Chapter summaries The Last Devil To Die Richard Osman

Chapter 1 Summary: Boxing Day Lunch and Mervyn’s Scampi

⚠️ 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

On Boxing Day, the Coopers Chase friends—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, Ibrahim—gather for lunch at the estate’s restaurant. They invite the new resident, Mervyn Collins, who has struggled to make friends. Conversation is stilted, with Mervyn revealing little about himself. Over scampi and chips (Mervyn’s Wednesday habit), the group learns that Mervyn has a “sweetheart” named Tatiana in Lithuania, whom he has never met. He claims she has had her passport taken by authorities and that he sent her brother £5,000 plus additional cash that was stolen. Elizabeth gently suspects a romance scam and offers to vet any future requests for money. The chapter ends with a toast, blending holiday cheer with underlying concern for Mervyn.

Key Events

  • The gang plus Mervyn sit down for a Boxing Day lunch at the Coopers Chase restaurant, wearing paper crowns from Joyce.
  • Mervyn orders scampi and boiled potatoes, noting it is Wednesday—the usual scampi day.
  • Through awkward conversation, Mervyn shares that he was a headteacher, married, on his third dog, and likes Elton John.
  • Elizabeth directly asks about Mervyn’s romantic life. He reveals he has a sweetheart named Tatiana in Lithuania.
  • Mervyn explains that Tatiana’s passport has been taken, she had cash stolen, and he sent her brother £5,000.
  • Elizabeth recognizes the hallmarks of a romance scam and offers to use her contacts to help Mervyn verify future requests.
  • Joyce, who has been baking Mervyn cakes, notes his lack of romantic interest in her—he clarifies he meant romantic attention.
  • The group raises a toast: “Happy Boxing Day” and “Happy Wednesday, 26th of December.”

Character Development

  • Elizabeth – Demonstrates her instinctive suspicion and protective nature. Though retired from spy work, she quickly spots a potential scam and offers discreet assistance. She also reflects on her husband Stephen’s declining health, adding emotional weight.
  • Joyce – Shows kindness by inviting Mervyn, but also reveals her romantic interest in him. Her flirting is gentle and good-natured; she accepts his deflection without resentment.
  • Ron – Tries to make conversation, referring to Mervyn as a “soap-opera villain.” He shows warmth by joining the toast and making an effort.
  • Ibrahim – Adds a touch of erudition, correcting the plural “scampi” to “scampo.” His comment about loneliness at Christmas reinforces the group’s ethos.
  • Mervyn Collins – Remains guarded and slightly eccentric. His story about Tatiana suggests naivety or a desire for connection, making him a potential victim of fraud. He is polite but secretive.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Trust and Deception – The central tension of the chapter. Mervyn appears to be the victim of an online romance scam, while Elizabeth offers her help but must tread carefully to avoid alienating him.
  • Loneliness and Community – The gang’s inclusion of Mervyn reflects the Coopers Chase community’s commitment to no one being lonely at Christmas. Mervyn’s backstory highlights the vulnerability that comes with isolation.
  • Time and Routine – Mervyn’s insistence that it is Wednesday and that he always has scampi on Wednesdays suggests a rigid adherence to routine, perhaps as a comfort against uncertainty.
  • The Paper Crowns – A symbol of festive tradition and the group’s playful spirit, but also a gentle reminder that appearances can be absurd (Joyce’s crown threatens to blindfold her).

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter serves as the second chapter of the novel (indexed as Chapter 1 in the book) and introduces a new, recurring character—Mervyn Collins. It establishes the potential plotline of a romance scam, which may connect to larger criminal threads in the story. More importantly, it deepens the reader’s understanding of Elizabeth’s personal struggles (her husband Stephen’s dementia) and the group’s dynamic of mutual care. The chapter also showcases the author’s signature blend of humor and pathos, balancing light moments (the scampi plural, Joyce’s flirtation) with empathy for Mervyn’s situation. It sets the stage for the mystery that will unfold.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Elizabeth offer to help Mervyn with any future requests for money from Tatiana’s brother?
Elizabeth immediately recognizes the classic signs of a romance scam: an online relationship with someone overseas, requests for money to solve fabricated emergencies, and a never-met-in-person clause. She does not want to confront Mervyn directly and risk him becoming defensive, so she offers her “contacts” as a polite way to intervene before he loses more money.

2. How does Joyce’s character come across in this chapter?
Joyce is warm, inclusive, and slightly mischievous. She orchestrated Mervyn’s invitation and has been baking him cakes, hoping for romantic attention. When Mervyn clarifies he meant romantic attention from Tatiana, Joyce laughs off the slight with good humor. She remains friendly and supportive, embodying the group’s compassionate nature.

3. What does the conversation about Mervyn’s “scampi fan” reveal about the group’s efforts?
Ron’s attempt to make small talk by pointing out Mervyn’s scampi choice shows the group actively trying to include him. The awkwardness of the exchange—and Mervyn’s dry reply about Wednesdays—underscores the difficulty of connecting with someone so guarded. It also adds a touch of comedy typical of the series.

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