We Solve Murders Summary, Characters and Themes

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman is a thrilling and captivating novel that explores the world of crime, intrigue, and deception.  The story follows Amy Wheeler, a former receptionist turned bodyguard, as she gets entangled in a dangerous web of murders, conspiracy, and betrayal.

The plot takes the reader through several twists and turns as Amy, along with a handful of other key characters, uncovers a complex network of criminals, shady businessmen, and hidden agendas.  With its suspenseful atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and unexpected reveals, We Solve Murders dives deep into the darker side of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

Summary

The narrative centers around a series of interconnected characters, each playing a crucial role in a web of crime, danger, and betrayal.  The story begins with the murder of Andrew Fairbanks, a fitness influencer whose death initially causes a stir but quickly fades from public attention.

He is found dead on a yacht, his body tied with a rope and thrown into the ocean, where sharks finish the job.  His murder, along with the deaths of two other clients, Bella Sanchez and Mark Gooch, is tied to Maximum Impact Solutions, a private security agency.

Amy Wheeler, a former receptionist at Maximum Impact, is now a bodyguard working for bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio.  Amy’s life has been relatively quiet and safe, especially with her assignment on a private island in South Carolina.

However, her life takes a drastic turn when she discovers that Andrew Fairbanks, along with the other two murder victims, was connected to the agency.  This connection leads Amy to dig into their deaths, suspecting they may be linked in some way.

Amy’s investigation into the murders brings her face-to-face with a tangled web of lies, betrayal, and violence.  Her trust in her boss, Jeff Nolan, begins to erode as she receives cryptic warnings about someone named “Joe Blow.”

As she investigates further, she uncovers a dark side of Maximum Impact Solutions and begins to question her loyalty to her employer.  The murders seem to be the work of someone inside the agency, though the true mastermind remains elusive.

Meanwhile, Amy’s father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, a retired police officer now running a small investigative agency, becomes involved in the case.  Steve’s quiet life in the village of Axley is disrupted when he learns that his daughter-in-law, Amy, is entangled in the murders.

His investigation into a seemingly unrelated case involving a missing dog leads him to uncover a more sinister connection between the murders and a notorious money-smuggler named François Loubet.

François Loubet is a shadowy figure in the criminal world, involved in money laundering and orchestrating illicit operations.  His connection to the deaths of the three victims and the agency slowly begins to surface.

Loubet’s operations involve using influencers to smuggle money around the world, and Andrew Fairbanks was one of his pawns.  As Amy’s investigation deepens, she finds herself on the run, trying to piece together the truth behind the murders while avoiding the deadly forces closing in on her.

The plot thickens as Rosie D’Antonio, Amy’s employer, plays a pivotal role in helping Amy uncover the truth.  Though Rosie has her own past to contend with, her calm demeanor and sharp intellect become invaluable as the two women dig into the conspiracy.

They discover that the deaths of Andrew, Bella, and Mark were no accidents but part of a larger, more dangerous plan orchestrated by Loubet and those connected to him.

As the investigation progresses, the tension mounts.  Steve’s discovery of a suspicious connection between his former police work and the current investigation adds a layer of urgency to the case.

Amy begins to realize that she is not only being hunted by Loubet’s network of criminals but may also be framed for the murders.  Betrayal, deceit, and hidden motives shape the plot as Amy is forced to trust few people, including her own instincts.

Rosie’s support proves to be a lifeline as Amy navigates the deadly waters of international intrigue.  They both realize that the key to solving the murders lies in uncovering the true identity of the person behind them.

As they connect the dots, they find themselves confronting dangerous criminals and corrupt officials.  The deeper Amy digs, the more she learns about the shadowy figures in the world of money laundering, including Rob Kenna, the hired killer responsible for some of the deaths.

In the final stages of the plot, the tension reaches its peak.  Amy’s investigation culminates in a confrontation with the forces behind the murders.

As the story unfolds, the truth about Jeff Nolan’s involvement in the conspiracy comes to light.  Nolan’s cryptic messages and strange behavior are revealed to be part of a larger plan to protect a network of criminals.

Amy’s world is thrown into chaos as she must choose who to trust and how to navigate a treacherous world where alliances can shift in an instant.

