We Solve Murders Summary, Characters and Themes
“We Solve Murders” by Richard Osman is an engaging mystery novel that introduces a dynamic new detective duo. Amy Wheeler, a private security officer, and her father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, a retired London Metropolitan Police Officer, are drawn together by a series of puzzling murders involving influential figures.
The novel takes readers on a thrilling journey across the globe as Amy and Steve investigate a complex web of deception, smuggling, and hidden motives. With danger constantly lurking and enemies closing in, the pair must rely on their wits and teamwork to unravel the mystery and uncover the truth behind these high-profile murders.
Summary
Amy Wheeler, a private security officer, is tasked with protecting best-selling author Rosie D’Antonio in South Carolina after Rosie receives threats from a Russian oligarch, Vasiliy Karpin. At the same time, Amy’s father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, a retired detective, enjoys a quiet life in a small English village.
Though he no longer seeks adventure, he becomes intrigued when news reports surface about the murder of Andrew Fairbanks, a popular Instagram influencer. Fairbanks was shot on a yacht and his body was partially devoured by sharks. A bag of money was found at the crime scene, suggesting a possible link to a larger criminal scheme.
Meanwhile, Jeff Nolan, Amy’s boss and the CEO of Maximum Impact Solutions (a private security firm), is under pressure as three of his influencer clients have been killed: Bella Sanchez, Mark Gooch, and Andrew Fairbanks.
Jeff believes these deaths are connected to François Loubet, a money smuggler, who has been using his clients to unknowingly carry illegal funds.
Loubet’s true identity is a mystery, and his influence extends far beyond what anyone realizes. Jeff’s suspicions lead him to believe that Loubet may be using a contact at his company, “Joe Blow,” to orchestrate the murders.
In a tense and dangerous situation, Amy realizes she is being framed for the murders.
After narrowly escaping an attack by an ex-Navy SEAL hired by Loubet, Amy and Rosie decide to investigate the circumstances surrounding Fairbanks’s murder. They discover that the sheriff investigating the case had been bribed to kill Fairbanks and leave behind false evidence.
The investigation leads to a shocking revelation: Amy’s blood sample, previously taken for routine security purposes, has gone missing from the Maximum Impact Solutions freezer.
As the investigation intensifies, Jeff survives an assassination attempt, prompting him to contact Steve for help. Steve’s curiosity leads him to South Carolina, where he uncovers a trail of mysterious connections, including a red-haired woman who appears to be involved in the murders.
Together, Amy, Steve, and Rosie embark on an international journey to uncover the truth.
Their investigation takes them to multiple locations, including St. Lucia, Dublin, and São Paulo, where they uncover links between the murdered influencers and a money-laundering scheme orchestrated by Loubet.
They soon discover that “Joe Blow” is actually an alias for someone deeply connected to the murders, and the real identity of the mastermind behind the scheme is far more dangerous than they imagined.
In the final twist, Steve discovers that Mickey Moody, a golf partner of Rob Kenna, a hired killer, is in fact François Loubet himself. With evidence in hand, Steve and Amy confront the mastermind, leading to arrests and a dramatic conclusion. Amy, inspired by the events, decides to start a detective agency to solve unsolved murders, with Steve as her partner.
The two form “We Solve Murders,” marking the beginning of their new investigative careers, with Rosie as their first major investor.
The novel is a gripping blend of suspense, intrigue, and humor, showcasing Osman’s signature writing style and introducing two unforgettable characters in the world of crime-solving.
Characters
Steve Wheeler
Steve Wheeler is a retired London Metropolitan Police Officer turned private investigator, who now enjoys a quiet and predictable life in a small English village. He is portrayed as a man who appreciates routine, particularly in the form of participating in his local pub quiz.
His life is grounded in his familiar habits, including his affection for his cat and the calmness of his daily life. However, beneath this unassuming surface, there is a sharp investigative mind at work.
His history in law enforcement gives him a deep understanding of crime and criminal behavior. Despite his desire for peace, he is drawn into a complex series of investigations involving high-stakes murders.
