Susie Salmon, narrating from the first person, tells the reader that she was murdered on December 6, 1973, “back when people believed things like that didn’t happen” (5). Susie is a typical 14-year-old girl from the suburban town of Norristown, Pennsylvania. Walking home after school, she takes a shortcut through the adjacent cornfield and is startled when she runs into George Harvey, her 36-year-old bachelor neighbor. Harvey invites her to come see a secret hiding spot he built under the cornfield. Although Susie is not comfortable around him, particularly as she notices him looking at her sexually, she has been told to be polite and friendly to adults and neighbors and so accompanies him. Inside, Harvey claims that he built the underground room as a clubhouse for the kids in the neighborhood. Susie doesn’t believe him but decides to stay because she thinks he is sad and lonely.

Harvey gets Susie to take off her winter coat, and as she does, he compliments her looks, which gives her “what [she and her] friend Clarissa […] dubbed the skeevies” (11). Susie becomes uncomfortable and tries to leave, but Harvey blocks the exit. He forces her to the ground and begins raping her.