Nevada, Iowa

Nevada, Iowa is where most of the story takes place, and where Jeremy and Steve Heldt have lived for their entire lives. Jeremy works at the Nevada Video Hut, and his father works in construction here. In many ways, Nevada is an archetypal Midwestern town, with residents who are unfailingly polite, mild, and soft-spoken.

Tama, Iowa

This is where Irene Sample grew up, and where she yearns to go back to when she marries Peter Sample and they move to Crescent. Irene's parents remain in Tama. Later, Lisa moves back here, after the events of the novel are over and she wishes to start at the very beginning. It is possible she also makes this move to be easier to find if her mother ever comes looking for her in the future.

The Collins House

The Collins House is the place where the videos, found by the...