His involvement in the investigation brings him to various parts of the world, where he unravels a vast conspiracy involving money laundering, influencer murders, and a network of criminals.
Amy Wheeler
Amy Wheeler, the daughter-in-law of Steve, is a private security officer who thrives in high-adrenaline situations. Unlike Steve, who has grown accustomed to a quieter, more predictable life, Amy thrives on the excitement and unpredictability of her career.
She is tough, resourceful, and determined, traits that are constantly tested throughout the investigation. Her current assignment protecting bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio sets the stage for her involvement in a wider conspiracy, which ultimately links her to her father-in-law’s investigation.
Amy is constantly on the move, as her job requires her to deal with dangerous situations, including assassination attempts. Her resilience is evident as she navigates through these intense challenges.
Her relationship with Steve, although strained at times due to their differing temperaments, becomes a key aspect of the story as they eventually join forces to solve the murders.
Rosie D’Antonio
Rosie D’Antonio is a famous author who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation when her life is threatened by a Russian oligarch. Initially, she is introduced as a high-profile client of Amy, who is tasked with providing her protection.
Rosie’s life, once dedicated to writing bestsellers, is thrown into chaos as a series of murders, including that of a prominent influencer, occur around her. Rosie is not just a passive victim, however; she plays an active role in the investigation, using her intellect and her media presence to uncover vital clues.
Her presence in the investigation makes her an essential character, as she contributes to several breakthroughs in the plot. She is also a potential investor in Amy’s new detective agency, adding a layer of financial and strategic importance to her role in the story.
Jeff Nolan
Jeff Nolan is the CEO of Maximum Impact Solutions, the personal security firm where Amy works. As a business owner, Jeff is often seen at the center of the murky world of celebrity security and money laundering.
He is depicted as a manipulative figure, whose personal interests often blur with his professional responsibilities. Jeff’s involvement in the murder cases is integral, as he appears to be connected to the nefarious activities that ultimately lead to several deaths.
While he manages to survive several attempts on his life, Jeff’s true motives are eventually revealed, making him a central figure in the unraveling of the conspiracy. His secretive nature and willingness to manipulate those around him demonstrate his morally ambiguous character.
François Loubet
François Loubet is a criminal mastermind who orchestrates the money-smuggling scheme at the heart of the murders. He operates behind the scenes, manipulating various individuals, including the influencers, through his fake company, Vivid Viral Media Agency.
Loubet’s primary goal is to profit from the illegal activities involving the influencers, who unknowingly smuggle money for him, leading to their eventual deaths. He is portrayed as a calculating and ruthless individual who uses people as pawns in his complex web of crime.
Loubet’s involvement with Maximum Impact Solutions and his connection to key characters like Jeff and Susan Knox reveal his influence within the criminal underworld. His ability to stay hidden for much of the story adds a sense of mystery and danger to the plot, with his eventual reveal as the mastermind being a pivotal moment in the narrative.
Mickey Moody
Mickey Moody plays a crucial role in the final reveal of the story as the true identity of François Loubet. As Rob Kenna’s regular golfing partner, Mickey seems to be an ordinary individual, but his connection to Loubet is eventually exposed.
His tattoo, which references his grandmothers Lou and Bet, serves as a subtle clue to his involvement. The discovery that Mickey is François Loubet is a key moment in the plot, as it ties together the various threads of the conspiracy.
His unassuming nature contrasts sharply with his criminal activities, and his eventual actions—such as murdering Rob Kenna—highlight his ruthlessness and the depth of his deception.
Susan Knox
Susan Knox is the head of Human Resources at Maximum Impact Solutions, and her involvement in the plot deepens the mystery surrounding the murders. Initially, Susan seems to be a background character, but as the story unfolds, her true role becomes clearer.
She is revealed to be a key accomplice in the illegal activities orchestrated by François Loubet, acting as “Joe Blow,” the shadowy figure responsible for orchestrating the deaths of several influencers. Susan’s betrayal is a pivotal moment, as it highlights the extent to which she is willing to go to protect Loubet’s interests.
