We Solve Murders Chapter 9 (Chapter 7) Summary and 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.
Summary
Steve Wheeler is reading about the murder of Andrew Fairbanks—shot, drowned, and attacked by sharks in South Carolina—and notes the case is where his daughter-in-law Amy is currently working. He turns his attention to his own job: catching a thief at a local shop. He confronts Mollie Bright, the owner's daughter, whom he caught on hidden camera stealing £300. Mollie admits she took the money because a school bully, Lauren Gough, threatened her. Steve chooses to cover for Mollie by pretending an anonymous envelope of cash arrived, using the £300 fee he earned from returning a lost dog. He gives the money to Jenny Bright, Mollie’s mother, who is relieved. After Jenny leaves, Steve tells Mollie he will deal with Lauren Gough himself. Meanwhile, Steve researches the Fairbanks case online, finds the ad was placed by Vivid Viral Media Agency in Letchworth Garden City—a detail that strikes him as odd—and watches Sheriff Justin Scroggie’s press conference. Steve doubts the sheriff will catch the killer, but feels a small pang of envy for the investigation. He decides to go to the pub instead.
Key Events
- Steve reads the news of Andrew Fairbanks’ unusual death in South Carolina and links it to Amy’s location.
- He confronts Mollie Bright with security footage of her stealing from her mother’s shop.
- Mollie reveals that Lauren Gough threatened her, forcing her to steal.
- Steve returns a lost dog to its owners and uses the payment to replace the stolen £300, telling Jenny the money was returned by an anonymous person.
- Steve researches Fairbanks’ Instagram presence and the Vivid Viral Media Agency, noting the agency’s location as suspicious.
- He watches Sheriff Scroggie’s press conference and concludes the killer will not be caught.
- Steve promises Mollie he will speak to Lauren Gough, despite her pleas not to.
Character Development
- Steve Wheeler: Demonstrates a blend of retired detectives instincts and genuine kindness. He chooses not to expose Mollie, using his own ingenuity to solve the theft without punishment. His envy of Sheriff Scroggie’s case shows he still misses the thrill of investigation, but he restrains himself, recognising the case is not his.
- Mollie Bright: Initially scared and defensive, she softens after Steve’s kindness, admitting the bullying and showing remorse. She agrees to walk the dog in repayment.
- Jenny Bright: Trusts Steve completely, accepting his explanation without question. Her gratitude underscores her concern for her daughter and business.
- Lauren Gough: Mentioned only as the bully; Steve knows her father Gary Gough, a known figure to Hampshire police.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Justice vs. Law: Steve willingly subverts the legal process by hiding Mollie’s theft and instead targeting the bully. He delivers his own form of justice, prioritising protection over punishment.
- Retirement and Residual Skill: Steve cannot fully leave detective work behind—he reads murder reports, pieces together clues (the dog’s return using the owner’s jacket), and judges Scroggie’s competence. Retirement is a state of mind, not an end of ability.
- Bullying and Cycles of Harm: The theft is a symptom of bullying, not inherent dishonesty. Steve’s intervention aims to break that cycle.
- Appearance vs. Reality: The Vivid Viral Media Agency in Letchworth and Sheriff Scroggie’s neat uniform both seem off to Steve, hinting that surface impressions hide deeper truths.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter firmly establishes Steve as a protagonist who is both retired and still operating under his own moral code. It creates a direct link between his small-town investigation and the larger, violent case involving Amy, preparing the reader for Steve's eventual involvement in the Fairbanks murder. Steve’s growing suspicion about the agency and sheriff plants foreshadowing for later revelations, while his kindness toward Mollie shows his humanity—setting up his role as a protector, not just a solver of murders.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Steve cover for Mollie instead of turning her in? Steve recognises that Mollie is not a criminal at heart; she was coerced by a bully. He values kindness over strict adherence to rules, especially because the stolen money can be replaced without lasting harm. He also dislikes bullies and wants to protect Mollie from Lauren Gough.
2. What does Steve’s analysis of Sheriff Scroggie’s press conference reveal about his experience as a detective? Steve interprets Scroggie’s phrasing—“We will not rest until the killer… is found”—as a sign of futility, because genuine leads would be stated directly. He also critiques Scroggie’s neat appearance, suggesting he prioritises image over substance. This shows Steve’s seasoned ability to read subtext and predict investigative outcomes.
3. How does the Andrew Fairbanks murder case parallel Steve’s local investigation in this chapter? Both involve uncovering hidden motives—Fairbanks’ death may be tied to the shady Vivid Viral Media Agency, while Mollie’s theft is tied to a bully. Both require reading between the lines (Steve’s suspicion of the agency; his recognition of Lauren’s threat). The chapter contrasts Steve’s successful, low-stakes solving with the ongoing, high-stakes murder mystery he cannot solve yet.