The novel begins at a dinner party held in the home of Grace and Jack Angel. This section (and all of the “Present” chapters), are narrated by Grace in the present tense. The other guests at the party are Diane and Adam, old friends of Jack’s, and Esther and Rufus, new friends who have just moved to the small London suburb of Spring Eaton. Esther, who is tall, fair-haired, and reserved, is described as contrasting the plump, brunette Diane. Grace is immediately intrigued with Esther, especially because she is more of a wild card who Grace determines cannot be easily won over. Grace assumes that Esther does not want to like her because all of Grace and Jack’s other friends have described her as “perfect.” With a gorgeous house, a handsome and attentive husband, a trim figure, and everything she could want, it seems that Grace lives an amazing life.

The Angels present themselves as the consummate married couple. Jack found a house for Grace and surprised her with it after their honeymoon. Their manners are impeccable. Grace’s cooking is delicious and faultless. However, there are some curiosities about them.