The novel concludes with Amy preparing to face her past and the threats that loom over her future.  With the mystery of the murders solved, Amy’s journey takes a new direction, hinting at a future where she and Rosie might continue their work as detectives, solving crimes that others have abandoned.

The final pages leave the reader questioning the true nature of good and evil, as the characters confront their pasts, their relationships, and the dangerous world they inhabit.

We Solve Murders is a thrilling exploration of crime, trust, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a world where everyone has something to hide.  The complex characters, intricate plotting, and unexpected twists keep the reader engaged until the very end.

Characters

Amy Wheeler

Amy Wheeler is a highly skilled bodyguard who navigates the treacherous world of crime, espionage, and power struggles with an impressive blend of resourcefulness, wit, and physical prowess.  Initially working for Maximum Impact Solutions, she is thrust into a life-threatening scenario when she learns that her employer’s clients are mysteriously dying under suspicious circumstances.

As the investigation into these murders intensifies, Amy finds herself at the center of a conspiracy involving powerful criminals, including François Loubet and Rob Kenna.  Her journey is marked by constant danger, as she battles betrayal from those closest to her, including Jeff Nolan, and confronts her own fears of being framed for crimes she did not commit.

Her strength lies not only in her ability to survive physically but also in her emotional resilience, as she forms an unlikely alliance with Rosie D’Antonio, a former celebrity, and ultimately, her father-in-law, Steve Wheeler.  Through it all, Amy grapples with her past, her relationships, and the ethical dilemmas that arise as she tries to uncover the truth behind the deaths surrounding her.

Steve Wheeler

Steve Wheeler, a retired police officer turned private investigator, serves as a grounding force in the novel.  Living a quieter life in the village of Axley, Steve initially seems removed from the darker world that his daughter-in-law, Amy, inhabits.

However, when Amy’s life is put in danger due to the conspiracy tied to Maximum Impact Solutions, Steve is pulled back into the world of crime and investigation.  His experience in law enforcement allows him to quickly spot discrepancies in the cases he investigates, leading him to uncover important connections between the murders and figures like François Loubet.

Despite his calm demeanor, Steve is deeply affected by the personal and emotional stakes of the case, especially as he watches his family become embroiled in the danger.  His loyalty to Amy and his growing suspicions about those around him compel him to act decisively, and his investigation becomes key in bringing the truth to light.

François Loubet

François Loubet is a shadowy, manipulative figure at the heart of the novel’s web of intrigue and crime.  A businessman with deep ties to money laundering and other illicit activities, Loubet orchestrates much of the chaos surrounding Amy Wheeler and the other victims of the conspiracy.

His operations are sophisticated, using influencers like Andrew Fairbanks to smuggle money under the guise of business trips.  Loubet is not merely a cold, calculating villain; he is also a man who struggles with the personal cost of his actions.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Loubet is both a mastermind and a victim of his own machinations, caught in a cycle of violence and deceit that he struggles to control.  His relationship with key characters, such as Rob Kenna and Amy, reveals a more complex side to his personality, showing his occasional moments of doubt and regret over the lives he’s ruined.

Despite these fleeting moments of introspection, Loubet remains a dangerous antagonist, willing to go to any lengths to protect his interests and eliminate those who threaten him.

Rosie D’Antonio

Rosie D’Antonio is a former celebrity turned unexpected ally for Amy Wheeler in her pursuit of the truth.  Though her glamorous past as a novelist and public figure is far removed from the dangers Amy faces, Rosie’s resourcefulness and sharp intellect prove invaluable as the two women navigate a world of deception and betrayal.

Throughout the narrative, Rosie serves not only as a confidante to Amy but also as a source of emotional support.  She is fiercely loyal and willing to take risks to protect Amy, often using her knowledge of the media and public relations to outsmart their enemies.

As the story progresses, Rosie’s character deepens as she confronts her own past and struggles with the personal toll of her involvement in the dangerous world surrounding Amy.  Her partnership with Amy becomes one of mutual respect and trust, and together, they work to uncover the conspiracies that threaten their lives.

