Carrie Wampler

In the affluent beachfront community of Monterey, Cal., a suspicious death at a coastal elementary school fundraiser draws attention to the frictions among some of the mothers. Madeline and Celeste, longtime friends and confidantes, welcome newcomer Jane and her son, Ziggy, into their inner circle, much to the chagrin of another mother, Renata. An incident with the children at school causes battle lines to be drawn.

Hoping to get under Renata’s skin, Madeline organizes a trip to compete with Amabella’s birthday party. After another argument, Celeste succumbs to Perry’s charms before their first session with Dr. Amanda Reisman, a therapist. Madeline gets called for a meeting with Abigail’s guidance counselor. Principal Nippal announces the theme for the Fall Gala Fundraiser. Later, Jane seeks Madeline’s help with Ziggy’s family tree project, and opens up about her past.