Wiki - Cumbria Crime Book 5 - The Lake

Plot:

The Lake follows DI Zoe Finch and her team as they investigate the murder of Josh McKenzie, whose body is found in Ennerdale Water. The investigation uncovers a complex web of blackmail, drug dealing, and police corruption, ultimately leading to the arrest of PC Tel Cummings and the revelation of DI Ralph Streeting's involvement with organized crime.

The Crime:

The novel centers on the murder of Josh McKenzie, a chef at the Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel. McKenzie's body is discovered in Ennerdale Water with his throat slashed. The investigation initially focuses on Peter Raymond, the hotel manager, but later shifts to Kate Bellamy, McKenzie's girlfriend. Detectives uncover McKenzie's involvement in a blackmail and drug dealing operation, which complicates the case. The team follows several leads, including a mysterious taxi ride and McKenzie's connections to various individuals, before ultimately arresting Kate Bellamy for the murder.

Sub Plots:

  1. Police Corruption: DI Finch investigates corruption within the police force, uncovering PC Tel Cummings' involvement in the drug operation and DI Ralph Streeting's connections to organized crime.
  2. Blackmail Ring: The team discovers a blackmail operation run by McKenzie and Cummings, targeting various individuals including police officers.
  3. Bobby Silver's Murder: The investigation into McKenzie's death leads to the discovery of Bobby Silver's involvement and her subsequent murder, likely orchestrated by DI Streeting.
  4. Elena's Trafficking: A ongoing subplot involves the search for trafficked women, including Elena, who is staying with DC Nina Kapoor.

Main characters:

  1. DI Zoe Finch
  2. DS Aaron Keyes
  3. DC Nina Kapoor
  4. DC Tom Willis
  5. PC/DS Harriett Barnes
  6. DI Carl Whaley
  7. Josh McKenzie
  8. Kate Bellamy

Relationship development:

  • Zoe Finch and Carl Whaley: Their relationship deepens as they work together on the corruption investigation.
  • Tom Willis and Harriett Barnes: Their past relationship is complicated by the revelation of Harriett's true identity as an undercover PSD officer.
  • Aaron Keyes and Bobby Silver: Aaron develops a friendship with Bobby, unaware of her involvement in criminal activities.
  • Nina Kapoor and Elena: Nina provides support and shelter for Elena, a trafficking victim.

Police Corruption and Organised Crime investigation:

The novel reveals a complex network of corruption within the Cumbria police force. PC Tel Cummings confesses to involvement in drug dealing and the death of Victoria Speares. DI Ralph Streeting is strongly suspected of working for organized crime boss Myron Carter, though concrete evidence proves elusive. The investigation uncovers links between corrupt officers, drug dealers, and traffickers. By the end of the novel, the team has made progress in exposing the corruption but has not yet brought down the entire network. The discovery of potential trafficking victims near a paper mill in Workington provides a new lead in the ongoing investigation into Myron Carter's criminal empire.

DI Zoe Finch:

Introduction:
DI Zoe Finch is a fictional detective inspector in The Lake. She leads the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the West Cumbria police station, known as the Hub.

Overview:
Zoe Finch is a dedicated and skilled detective who consistently demonstrates her ability to solve complex cases. She maintains a strong ethical code while navigating the challenges of police work and personal relationships.

Background:
Finch previously worked in Birmingham before transferring to Cumbria. She has a son, Nicholas, who attends university in Scotland. Finch's past includes working under the corrupt Detective Superintendent David Randle, which has influenced her approach to investigating police corruption.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Finch leads the investigation into Josh McKenzie's murder. She uncovers a complex web of blackmail, drug dealing, and police corruption. Finch also pursues an ongoing investigation into organized crime, particularly focusing on Myron Carter and the suspected corrupt officer, DI Ralph Streeting. She balances her professional duties with personal relationships, including her partnership with DI Carl Whaley from the Professional Standards Department.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Zoe Finch
  • Age: Late 30s to early 40s (implied)
  • Place of Birth: Unknown (likely Birmingham area)
  • Current Residence: Whitehaven, Cumbria
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: University degree (implied)
  • Occupation: Detective Inspector
  • Income Level: Middle-class professional
  • Relationship Status: In a relationship with DI Carl Whaley
  • Car: Mini

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

DS Aaron Keyes:

Introduction:
DS Aaron Keyes is a fictional detective sergeant in The Lake. He serves as a key member of DI Zoe Finch's team at the West Cumbria police station.

Overview:
Aaron Keyes is a dedicated and skilled detective who has overcome personal trauma to continue his police work. He demonstrates strong analytical skills and a commitment to solving cases, despite facing challenges related to his mental health.

