Plot:

The Barn is a police procedural novel set in Cumbria, England. It follows DI Zoe Finch and her team as they investigate the murder of Neil Colvin, a university student involved in a drug distribution network. The case uncovers a web of police corruption and organized crime, leading to multiple deaths and revelations about the local criminal underworld.

The Crime:

The main crime is the murder of Neil Colvin, a chemistry student found stabbed to death outside a burning barn. The investigation reveals Colvin was part of a drug distribution network involving other students and corrupt police officers. DI Finch's team identifies Tony Harris, known as "Topper," as the killer. Harris, a former local drug dealer, sought revenge against those who had stolen his drug supplies. The team tracks Harris down, culminating in a tense standoff where he holds DS Aaron Keyes hostage before being arrested.

Sub Plots:

1. Police Corruption: DI Finch investigates corruption within the police force, uncovering a network involving Carrie Wright and Hussein Mahmoud (Huz), who steal and redistribute confiscated drugs.
2. Organized Crime: Zoe works to uncover links between the drug network and local crime boss Myron Carter, seeking evidence to bring him down.
3. Personal Relationships: The novel explores Zoe's relationship with her partner Carl, who works in Professional Standards, and the strain their work puts on their relationship.
4. DS Aaron Keyes' Personal Struggles: Aaron deals with personal issues affecting his work and home life, culminating in his reckless confrontation with Tony Harris.

Main characters:

1. DI Zoe Finch
2. DS Aaron Keyes
3. DC Nina Kapoor
4. DC Tom Willis
5. Carl Whaley (Zoe's partner, PSD officer)
6. Fiona Kendrick (Detective Superintendent)
7. Tony Harris ("Topper")
8. Carrie Wright (Corrupt police officer)

Relationship development:

• Zoe and Carl: Their relationship is strained by the case and their conflicting professional responsibilities.
• Aaron and his family: Aaron struggles with his home life, affecting his work performance.
• Zoe and her team: The case tests the team's trust and cohesion, particularly after Aaron's reckless actions.
• Nina and Elena: Nina develops a protective relationship with Elena, a trafficking victim.
• Tom and Harriett Barnes: Their brief relationship ends, with later suspicions that Harriett may be an undercover PSD officer.

Police Corruption and Organised Crime investigation:

The investigation reveals a drug distribution network involving university students and corrupt police officers. Carrie Wright and Huz steal confiscated drugs for redistribution. The team suspects links to Myron Carter's organized crime network. Zoe works with a forensic accountant to trace financial connections between Carter's businesses and illegal activities. The novel ends with the arrest of Tony Harris and Carrie Wright, but hints at a larger conspiracy still to be uncovered, involving higher-ranking officials in the police force.

DI Zoe Finch:

Introduction:
DI Zoe Finch is a fictional detective inspector in The Barn. She leads a team of detectives in the Cumbria Constabulary, investigating complex cases involving murder, police corruption, and organized crime.

Overview:
Zoe Finch is known for her sharp investigative skills, dedication to justice, and ability to navigate complex political situations within the police force. She maintains a strong sense of ethics while dealing with challenging cases and internal police corruption.

Background:
Zoe previously worked as a detective in Birmingham before relocating to Cumbria. She brings her experience from a larger urban police force to her current role in the more rural Cumbrian setting. Zoe has a son, Nicholas, who is attending university in Scotland.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Zoe leads the investigation into the murder of Neil Colvin, a university student involved in a drug distribution network. She uncovers links between the murder, police corruption, and organized crime. Zoe works to solve the case while managing her team, navigating departmental politics, and maintaining her relationship with her partner, Carl Whaley, who works in Professional Standards.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Zoe Finch
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Birmingham or surrounding area
• Current Residence: Whitehaven, Cumbria
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: University degree (implied by her rank)
• Occupation: Detective Inspector
• Income Level: Middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with Carl Whaley
• Car: Mini

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified, but described as tall
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Reddish
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

The novel does not provide specific details for many of Zoe's physical attributes or basic details such as exact age, weight, or distinguishing marks.

DS Aaron Keyes:

Introduction:
DS Aaron Keyes is a fictional detective sergeant in The Barn. He serves as the second-in-command to DI Zoe Finch in the Cumbria Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department.