Her actions significantly impact Amy and Steve’s investigation, as they uncover her involvement in the cover-up of the murders and the smuggling scheme.
Max Highfield
Max Highfield is a famous actor who plays a seemingly peripheral role in the plot, but his connection to the criminal activities becomes increasingly important. Initially, Max seems like a typical celebrity with little involvement in the darker side of the world.
However, as Steve investigates further, he uncovers Max’s link to the scheme through his role in referring influencers to Maximum Impact Solutions. The revelation that Max’s character, Joe Blow, is connected to the money-laundering operation, combined with his financial interests in the case, positions him as a significant player in the larger conspiracy.
While not directly involved in the murders, his actions have far-reaching consequences that contribute to the complexity of the investigation.
Henk van Veen
Henk van Veen is a former business partner of Jeff Nolan and plays a key role in the investigation. His decision to leave Maximum Impact Solutions stems from his suspicion that Jeff may be involved in illicit activities.
Henk’s knowledge of the inner workings of the security business and his ties to the players involved in the conspiracy make him an important ally for Steve and Amy. Although he is not as central to the action as other characters, Henk’s insight and perspective help to unravel the mystery and expose the true nature of the crimes.
His interaction with Jeff, where they accuse each other of being involved in the illegal activities, adds depth to the intrigue surrounding the story.
These characters, with their intertwined relationships, conflicting motives, and varying levels of involvement, form the intricate web that drives the plot of We Solve Murders. Each one plays a crucial part in solving the central mystery, and their development over the course of the story reflects the complexity of the narrative.
Themes
The Unraveling of Personal and Professional Identities in the Shadow of Crime and Betrayal
In We Solve Murders, one of the most central themes revolves around the complex interplay of personal and professional identities as characters navigate the treacherous world of crime, betrayal, and survival. The characters, particularly Steve and Amy Wheeler, are forced to confront and redefine their identities as they move between the personal realms of family, past careers, and moral choices, while also engaging in high-stakes investigations.
Steve, once a London Metropolitan Police Officer, is now a private investigator in a quiet English village, living a life that revolves around stability and routine, symbolized by the local pub quiz. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when his skills are called upon to solve increasingly dangerous and complex crimes.
Amy, in contrast, thrives on adrenaline in her career as a private security officer, often balancing her responsibilities with the pressures and challenges of family expectations. The personal lives of these two characters are inextricably linked to their professional roles, creating a compelling tension that deepens as they uncover disturbing truths about themselves, the people they trust, and the world they once thought they understood.
The Shadow of Corruption and the Exploitation of Power within the Security Industry
A recurring theme in the novel is the shadow of corruption within the security industry, particularly the exploitation of power and trust by individuals within Maximum Impact Solutions. The company is built on a reputation of providing top-notch security services, but beneath the surface, it is revealed to be a web of deceit, where money laundering and illicit activities thrive under the guise of professionalism.
Characters like Jeff Nolan and Susan Knox, who are initially presented as trustworthy figures in the security business, are shown to be involved in criminal schemes, manipulating their positions for personal gain. The façade of safety and order that companies like Maximum Impact Solutions project is, in reality, a mask for the dark underbelly of international crime, where innocent people are unknowingly caught in the crossfire.
The investigation into the deaths of several influencers—Bella Sanchez, Mark Gooch, and Andrew Fairbanks—becomes a metaphor for the systemic corruption that runs through the industry. Amy and Steve’s journey uncovers the fragile boundaries between legitimate work and criminal manipulation, as they discover how power and influence are used to exploit vulnerable individuals for monetary gain.
The Role of Family Dynamics in Navigating Moral and Ethical Dilemmas in Crime-Solving
Another deep thematic exploration in We Solve Murders is the role of family dynamics in the face of moral and ethical dilemmas. The relationship between Steve and Amy Wheeler serves as a lens through which the tension between personal loyalty and professional duty is examined.