Background:
Keyes grew up in Elterwater, Cumbria. He is openly gay and married to Serge, with whom he has adopted a daughter named Annabel. Keyes has experienced significant trauma in his career, including a near-death experience that led to PTSD, for which he has undergone therapy.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Keyes plays a crucial role in the investigation of Josh McKenzie's murder. He pursues leads related to McKenzie's past, including connections to the King George's Dining Rooms. Keyes also unwittingly befriends Bobby Silver, unaware of her involvement in criminal activities. His personal struggles with PTSD and recovery form a subplot within the main narrative.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Aaron Keyes
  • Age: Late 30s to early 40s (implied)
  • Place of Birth: Elterwater, Cumbria
  • Current Residence: Whitehaven area, Cumbria
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: University degree (implied)
  • 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: Black
  • Eye colour: Not specified
  • Hair colour: Not specified
  • Face shape: Not specified
  • Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
  • Physical ailments or injuries: Has experienced PTSD following a traumatic incident

DC Nina Kapoor:

Introduction:
DC Nina Kapoor is a fictional detective constable in The Lake. She serves as a key member of DI Zoe Finch's team at the West Cumbria police station.

Overview:
Nina Kapoor is a determined and ambitious detective who demonstrates strong investigative skills and a keen interest in advancing her career. She possesses a talent for singing, particularly Elvis songs, which has earned her local popularity.

Background:
Kapoor has a traumatic experience from her youth involving a frozen lake, which continues to affect her. She harbors ambitions to become a detective sergeant and actively works towards this goal throughout the story.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Kapoor plays a crucial role in the investigation of Josh McKenzie's murder. She conducts interviews at the Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel and ultimately apprehends the murderer, Kate Bellamy, in a tense confrontation on a frozen lake. Kapoor also provides shelter for Elena, a victim of human trafficking, demonstrating her compassion alongside her professional skills.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Nina Kapoor
  • Age: Late 20s to early 30s (implied)
  • Place of Birth: Not specified (likely Cumbria)
  • Current Residence: Whitehaven area, Cumbria
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: University degree (implied)
  • 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 (implied to be of South Asian descent)
  • Eye colour: Not specified
  • Hair colour: Not specified
  • Face shape: Not specified
  • Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
  • Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned, but experiences psychological distress around frozen bodies of water

DC Tom Willis:

Introduction:
DC Tom Willis is a fictional detective constable in The Lake. He serves as a member of DI Zoe Finch's team at the West Cumbria police station.

Overview:
Tom Willis is a dedicated and methodical detective who excels in interviewing witnesses and suspects. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and attention to detail, which proves valuable in complex investigations.

Background:
Willis has previously experienced trauma during a case involving Alice Winstanley, where he was held at gunpoint. This experience has influenced his approach to police work. He has a past romantic relationship with PC Harriett Barnes, which complicates their professional interactions.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Willis plays a significant role in the investigation of Josh McKenzie's murder. He conducts crucial interviews at the Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel, uncovering important information about McKenzie's activities and relationships. Willis also participates in the pursuit of Bobby Silver, alongside Harriett Barnes, leading to the discovery of Silver's murder.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Tom Willis
  • Age: Late 20s to early 30s (implied)
  • Place of Birth: Not specified (likely Cumbria)
  • Current Residence: Whitehaven area, Cumbria
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: University degree (implied)
  • Occupation: Detective Constable
  • Income Level: Middle-class professional
  • Relationship Status: Single, with a complicated history with Harriett Barnes
  • Car: Not specified, but drives a car described as cleaner and more reliable than Nina's

Physical Attributes:

  • Height: Described as "stick-thin"
  • Weight: Implied to be slim
  • Build: Thin
  • 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, but has experienced psychological trauma from past cases

PC/DS Harriett Barnes:

Introduction:
PC/DS Harriett Barnes is a fictional police officer in The Lake. She initially appears as a uniformed police constable but is later revealed to be an undercover detective sergeant working for the Professional Standards Department (PSD).

Overview:
Harriett Barnes demonstrates exceptional skills in police work, particularly in driving and undercover operations. She maintains a professional demeanor while navigating complex personal relationships within the force.

Background:
Barnes joined West Yorkshire Police as a uniformed officer before being recruited by DCI Branthwaite for undercover work with PSD. She received specialized training and was placed in the West Cumbria police station to investigate potential corruption.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Barnes plays a dual role. As PC Barnes, she assists in various aspects of the Josh McKenzie murder investigation. Her true identity as DS Barnes is revealed later in the story, where she becomes instrumental in uncovering police corruption, particularly in relation to PC Tel Cummings. Barnes also participates in the pursuit of Bobby Silver, showcasing her advanced driving skills.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Harriett Barnes
  • Age: Late 20s to early 30s (implied)
  • Place of Birth: Not specified (likely West Yorkshire)
  • Current Residence: Whitehaven area, Cumbria
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: University degree (implied)
  • Occupation: Detective Sergeant (undercover as Police Constable)
  • Income Level: Middle-class professional
  • Relationship Status: Single, with a complicated history with Tom Willis
  • Car: Drives police vehicles, noted for exceptional driving skills

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

DI Carl Whaley:

Introduction:
DI Carl Whaley is a fictional detective inspector in The Lake. He works for the Professional Standards Department (PSD) at the West Cumbria police station.

Overview:
Carl Whaley is a dedicated and principled officer who specializes in investigating police corruption. He maintains a strong ethical stance while navigating the complexities of internal investigations and personal relationships within the force.

Background:
Whaley's background in PSD has equipped him with specialized skills in detecting and addressing police misconduct. He has developed a reputation for thoroughness and impartiality in his investigations.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Whaley plays a crucial role in the investigation of police corruption, particularly focusing on PC Tel Cummings. He collaborates closely with DI Zoe Finch, balancing professional duties with their personal relationship. Whaley also oversees the undercover operation involving DS Harriett Barnes and provides valuable insights into the broader corruption investigation.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Carl Whaley
  • Age: Late 30s to early 40s (implied)
  • Place of Birth: Not specified
  • Current Residence: Whitehaven, Cumbria
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: University degree (implied)
  • Occupation: Detective Inspector (Professional Standards Department)
  • Income Level: Middle-class professional
  • Relationship Status: In a relationship with DI Zoe Finch
  • 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

Josh McKenzie:

Introduction:
Josh McKenzie is a fictional character in The Lake. He serves as the murder victim whose death sparks the main investigation in the novel.

Overview:
Josh McKenzie was a chef with a complex criminal background, involved in drug dealing, blackmail, and police corruption. He demonstrated manipulative behavior and a talent for exploiting others' vulnerabilities.

Background:
McKenzie previously worked at the King George's Dining Rooms before moving to the Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel. He had a history of domestic violence, resulting in charges that were later dropped. McKenzie developed a network of criminal activities, including a blackmail operation targeting various individuals, including police officers.

Role in this Story:
McKenzie's murder serves as the central mystery of the novel. The investigation into his death uncovers his extensive criminal activities, including his role in a drug distribution network and a blackmail ring. His relationships with various characters, including his girlfriend Kate Bellamy and corrupt police officer Tel Cummings, drive much of the plot.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Josh McKenzie
  • Age: Mid to late 30s
  • Place of Birth: Likely Scotland (based on previous residence)
  • Current Residence: Bassenthwaite area, Cumbria (at time of death)
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: Not specified, likely culinary training
  • Occupation: Chef at Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel
  • Income Level: Middle-class, supplemented by criminal activities
  • Relationship Status: In a relationship with Kate Bellamy at time of death
  • Car: Peugeot 306 (2014 model)

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: Received injuries from an attack by his ex-wife's brother prior to the events of the novel

Kate Bellamy:

Introduction:
Kate Bellamy is a fictional character in The Lake. She works as a receptionist at the Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel and becomes a central figure in the murder investigation.

Overview:
Kate Bellamy presents as a vulnerable and emotionally dependent individual who becomes entangled in Josh McKenzie's criminal activities. She struggles with addiction and exhibits a complex mix of loyalty and resentment towards McKenzie.

Background:
Bellamy's background remains largely unexplored in the novel. She works at the Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel and develops a romantic relationship with Josh McKenzie, becoming unwittingly involved in his criminal activities.

Role in this Story:
Bellamy plays a crucial role as both a witness and ultimately the perpetrator of Josh McKenzie's murder. She initially appears as a grieving girlfriend, providing information to the police. As the investigation progresses, detectives uncover her deeper involvement in McKenzie's activities and her struggle with drug addiction. The novel climaxes with Bellamy's confession and attempted suicide on the frozen Ennerdale Water.

Quick descriptors:

Basic details:

  • Name: Kate Bellamy
  • Age: Late 20s to early 30s (implied)
  • Place of Birth: Not specified
  • Current Residence: Bassenthwaite area, Cumbria
  • Nationality: British
  • Education Level: Not specified
  • Occupation: Receptionist at Bassenthwaite Manor Hotel
  • Income Level: Lower middle-class
  • Relationship Status: In a relationship with Josh McKenzie at the time of his death
  • Car: Not specified

Physical Attributes:

  • Height: Not specified
  • Weight: Not specified
  • Build: Not specified
  • Skin colour: Described as pale
  • Eye colour: Not specified
  • Hair colour: Blonde (dyed)
  • Face shape: Not specified
  • Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
  • Physical ailments or injuries: Exhibits signs of drug addiction, including frequent shaking and paleness