Overview:
Aaron Keyes is a dedicated and experienced detective who struggles with personal issues throughout the novel. He demonstrates strong local knowledge and investigative skills but also shows signs of burnout and emotional distress.

Background:
Aaron has worked in the Cumbria police force for many years, predating DI Finch's arrival. He is married to Serge and they have a daughter named Annabel. Aaron's background includes significant experience with local criminals and informants.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Aaron plays a crucial role in the investigation of Neil Colvin's murder. He experiences personal struggles that affect his work performance and decision-making. The story culminates in Aaron's reckless confrontation with the murderer, Tony Harris, where he allows himself to be taken hostage before ultimately making the arrest.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Aaron Keyes
• Age: Late 30s (exact age not specified, but mentioned as "not yet forty")
• Place of Birth: Likely Cumbria or surrounding area
• Current Residence: Whitehaven, Cumbria
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified, likely police training
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant
• Income Level: Middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: Married to Serge
• Car: Volvo

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: Mentions back pain from sleeping on the sofa

The novel does not provide specific details for many of Aaron's physical attributes or basic details such as exact age, weight, or distinguishing marks. His appearance is not extensively described in the given context.

DC Nina Kapoor:

Introduction:
DC Nina Kapoor is a fictional detective constable in The Barn. She serves as a key member of DI Zoe Finch's team in the Cumbria Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department.

Overview:
Nina Kapoor is a capable and dedicated detective who brings energy and insight to investigations. She demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to go beyond her duties, particularly in her care for Elena, a trafficking victim.

Background:
Nina comes from an Indian background, with her mother playing a significant role in her personal life. She has worked in the Cumbria police force for an unspecified period but is established as a competent member of the team.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Nina actively participates in the investigation of Neil Colvin's murder. She conducts interviews, follows leads, and provides support to her colleagues. Nina also develops a protective relationship with Elena, a trafficking victim she houses, showcasing her compassionate nature alongside her professional skills.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Nina Kapoor
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Cumbria or surrounding area
• Current Residence: Whitehaven, Cumbria
• Nationality: British (of Indian descent)
• Education Level: Not specified, likely university educated
• Occupation: Detective Constable
• Income Level: Middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: Ford Fiesta

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely brown (given her Indian heritage)
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

The novel does not provide specific details for many of Nina's physical attributes or basic details such as exact age, weight, or distinguishing marks. Her appearance is not extensively described in the given context.

DC Tom Willis:

Introduction:
DC Tom Willis is a fictional detective constable in The Barn. He serves as a member of DI Zoe Finch's team in the Cumbria Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department.

Overview:
Tom Willis is a diligent and capable detective who demonstrates strong analytical skills and attention to detail. He excels in technical aspects of investigations, particularly in analyzing CCTV footage and tracing vehicle movements.

Background:
Tom has worked in the Cumbria police force for an unspecified period. He previously had a brief relationship with PC Harriett Barnes, which ended due to professional considerations.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Tom plays a crucial role in the investigation of Neil Colvin's murder. He analyzes CCTV footage, traces vehicle movements, and conducts interviews with suspects and witnesses. Tom's work proves instrumental in identifying Tony Harris as the prime suspect. He also develops a suspicion, later shared with DI Finch, that Harriett Barnes might be an undercover PSD officer.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Tom Willis
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Cumbria or surrounding area
• Current Residence: Whitehaven, Cumbria
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified, likely university educated
• Occupation: Detective Constable
• Income Level: Middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: Single (recently ended relationship with Harriett Barnes)
• Car: Not specified

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

The novel does not provide specific details for many of Tom's physical attributes or basic details such as exact age, weight, or distinguishing marks. His appearance is not extensively described in the given context.

Carl Whaley:

Introduction:
Carl Whaley is a fictional detective inspector in The Barn. He works in the Professional Standards Department (PSD) of the Cumbria Constabulary and is the partner of DI Zoe Finch.

Overview:
Carl Whaley is a dedicated and principled police officer who specializes in investigating police corruption. He maintains a professional demeanor while navigating the complex dynamics of being in a relationship with another detective inspector working in a different department.

