plot device and a source of foreshadowing. Her impressions around the battered table, her sense of danger, and her ability to "read" people and objects provide clues to the unfolding mystery. This device blurs the line between the rational and the mystical, inviting the reader to trust intuition as much as evidence.

Hidden Object and Race Against Time

The search for Randolph Millstone's will is the central plot device, driving characters across states and social strata. The will's concealment in an unremarkable piece of furniture creates dramatic irony, as the reader knows more than the antagonists. The race to recover or destroy the will heightens tension, while the eventual discovery and its consequences provide catharsis.

Ensemble Cast and Community

The novel's large cast of characters, each with distinct voices and motivations, allows for a rich exploration of themes such as family, loyalty, greed, and redemption. The art center serves as a microcosm of community, where diverse individuals come together to create, heal, and confront adversity. The interplay of personal and collective stakes adds depth and resonance to the story.

Comic Relief and Satire

The novel uses comic relief—particularly in the antics of George and Leroy, Rowena's vanity, and Luna's banter—to offset the darker elements of the plot. Satirical touches, such as Rowena's obsession with luxury brands and the farcical attempts to recover the will, provide social commentary on wealth, status, and self-delusion.

Analysis

Fern Michaels' Hidden is a contemporary fable about the power of integrity, intuition, and community in the face of greed and deception. At its heart, the novel contrasts two worlds: the cutthroat, self-serving realm of the Millstones and the nurturing, creative environment of the Stillwell Art Center. Through Luna's psychic gifts and the Bodman siblings' unwavering support for each other, the story champions the value of empathy, authenticity, and resilience. The missing will serves as both a literal and symbolic device, representing the hidden truths and legacies that shape families and communities. The novel's ensemble cast and dual narrative structure invite readers to consider the ripple effects of individual choices, the importance of standing up for what is right, and the possibility of redemption even after betrayal. Ultimately, Hidden suggests that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the courage to face the truth, the generosity to share one's gifts, and the willingness to build something lasting with others. The story's blend of suspense, humor, and heart ensures that its lessons linger long after the final page.

Last updated: October 17, 2025