Rob Kenna

Rob Kenna is a key figure who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.  As a hired assassin and the intermediary for François Loubet’s criminal operations, Kenna is a ruthless and efficient operator.

He’s tasked with eliminating those who stand in Loubet’s way, including Amy Wheeler, and his cold, methodical nature makes him a dangerous adversary.  However, Kenna’s personal frustrations, such as his lack of success on the golf course, humanize him to some extent, adding depth to his character.

Despite his efficiency in executing assignments, Kenna’s internal conflict and occasional hints of doubt about the violence he perpetuates hint at a moral struggle, making him more complex than a mere villain.  His involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Amy, as well as his connections to other criminal figures, positions him as a significant antagonist, and his actions push the plot forward in critical ways.

Bonnie Gregor

Bonnie Gregor’s character introduces a contrast to the more seasoned criminals and operatives in the novel.  An aspiring social media influencer, Bonnie begins her journey with innocent ambitions, but as her popularity grows, she becomes inadvertently entangled in the sinister undercurrents of the world around her.

Her rise to fame, primarily through trivial content, serves as a commentary on the strange and often absurd nature of social media fame.  However, her character takes a darker turn as she becomes involved with powerful, criminal figures like François Loubet and Rob Kenna.

Bonnie’s internal moral conflict is central to her development, as she grapples with the temptation of wealth and power versus her sense of right and wrong.  Her character arc adds layers to the novel’s exploration of the influence of money, power, and corruption in the modern world.

Eddie Flood

Eddie Flood is a hitman hired to kill Amy Wheeler, and his character embodies the more traditional aspects of a cold-blooded assassin.  However, Eddie’s encounter with Rosie D’Antonio, in which she exposes him during a public spectacle, highlights his vulnerability and the unraveling of his professional façade.

His role in the plot is largely defined by his mission to eliminate Amy, but as the story progresses, his personal motivations and his failures as a hitman make him a more nuanced figure.  Though initially appearing as a mere antagonist, Eddie’s character is pushed to the brink as his identity is revealed, and he is forced into a dangerous confrontation with Amy and her allies.

His presence underscores the high stakes of the narrative and the dangerous lengths to which the characters must go to survive.

Vasiliy Karpin

Vasiliy Karpin is a dangerous figure from Rosie D’Antonio’s past, and his involvement in the story adds another layer of menace to the unfolding conspiracy.  A billionaire with ties to the world of chemicals, Karpin’s connections to François Loubet and the larger criminal network are slowly revealed as the narrative progresses.

Karpin’s character represents the dark intersection of wealth, power, and corruption.  His ruthless pursuit of profit and his willingness to engage in illegal activities for personal gain make him an invaluable ally to Loubet and a significant threat to the protagonists.

Through Karpin, the novel explores the far-reaching influence of money and how it enables dangerous individuals to operate with relative impunity.  His eventual involvement in the conspiracy surrounding Amy, Steve, and Rosie serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous forces they are up against.

Themes

Crime and Corruption

The pervasive influence of crime and corruption is central to the plot of We Solve Murders.  The characters operate in a world where criminal activities are not just peripheral elements but the very framework around which their lives are shaped.

At the heart of this web is François Loubet, a businessman whose illegal operations are intricately tied to the manipulation of influencers and money laundering.  His network extends across the globe, using seemingly innocent figures like Amy Wheeler as unwitting participants in his schemes.

Loubet’s manipulation of power and wealth underscores the dark side of globalization, where people, whether knowingly or unknowingly, become pawns in a much larger game.  The theme of corruption is not only explored through criminal activities but also through the systemic failure of institutions, such as law enforcement and corporate structures, which allow such crimes to flourish unchecked.

As the story unfolds, characters like Steve Wheeler, once a man of integrity, become entangled in the consequences of their actions, highlighting how difficult it is to escape the web of corruption that has already spread deep into society.  The theme also challenges the concept of justice, as the characters’ pursuit of truth is continually thwarted by figures in positions of power who are more concerned with preserving their wealth and status than upholding the law.

Loyalty and Betrayal

Loyalty and betrayal are themes that resonate strongly in We Solve Murders.  Amy Wheeler’s journey is defined by shifting allegiances, as she grapples with the question of whom to trust in a world where betrayal is a constant threat.

