The Running Grave Chapter 16: Strike's Self-Loathing & Sheila's Testimony
⚠️ 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
After a tense silence following their argument, Strike's second date with Bijou Watkins leaves him disgusted and confronting his feelings for Robin. Meanwhile, Robin and Detective Murphy have their first serious row when he discovers her undercover assignment at Chapman Farm may last weeks, not days; their reconciliation is uneasy. Robin drives to Coventry to interview Sheila Kennett, an elderly former resident of the farm. Sheila reveals details of life on the commune from 1969 onward: the arrival of Jonathan Wace, the birth of Mazu's daughter Daiyu, the punishments inflicted after Daiyu's drowning death, and the death of her husband Brian from a tumor after being forced to labor. Sheila's account exposes the cult's manipulation and cruelty, deepening Robin's resolve to stop them.
Key Events
- Strike attends a second date with Bijou, instantly regrets it, and has sex with her despite actively disliking her—a first for him.
- Robin and Murphy argue in a Piccadilly bar after Murphy realizes her undercover job is open-ended, not just one week. He accuses Strike of pressuring her; Robin angrily leaves, then accepts Murphy's apology.
- Robin drives to Coventry and meets Sheila Kennett, an 85-year-old widow living in a shabby bungalow.
- Sheila recounts her history at Chapman Farm (originally Forgeman Farm) as a hippie in 1969 with her husband Brian.
- Sheila describes the early commune including Rust Andersen, Harold Coates, and the later arrest of the Crowther brothers for child abuse.
- After the police raid, Sheila and Brian left but returned because Mazu invited them back for Brian's farming skills.
- Jonathan Wace arrived with his daughter Abigail; Mazu gave birth to Daiyu. Jonathan began giving talks, starting the Universal Humanitarian Church.
- After Daiyu's drowning, punishments were meted out to those deemed responsible, including Brian, who was already ill with a brain tumor. Brian died in the temple.
- Jonathan manipulated Sheila into believing Brian's death was her fault.
- Robin comforts Sheila and promises to try to stop the cult.
Character Development
- Strike: Knows he behaved unreasonably but does not apologize. His failed date with Bijou forces him to acknowledge his feelings for Robin, leading to self-disgust and a low mood.
- Robin: Feels annoyed at herself for dwelling on the argument, but also frustrated with Murphy's assumptions. She demonstrates professionalism by refocusing on the job despite personal turmoil. Her interview with Sheila shows empathy and determination.
- Ryan Murphy: Reveals a controlling streak similar to Robin's ex-husband; he blames Strike and fails to listen properly. His apology suggests willingness to repair, but the underlying tension persists.
- Sheila Kennett: A vivid witness whose memory of the farm is sharp despite her age. She is traumatized by her husband's death and Jonathan's manipulation, yet proud of her hippie past. She offers crucial evidence of abuse and coercive control.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Manipulation and Control: Jonathan Wace's ability to make followers believe they are at fault for their own suffering—manifested in his treatment of Sheila after Brian's death.
- Memory and Trauma: Sheila's selective memory (vivid on farm history, forgetful of recent events) mirrors how trauma shapes recollection. The recurring line "I don't remember yesterday sometimes, but I remember all that" underscores the lasting impact.
- Cost of Devotion: Sheila's unquestioning belief in Jonathan, and her eventual disillusionment, illustrates the price of blind faith. Brian's death from a tumor while being forced to work is a literal cost.
- Personal vs Professional Life: Both Strike and Robin struggle to balance their feelings with their work. Strike's date is a distraction from his real emotions; Robin's argument with Murphy underscores the difficulty of maintaining a relationship while undercover.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter provides the first extended firsthand account of life inside Chapman Farm during its early days, directly linking the commune's origins to the later cult of the Universal Humanitarian Church. Sheila's testimony confirms that abuse, punishment, and psychological manipulation were central to the group's control, long before the present investigation. It also deepens Robin's personal motivation: she hears the victim's plea to "stop them." For Strike, his failed date and growing self-awareness set up emotional stakes that will resonate with the job ahead. The chapter lays essential groundwork for understanding the history of the farm and the nature of the threat Robin will face undercover.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What does Sheila Kennett's memory of the farm suggest about her reliability as a witness?
Sheila's memory is selective: she cannot recall yesterday but vividly remembers events from decades ago—names, punishments, and conversations. This aligns with the way trauma can imprint specific details while dulling everyday recollection. She also repeats herself (e.g., asking if Robin knows what "pot" is) and contradicts herself (saying she was happy yet describing horrendous abuse), which reflects the cognitive dissonance of a former cult member. Overall, her testimony is credible for key facts, but her perspective is coloured by Jonathan's manipulation.
2. How does Murphy's reaction to Robin's undercover job mirror Matthew's behaviour in earlier books?
Murphy assumes Strike is pressuring Robin, questions her ability to refuse, and expects her to limit her professional commitment to suit his comfort. This echoes Matthew's possessiveness and his attempts to dictate Robin's career choices. Robin explicitly notices the similarity, which adds to her frustration and underscores the recurring theme of men trying to control her work life.
3. Why is Strike's second date with Bijou significant for his character arc?
Having sex with someone he actively dislikes is a new low for Strike. It forces him to recognize that he is using Bijou to avoid his feelings for Robin, but the experience backfires, leaving him with self-revulsion and intensifying his awareness of his attraction. This sets up a turning point: Strike may be forced to confront his emotional avoidance more directly.