Amy’s decision to reach out to Steve for help, despite his insistence on not solving murders, highlights the deep bond they share and the trust they place in each other. This dynamic is further complicated by the fact that their investigation touches on secrets and betrayals, challenging the boundaries of familial loyalty.
Throughout the novel, Amy’s actions often place her at odds with her family’s expectations, particularly as she navigates the dangerous world of private security and murder investigations. Steve, on the other hand, is drawn back into the world of high-stakes investigations not only because of his moral compass but also because of his familial obligation to help Amy.
Their shared history, the death of Steve’s wife Debbie, and their mutual need to find purpose in a world that has become morally ambiguous shape their decisions and the choices they make throughout the investigation. The tension between personal feelings and the responsibility to do what is right forms the emotional core of their partnership, as they are forced to reckon with the consequences of their actions on their relationships and personal identities.
The Global Nature of Crime and the Unseen Forces Behind International Criminal Enterprises
The novel intricately explores the global nature of modern crime, particularly focusing on the mechanisms of international smuggling, human trafficking, and organized crime networks. Characters such as François Loubet and Mickey Moody represent the faceless operatives of vast criminal enterprises that stretch across borders and engage in covert operations with deadly precision.
The investigation into the deaths of several influencers reveals the extent to which these global criminal organizations infiltrate legitimate businesses, using seemingly harmless figures like the influencers themselves to further their illicit operations. The role of the international security industry as both a protector and unwitting accomplice in these schemes is another critical aspect of the story.
The plot’s movement across multiple countries—from South Carolina to Dubai to London—mirrors the far-reaching scope of these crimes, showing how interconnected the world of crime has become in the modern age. The murder of Andrew Fairbanks, the mysterious disappearance of blood samples, and the shadowy figures working behind the scenes all point to a highly organized network that operates on a global scale.
The novel portrays how crime is no longer confined to local or national borders, but is instead a complex, multinational system where ordinary people often become pawns in larger, more dangerous games.
The Moral Ambiguities of Justice in the Face of Systemic Corruption and Personal Survival
A central theme in We Solve Murders is the moral ambiguity of justice, especially in a world where corruption is entrenched in every level of society. As Amy and Steve uncover deeper layers of conspiracy, they find themselves in situations where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred.
The motivations behind each murder are not purely personal, but are intricately tied to larger systems of power and money, forcing the characters to question what constitutes true justice. When Amy is framed for the murders and forced to fight for her life, her actions are driven by the need to survive, often putting her at odds with legal and moral codes.
Steve’s investigation, meanwhile, challenges his own sense of justice as he uncovers painful truths about people he thought he knew, and must decide whether to pursue the truth at any cost or to protect his loved ones from the harsh realities he is uncovering. The theme of survival versus moral integrity comes to a head when characters must make life-altering choices, forcing them to reckon with their own ethical boundaries and the price of justice in a corrupt world.
The ambiguity of justice in the novel highlights the struggle between personal survival and the need for accountability in a society rife with corruption and moral compromise.
The Thrill of Crime-Solving as an Exploration of Human Nature and the Desire for Truth
Lastly, the theme of crime-solving as an exploration of human nature and the pursuit of truth resonates throughout the novel. Steve and Amy, despite their differing approaches to life, share a deep-seated desire to uncover the truth, not just for the sake of justice, but because of their own intrinsic need to understand the complexities of the world around them.
For Steve, returning to a life of investigation is not just about solving crimes; it is a way to escape the emptiness left by the death of his wife and the monotony of his former life. Amy, on the other hand, thrives on the excitement and challenge of solving crimes, which provides her with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
As they delve deeper into the murders and uncover a web of lies and deception, the thrill of discovery becomes a means of exploring the darker sides of human nature. The novel suggests that crime-solving is not just a profession or a duty, but a way to confront the moral complexities of life, to understand the motives behind human behavior, and to expose the truth hidden beneath layers of deception.
The investigation becomes a personal journey for both Steve and Amy, pushing them to reconcile their own desires for truth with the unsettling realities they uncover.