Chapter Twenty-Eight: Perez Investigates in Stromness
⚠️ 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
Perez returns to Stromness and checks the ferry terminal for the Johnsons' car and passenger list, finding no trace. He phones Ellie, who confirms they have contacted other operators and are checking hotels and B&Bs. Later, back at a cafe, Perez interviews waitress Natalie, who was working the day George Riley died. Natalie reveals she knew Riley from pantomime and that he tried to stop online bullying against her, but she quit. She also mentions a distant relation to Archie Stout. Perez asks about Rosalie Greeman, a woman in a distinctive patchwork coat, but Natalie does not recall her. The cafe manager has no record of Greeman paying by card. Perez feels he wasted the day, though he gained insight into Riley's character and the social media aspect.
Key Events
- Perez monitors the ferry terminal in Stromness for the Johnsons, finds no trace of their car or passenger booking.
- He coordinates with Ellie to check all transport operators and local accommodations.
- At a cafe, he interviews waitress Natalie, who was present on the day George Riley was killed at Maeshowe.
- Natalie shares that Riley had tried to defend her from online bullying after panto rehearsal photos were posted.
- She reveals a distant familial connection to Archie Stout.
- Perez asks about Rosalie Greeman; Natalie cannot recall her, and the manager has no card transaction.
- Perez learns that the murders are being called "The Story Stone Murders" by a tabloid and Radio Orkney.
Character Development
Jimmy Perez – He is methodical but frustrated by dead ends. His observation about Riley's universal admiration makes him wonder if the man harbored a dark secret. He also reflects on the strange nature of celebrity and murder, realizing he cannot save everyone.
Natalie – A young waitress with low self-esteem due to social media bullying. She craves connection to the investigation and is excited by the drama, yet she is a reliable witness. Her story humanizes the impact of Riley's kindness and the cruelty of others.
George Riley (offstage) – Even after death, his character grows through Natalie's account: he actively tried to stop bullying, showing a protective side. This deepens Perez's suspicion that such universal goodness might mask something hidden.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Celebrity and Fame – Perez reflects on how murder makes investigating officers famous and how people like Natalie seek vicarious drama from true crime. The tabloid term "Story Stone Murders" turns tragedy into a media spectacle.
Island Community and Family Ties – Natalie's distant relation to Archie Stout illustrates the interconnectedness of Orcadian families, a recurring motif in the novel.
Hidden Depths – Riley's universally positive reputation contrasts with the possibility of a secret, a theme that drives Perez's investigation.
Social Media Bullying – The chapter highlights the cruel side of online communities, which contributed to Natalie leaving the panto and may be relevant to the case.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter Twenty-Eight is a procedural interlude that advances the search for the Johnsons and explores the human dimensions of the case. Perez's conversation with Natalie provides insight into George Riley's character beyond the public admiration, suggesting he may not have been entirely open. The chapter also introduces the social media element, which could be a motive or a clue. The dead ends emphasize the difficulty of solving a murder in a close-knit island setting.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Perez ask Natalie about Rosalie Greeman?
Perez is trying to verify the movements of a potential witness. Rosalie Greeman was seen wearing a distinctive patchwork coat and may have been at the cafe on the day Riley was killed. He hopes Natalie or the cafe records can confirm her presence and possibly link her to the crime.
2. What does Perez learn about Natalie's relationship with Riley and Archie?
Natalie knew Riley from pantomime; he tried to protect her from online bullying but failed. She is distantly related to Archie Stout through a shared great-aunt, though she did not know him well. This shows the overlapping social networks in Orkney.
3. How does the concept of "celebrity" appear in this chapter?
Perez reflects on the weirdness of murder making him a local celebrity. Natalie is excited by the investigation and seeks connection to the drama. The tabloids have branded the case "The Story Stone Murders", turning the deaths into a media story. This theme contrasts the real tragedy with the public’s fascination.