Chapter summaries The Last Devil To Die Richard Osman

Chapter 27 Summary: The Last Devil To Die

⚠️ 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

Early morning in a cold Portakabin, Donna keeps her puffa jacket on while Chris nurses vending-machine tea. Chris reports that inquiries about Dom Holt and Mitch Maxwell paint a grim picture—Kuldesh had no idea who he was dealing with. Donna wonders whether Dom Holt would steal his own heroin; Chris suggests a falling-out with his boss. They consider talking to Jason Ritchie, Ron's son, who moves in interesting circles. SIO Jill Regan arrives, chastising Donna for her dress and questioning their phone-record requests. She presses them about Kuldesh's missing phone, accusing them of having it. Chris and Donna deflect, insisting they are not on the case. After Jill leaves, Chris confirms she has gone and asks Donna if she has anything from Elizabeth's phone. Donna checks her watch and expects something soon.

Key Events

  • Chris shares his bleak findings on Dom Holt and Mitch Maxwell.
  • Donna and Chris discuss the possibility that Dom Holt might not have stolen his own heroin.
  • They plan to approach Jason Ritchie, Ron's son, for information.
  • SIO Jill Regan enters the Portakabin and criticizes Donna's attire.
  • Regan demands to know where Kuldesh Sharma's phone is.
  • Regan reveals she checked Donna's previous phone-record requests, suggesting she suspects they are involved.
  • Donna and Chris deny having the phone and claim to be focused on a different case.
  • Regan warns them to stay away from the case and exits, leaving the door open.
  • Once alone, Chris confirms Regan has left and asks about Elizabeth's phone.
  • Donna indicates they are waiting for results from that phone.

Character Development

  • Donna: Demonstrates resilience and quick thinking under pressure from Regan. She maintains her composure while being accused, and shows she is actively pursuing an independent line of inquiry (Elizabeth's phone).
  • Chris: Supports Donna, using sarcasm to deflect Regan's accusations. He shows loyalty and willingness to bend rules for the sake of the investigation.
  • Jill Regan: Emerges as a formidable antagonist—observant, confrontational, and willing to threaten colleagues. Her suspicion about the phone suggests she is not easily fooled.
  • Jason Ritchie (mentioned): Positioned as a potential source of underworld intelligence, though not yet appearing in person.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Jurisdictional conflict: The tension between local police (Donna and Chris) and the National Crime Agency (Jill Regan) highlights struggles over authority and information in a high-stakes case.
  • Cold and isolation: The freezing Portakabin symbolizes the characters' marginalization and the discomfort of operating outside official channels.
  • Missing evidence: The absent phone drives the plot—Regan believes Donna and Chris have it; they are actually waiting for data from another phone (Elizabeth's).
  • Bravado and sarcasm: Both Chris and Donna use humour and defiance to maintain control in the face of intimidation.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter raises the stakes by revealing that the National Crime Agency is monitoring Donna and Chris's actions. Jill Regan's direct accusation forces them to operate even more covertly. The mention of waiting for results from Elizabeth's phone ties the subplot to the main mystery and promises key revelations. The chapter also sets up a potential confrontation with Jason Ritchie, expanding the cast of characters connected to the drug trade. Overall, it deepens the sense of danger and the need for the protagonists to work outside official lines.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Jill Regan suspect Donna and Chris have Kuldesh Sharma's phone? Regan noticed that Donna requested phone records related to the case before it was officially handed over to the National Crime Agency. She interprets this as evidence that Donna and Chris are withholding the phone.

  2. How do Donna and Chris deflect Regan's accusations? Chris uses sarcasm—claiming they are focused on chasing horses—while Donna firmly denies having the phone and does not reveal their actual investigation. They maintain a facade of innocence while awaiting intelligence from Elizabeth's phone.

  3. What is the significance of the line "Anything from Elizabeth’s phone?" at the end of the chapter? It reveals that Donna and Chris are indeed pursuing an independent line of inquiry, using a phone they have obtained (presumably from Elizabeth). This directly contradicts their denials and sets up a future plot development where the phone's contents may provide crucial leads.

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