The plot explores how loyalty can be tested under the weight of personal and professional pressures.  Characters like Steve Wheeler and Rosie D’Antonio are similarly confronted by the complexities of loyalty, whether to family, friends, or colleagues.

Steve’s investigation into the murders and his involvement with Amy forces him to navigate his loyalty to his family while questioning his allegiance to past institutions, like the police force.  Betrayal becomes even more pronounced as Amy uncovers the truth about her employer, Jeff Nolan, whose motives and actions seem less and less trustworthy.

As the story deepens, the lines between who is the villain and who is the ally become increasingly blurred.  Rosie, once an outsider in the dangerous world of crime, emerges as one of Amy’s most steadfast allies, even though her loyalty, too, is tested by her own past dealings with shady figures.

Ultimately, the theme of betrayal runs parallel to the characters’ personal growth, as each must decide whether to remain loyal to their old lives or risk everything for a new, more honest future.

Trust and Deception

In We Solve Murders, the theme of trust and deception plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ decisions and relationships.  The characters are constantly navigating a landscape filled with lies, secrets, and half-truths, and they must decide whom they can trust as they uncover the shocking truths behind the murders they are investigating.

The betrayal of trust is one of the most damaging elements in this narrative, as it leads to a cascade of events that complicate the characters’ ability to navigate their world safely.  The very nature of their investigations forces them to question the reliability of those around them.

Amy’s relationship with Jeff Nolan, initially one of mentor and mentee, becomes strained as her suspicions grow about his involvement in the conspiracies surrounding the deaths of Andrew Fairbanks and others.  Similarly, Steve Wheeler’s investigation into the criminal activities that link various figures to Loubet reveals a vast network of deception that makes it difficult to discern who is genuinely helping him and who is trying to lead him astray.

The theme of trust and deception is explored on multiple levels, from personal relationships to larger conspiracies, and is a key motivator behind the characters’ actions.  Their ability to decipher truth from lies becomes essential in their quest for justice, illustrating how dangerous it is when trust is broken, and how often people find themselves deceived by those they believe are on their side.

Power and Influence

We Solve Murders also delves into the theme of power and influence, particularly how those in positions of wealth and authority manipulate others to achieve their goals.  François Loubet represents the pinnacle of this theme, using his vast resources to control people, manipulate markets, and orchestrate murders to protect his criminal empire.

His ability to influence others is not through brute force but through psychological manipulation, financial power, and the strategic use of influential figures, including social media influencers.  These influencers, like Amy Wheeler, are at once pawns in his operation and powerful players in their own right, influencing public opinion and shaping societal trends.

The contrast between the characters who wield power and those who are caught in its web is a consistent motif throughout the narrative.  Amy’s evolution from a bodyguard to a key figure in the investigation reflects her growing awareness of her own power, as she uses her skills and intelligence to navigate the dangers around her.

On a broader scale, the story critiques how power operates in a world where money, status, and social influence can often override morality and justice.  This theme underscores the tension between individuals who are attempting to dismantle a corrupt system and those who profit from its continued existence, creating a conflict that drives much of the narrative forward.

Morality and Ethics

The exploration of morality and ethics is a prominent theme in We Solve Murders.  As the characters confront a world full of corruption, lies, and deception, they are forced to wrestle with difficult moral dilemmas that challenge their sense of right and wrong.

Amy Wheeler, in particular, is forced to confront her own ethical boundaries as she uncovers the dark truths behind the murders and the criminal network at play.  Her actions throughout the story are guided by her desire for justice, but she is also confronted with the reality that in a world where corruption runs deep, the lines between right and wrong can often become blurred.

Characters like Steve Wheeler and Rosie D’Antonio also grapple with ethical questions, particularly when they are confronted with the temptation to use questionable methods to achieve their goals.  The theme of morality is tied to the personal growth of the characters, as they must decide whether to uphold their values or compromise them in the face of overwhelming danger and manipulation.

Ultimately, the theme of morality in the novel reflects the harsh reality that, in a world governed by power and corruption, individuals often face difficult choices that can lead them down unexpected paths, challenging their very sense of identity and integrity.