Zoe Finch book 6, Deadly Fallout, is the culmination of a police corruption storyline that first started right at the beginning of the first book in the series, Deadly Wishes.
So, given that this book brings all the strands together, what’s been happening and where have things got to? How much does Zoe know and how close is she to finding out who among her colleagues is, and isn’t, corrupt.
Warning: read on and you’ll find spoilers for the earlier books in the series. If you haven’t read them yet, stop reading now.
Happy? Sure you don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of books 1-5?
Then read on…
(Can you sense I’m trying to create a buffer between the warning and the spoilers?)
The DI Zoe Finch series follows the experiences of Detective Inspector Zoe Finch as she solves murders in West Midlands. The series is character driven with intricate plots.
Book 1 – Deadly Wishes
In the first book in the series, Deadly Wishes, Zoe investigates the murder of Bryn Jackson, the Assistant Chief Constable.
Initially, his death is believed to be the result of an attack by an intruder, but Zoe uncovers evidence that suggests his downtrodden wife, Margaret, might be the killer.
Through a series of interviews and the discovery of Margaret's letters, the investigation reveals that Jackson had been part of a paedophile ring, and that Margaret was having an affair with Detective Superintendent David Randle, Zoe’s boss. Zoe starts to suspect that Randle may also be corrupt, and that he may have been working with Jackson.
We meet crime boss Trevor Hamm when his wife Irina reveals that he had connections to Jackson. Irina is then found dead before she can tell the police more.
Jackson and Hamm’s associates are men in high places, some (but not all) of whom are behind bars thanks to an earlier investigation known as Canary. Zoe made a major contribution to that investigation, which is one reason she was promoted to DI before the start of the book.
Book 2 – Deadly Choices
In Deadly Choices, Zoe is tasked with finding two missing children, Maddy and Ollie Osman.
The case becomes increasingly complex as Zoe discovers that the children’s stepfather, Ian Osman, is a detective sergeant serving in West Midlands Police, and that he also has connections to organised crime.
Zoe discovers connections between Osman, contractor Stuart Reynolds, and organised crime boss Trevor Hamm. Osman may have received payments in the form of home improvements from Reynolds, similar to a scheme involving the late ACC Bryn Jackson.
And Zoe then finds out that her colleague DI Carl Whaley (with whom she’s developing a romantic connection) is an undercover Professional Standards officer leading a parallel investigation into Osman's activities.
The novel also hints at potential involvement of higher-ranking officers, including Detective Superintendent David Randle, in corrupt activities linked to the Canary paedophile network case.
Book 3 - Deadly Desires
The third book, Deadly Desires, focuses on a series of attacks in Birmingham’s gay village. Zoe and her team race to find the perpetrator, dubbed the “Digbeth Ripper” by the media.
Meanwhile, Carl recruits Ian Osman to gather information on organized crime connections within the force. This subplot intersects with the main investigation when Ian must balance his secret assignment with his new duties on Zoe's team.
Book 4 - Deadly Terror
Deadly Terror begins with a bombing at Birmingham Airport that Zoe and her team are called to investigate. A parallel attack at New Street Station is also unveiled, with disastrous consequences for Zoe’s boss DCI Lesley Clarke.
Through the course of the novel, Zoe and her team uncover a complex web of human trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism that leads them to suspect Trevor Hamm, the husband of one of the victims in Deadly Wishes.
Carl’s team in Professional Standards investigates the planting of evidence on a victim at the airport. Ian Osman is revealed to be working for organized crime and is arrested. Even Zoe comes under suspicion due to her proximity to corrupt officers but is ultimately cleared.
The investigation creates tension between Finch and Carl, who is now her boyfriend.
Book 5 - Deadly Reprisal
Deadly Reprisal picks up with Zoe investigating the death of Laurence Thomms, a university student found dead in his hall of residence.
As she digs deeper, she uncovers a network of secrets and lies among the students, including drug use, sexual assault allegations, and a possible connection to a previous case involving human trafficking.
This is set against the backdrop of ongoing investigations into police corruption, particularly focusing on Ian Osman's involvement with organised crime. Zoe discovers a photo linking David Randle to Alina Popescu, the bomber from the earlier terror attack on New Street Station.
So how will the story be resolved? All will be revealed in Deadly Fallout…
