Chapter summaries The Last Devil To Die Richard Osman

Chapter 23 (Chapter 22) Summary & Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Chapter Summary

The chapter opens with Ron locked in a one-sided monologue about computers directed at Bob Whittaker from Wordsworth Court. Ibrahim enters after timing Ron’s speech at exactly 8 minutes and 40 seconds, noting that Bob spoke only four times. Ibrahim dryly recounts Bob’s minimal responses, exposing Ron’s obliviousness. Ron sheepishly apologizes, and the trio turns to their real business: Mervyn’s romance scam.

Ron and Ibrahim previously visited Mervyn, explaining their suspicions about the online relationship with “Tatiana.” Because Mervyn tends to dismiss information from women, they judged it best to deliver the news themselves. Mervyn agreed to stop communicating for a week and handed over his correspondence so a trap could be set. The goal is to identify the scammer and either confront them (Ron’s preference) or involve the authorities (Ibrahim’s preference). Mervyn still holds out hope that Tatiana is real, a hope Ron understands—he has his own relationship struggles with Pauline. The two had a disagreement over when to open Christmas presents, and they are currently on a break. Ron misses her but refuses to apologize.

Bob Whittaker was recruited due to his technical skill demonstrated on New Year’s Eve. Joyce had warned that Bob might be shy, but Ibrahim’s explanation of the romance-fraud plan (fueled by a TV program Bob and Joyce watched) convinced him to help eagerly. Bob opens Tatiana’s latest message, which Ron reads aloud in an exaggerated (and undisciplined) accent. The message claims Tatiana’s brother has fallen from a ladder and needs £2,000 for medical bills; otherwise she cannot visit Mervyn. The obvious appeal for money is laced with pressure, and Ibrahim begins typing a reply in character: “My darling Tatiana, how I long for your touch…”

Ron decides to leave Ibrahim and Bob to compose the reply. As he walks home through Coopers Chase, he spots a fox with white-tipped ears—a creature Ron respects for its honesty. He reflects on his relationship with Pauline, acknowledging that some of her preferences (Radio 2, a French film, delayed gift opening) weren’t so bad after all. Still, he feels stubborn about conceding. He wishes she were there, looks at his phone for an unsent goodnight message, and realizes only later that he missed an important sign: his flat light was off, contrary to his habit. Because he was distracted by thoughts of Pauline, he walked straight into a trap.

Key Events

  • Ron’s extended, one-sided speech about computers is timed and critiqued by Ibrahim.
  • Bob Whittaker joins Ron and Ibrahim to help set a trap for Mervyn’s romance scammer.
  • The three read Tatiana’s latest message, which asks for £2,000 for a brother’s hospital bills.
  • Ibrahim begins composing a flirtatious reply as bait.
  • Ron leaves, reflects on his relationship with Pauline, and misses the clue that his flat light is off.
  • Ron unknowingly walks into a trap set in his own flat.

Character Development

  • Ron: His stubbornness and love of self-expression are on full display, yet Ibrahim’s gentle mockery shows Ron can be humbled. Ron’s internal conflict over Pauline reveals vulnerability beneath his gruff exterior. His failure to notice the missing light highlights a growing distraction from personal relationships.
  • Ibrahim: Demonstrates sharp observation and patience (timing Ron) as well as tactical thinking. He takes charge of the scam trap, composing the reply himself, showing his analytical side.
  • Bob Whittaker: Initially shy but eager to help when given clear purpose. He emerges as a tech-savvy ally, willing to assist the Thursday Murder Club.
  • Mervyn (offstage): Described as reluctant to hear truth from women, reinforcing earlier characterizations of traditional views. His vulnerability to the scam underscores loneliness.
  • Pauline (mentioned): Represents a stabilizing force in Ron’s life; even their trivial argument causes him to self-reflect.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Trust and Deception: The chapter revolves around a romance scam, juxtaposing Mervyn’s misplaced trust with Ron’s trust in Pauline’s return. The fox—described as not pretending to be something else—symbolizes honest nature versus human deception.
  • Stubbornness and Growth: Ron’s refusal to apologize conflicts with his growing realization that Pauline might actually be good for him. His mental jury is still out, hinting at future change.
  • Missing the Obvious: The chapter ends with Ron missing a clear warning (light off) because he is preoccupied. This foreshadows a potential confrontation or attack inside his flat.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter advances the subplot of Mervyn’s romance scam, transforming it from passive concern into active investigation. It also deepens Ron’s character arc by showing his softer side and the consequences of his distraction. The cliffhanger (“walked straight into the trap”) injects immediate tension, setting up the next chapter’s conflict and raising stakes for the entire murder club.

Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the trap that Ron, Ibrahim, and Bob are setting, and what is their plan?
They plan to send replies to Tatiana (the scammer) pretending to be Mervyn, in order to arrange a meeting or gather evidence. Ron wants to confront the scammer physically; Ibrahim prefers to involve authorities. Bob is acting as the tech expert.

2. How does Ron’s relationship with Pauline affect his actions in this chapter?
Ron’s preoccupation with his break with Pauline distracts him from noticing that his flat light is off. He misses the sign of danger because he is thinking about sending her a goodnight kiss, which leads him to walk into a trap.

3. What does the fox symbolize, and why does Ron admire it?
The fox symbolizes honesty and straightforwardness. Ron appreciates that the fox doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not, in contrast to the scammers and—perhaps—to Ron’s own stubborn denial about his feelings for Pauline.