Chapter 97 (96) Summary: Confronting the Longcasters
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
News of the murders of Jim Todd and his mother reaches the London Evening Standard. Strike is relieved his presence at the scene remains unreported, and the police share his desire to avoid publicity. The connection between Wright's murder and the Todds' deaths goes unnoticed in the press, which also spares Robin additional strain with her boyfriend, Ryan Murphy.
On Tuesday evening Robin and Murphy meet at the Duke pub. Robin tells Murphy she is not leaving him but cannot move in until they rebuild trust. Murphy admits he stopped attending AA meetings due to work pressure and that he is being investigated for roughing up a suspect in a gang shooting—he confesses he did use excessive force after seeing the victim's young son with half his head blown off. Robin insists on honesty going forward.
The following afternoon Robin stakes out Dino's nightclub hoping to intercept Cosima Longcaster. She notices a middle‑aged man in a parked Honda Accord watching her. When Cosima arrives, Robin approaches and asks about Rupert Fleetwood at Sacha Legard's party. Cosima reacts with alarm, denies knowing anything, and flees inside.
Dino Longcaster then appears and invites Robin into his club. Inside a private room he belittles Rupert as a jellyfish, reveals he won the nef from Rupert's father at Eton, and says he believes Rupert stole it for money. Robin tells Longcaster that Rupert gatecrashed Sacha's party and argued with Valentine. Longcaster, surprised, summons Cosima.
Cosima tries to downplay the incident, claiming she was simply overwhelmed. Robin presses, citing Sacha Legard's account that Rupert made her cry. Cosima grows flustered, mutters I didn't know – it's not my fault, and avoids direct answers. Longcaster ends the meeting. As Robin leaves, she sees fear in Cosima's eyes.
Key Events
- Robin and Murphy have a candid conversation about trust, his drinking, and his assault on a suspect.
- Murphy reveals he has rejoined Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Robin stakes out Dino's in the rain and notices a strange man in a Honda Accord watching her.
- Robin confronts Cosima outside the club, who strongly denies any involvement with Rupert's disappearance.
- Dino Longcaster invites Robin inside, offers her a cocktail, and mocks both Rupert and his own daughter Decima.
- Longcaster shows Robin a photograph of the Fleetwood family and claims he may have slept with Anjelica.
- Robin reveals Rupert's gatecrashing of Sacha Legard's birthday party; Longcaster appears unaware.
- Cosima is summoned and questioned; she becomes defensive and hints at knowing more than she admits.
Character Development
- Robin Ellacott demonstrates patience and persistence in her investigation, while also navigating the personal challenge of her relationship with Murphy. She holds her own against Longcaster's intimidating presence.
- Ryan Murphy shows vulnerability and remorse, admitting his mistake and recommitting to AA. His confession deepens the emotional stakes of Robin's personal life.
- Dino Longcaster is portrayed as controlling, arrogant, and dismissive of his daughters. His obsession with appearances and his contempt for Rupert reveal a man who values control above all.
- Cosima Longcaster appears frightened and evasive. Her repeated it's not my fault suggests she may have knowledge linking her to Rupert's fate.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Appearances and control: Longcaster criticizes Robin's clothing and hair, revealing his need to manage how others present themselves. This echoes Albie's earlier description of him as wanting a completely controlled world.
- Family dysfunction: Longcaster speaks dismissively of Decima and is harsh with Cosima. The gulf between father and daughters highlights a toxic family dynamic.
- Truth and deception: Robin presses for the truth about Rupert, but both Cosima and Longcaster deflect. The chapter reinforces the difficulty of uncovering facts when powerful people want them hidden.
- The jellyfish metaphor: Longcaster repeatedly calls Rupert a jellyfish, implying he is spineless and drifting. The metaphor dehumanizes Rupert and justifies Longcaster's contempt.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 97 advances both the main investigation and Robin's personal arc. Robin gains direct access to Dino Longcaster and Cosima, learning that Cosima's reaction to the party incident hints at deeper knowledge—possibly about Rupert's fate. Longcaster's character becomes clearer: he is a controlling, disdainful figure who may have motives of his own. Meanwhile, Murphy's confession raises the emotional temperature of Robin's private life, setting up future conflict between her professional duties and her relationship.
Study Questions & Answers
1. What does Robin learn about the party incident from her conversation with Cosima? Robin learns that Cosima cried after speaking with Rupert at Sacha Legard's party, but Cosima refuses to explain why. Her panicked denials and the phrase I didn't know – it's not my fault suggest she may have been complicit or afraid, though no details are revealed.
2. How does Dino Longcaster's treatment of Robin reflect his character? Longcaster immediately critiques Robin's black clothing and hair, showing his obsession with appearances and control. He insults his own daughter Decima and dismisses Rupert as a jellyfish. His behavior throughout is condescending and manipulative, reinforcing the portrait of a domineering patriarch.
3. Why does Robin decide not to leave Murphy, despite the strain? Robin reasons that walking out on Murphy while he is emotionally vulnerable would be cruel. She also recalls recent suicides (Charlotte Campbell and Kim's ex‑boyfriend), which makes her reluctant to abandon him. Her decision is pragmatic and compassionate, but the chapter leaves open whether she will stay long‑term.