Background:
Carl has an established career in the Professional Standards Department. He moved to Cumbria with Zoe Finch, suggesting a previous posting in Birmingham or another location.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Carl plays a crucial role in investigating police corruption related to the drug distribution network. He leads the PSD investigation into Carrie Wright and Hussein Mahmoud (Huz). Carl's work often intersects with Zoe's murder investigation, creating tension in both their professional and personal relationships. He struggles to balance the need for confidentiality in his work with his desire to support Zoe's investigation.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Carl Whaley
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified, possibly Birmingham area
• Current Residence: Whitehaven, Cumbria
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified, likely university educated
• Occupation: Detective Inspector (Professional Standards Department)
• Income Level: Middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with Zoe Finch
• Car: Skoda

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Fiona Kendrick:

Introduction:
Fiona Kendrick is a fictional Detective Superintendent in The Barn. She serves as the superior officer to DI Zoe Finch in the Cumbria Constabulary.

Overview:
Fiona Kendrick is a seasoned and politically astute police officer who manages the complex dynamics of the Cumbria Constabulary. She demonstrates a hands-on approach to management, frequently engaging with DI Finch about ongoing investigations.

Background:
Fiona has a long-standing career in the Cumbria police force. She is married to William Enderby, who participates in local historical reenactment activities. This connection provides her with useful local contacts, including lawyer Alistair Freeburn.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Fiona oversees the investigation into Neil Colvin's murder and the associated police corruption case. She navigates the political aspects of the case, liaising with other departments and senior officers. Fiona supports DI Finch's investigation while also maintaining necessary boundaries between departments. She plays a crucial role in managing the fallout from Hussein Mahmoud's involvement and death.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Fiona Kendrick
• Age: Late 40s to 50s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely Cumbria area
• Current Residence: Cumbria (specific location not mentioned)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified, likely university educated
• Occupation: Detective Superintendent
• Income Level: Upper middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: Married to William Enderby
• Car: Not specified

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Tony Harris:

Introduction:
Tony Harris, also known as "Topper," is a fictional character in The Barn. He is a former drug dealer who becomes the primary antagonist and murderer in the central investigation.

Overview:
Tony Harris is a volatile and dangerous individual with a history in the local drug trade. He demonstrates a capacity for extreme violence and a deep-seated need for revenge against those he believes have wronged him.

Background:
Harris operated as a drug dealer in Cumbria before moving to Norfolk, where he served a prison sentence. His time in prison significantly affected his mental state, leading to the development of unusual behaviors related to open and enclosed spaces.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Harris returns to Cumbria seeking revenge against those who stole his drug supplies. He murders Neil Colvin and Hussein Mahmoud, setting off the main investigation. Harris becomes increasingly unstable and violent, culminating in a standoff where he takes DS Aaron Keyes hostage before being arrested.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Tony Harris (nickname: Topper)
• Age: Early to mid-20s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Cumbria area
• Current Residence: Transient between Cumbria and Norfolk
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Former drug dealer
• Income Level: Varies, likely low to middle income from illegal activities
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: None mentioned, known for walking extensively

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Described as "medium height"
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Brown
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: Short beard mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned, but exhibits psychological issues related to open and enclosed spaces

Carrie Wright:

Introduction:
Carrie Wright is a fictional character in The Barn. She serves as a Police Sergeant in the Cumbria Constabulary and becomes a central figure in the police corruption investigation.

Overview:
Carrie Wright presents a facade of professionalism while secretly engaging in corrupt activities. She demonstrates a capacity for manipulation and a deep involvement in a drug distribution network operating within the police force.

Background:
Wright has an unblemished official record in the Cumbria police force. She uses her position to orchestrate a scheme where she confiscates drugs from local dealers and redistributes them through a network of university students.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Wright's corrupt activities form a significant part of the investigation. She supplies drugs to Neil Colvin and Emma Hudson, unknowingly setting off a chain of events leading to Colvin's murder. Wright becomes a primary target of the Professional Standards Department investigation and refuses to cooperate or provide information about potential higher-level involvement in the corruption scheme.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Carrie Wright
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely Cumbria area
• Current Residence: Cumbria (specific location not mentioned)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified, likely police training and possibly university
• Occupation: Police Sergeant
• Income Level: Middle-class professional, supplemented by illegal activities
• Relationship Status: Not specified
• Car: Not specified

Physical Attributes:

• Height: Described as "medium height"
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Blonde
• Face shape: Described as having a nose and eyes that seem slightly too small for her face
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned