Plot:

Deadly Wishes follows Detective Inspector Zoe Finch as she investigates the murder of Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson. The novel intertwines the murder investigation with revelations of police corruption, art theft, and a pedophile ring. Zoe navigates professional challenges and personal relationships while uncovering a complex web of crimes involving high-ranking police officers and organized crime figures.

The Crime:

Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson is found stabbed to death in his study shortly after his retirement party. Initially, suspicion falls on his wife Margaret, but the investigation reveals deeper connections to art theft and a pedophile ring known as Canary. DI Zoe Finch discovers evidence linking Jackson to the Canary case, complicating the murder investigation. The murder weapon, a hunting knife, belongs to Jackson but was kept in his bedroom. Winona Jackson, the victim's daughter, eventually confesses to the murder after discovering her father's involvement in the pedophile ring.

Sub Plots:

1. Art Theft: The investigation uncovers a connection between Jackson's murder and stolen artwork, particularly a valuable Diebenkorn painting. This subplot involves Trevor Hamm, an organized crime figure, and his associates.
2. Irina Hamm's Death: Initially thought to be an accidental drowning, Irina Hamm's death becomes suspicious when connections between her and the Jackson case emerge. Her husband, Trevor Hamm, is implicated in her death.
3. Police Corruption: DI Finch investigates potential corruption within the police force, particularly focusing on DCI David Randle's connections to Jackson and the Canary case.

Main characters:

1. DI Zoe Finch
2. DS Mo Uddin
3. ACC Bryn Jackson (victim)
4. Margaret Jackson (victim's wife)
5. Winona Jackson (victim's daughter)
6. DCI David Randle
7. Trevor Hamm
8. Irina Hamm

Relationship development:

• Zoe Finch and Mo Uddin: Their close friendship and professional partnership strengthens throughout the investigation.
• Zoe Finch and David Randle: Initially a mentor-mentee relationship, it becomes strained as Zoe suspects Randle's involvement in corruption.
• Margaret Jackson and Winona Jackson: Their relationship deteriorates as Winona's involvement in her father's murder is revealed.
• David Randle and Bryn Jackson: Flashbacks reveal their long-standing friendship and professional collaboration, tainted by corruption.

Police Corruption investigation:

The novel reveals a complex network of corruption within the police force. DI Finch uncovers evidence linking ACC Jackson to the Canary pedophile ring. She also investigates DCI Randle's potential involvement in covering up Jackson's crimes. The corruption extends to connections with organized crime figure Trevor Hamm. As Finch delves deeper, she faces resistance from within the force and threats to her career. The novel concludes with some corrupt officers exposed, but hints at ongoing investigations and unresolved corruption issues.

DI Zoe Finch

Introduction:
Detective Inspector Zoe Finch is a fictional character created by author Rachel McLean. She serves as the protagonist in the DI Zoe Finch series, including the novel Deadly Wishes.

Overview:
Zoe Finch is a dedicated and intuitive detective working for the West Midlands Police Force. She excels at analyzing evidence and connecting complex details in criminal investigations. Her strong sense of justice often leads her to pursue cases beyond her assigned duties, sometimes putting her at odds with her superiors.

Background:
Finch joined the police force in her early twenties and quickly rose through the ranks. She became a Detective Constable in 2003 and earned a reputation for her analytical skills during the Deadly Origins case. Zoe is a single mother to a teenage son, Nicholas, and balances her demanding career with her family responsibilities. She practices karate and values her close friendship with her colleague, DS Mo Uddin.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Wishes, DI Finch investigates the murder of Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson. She uncovers connections between the murder, art theft, and a pedophile ring known as Canary. Finch pursues leads that implicate high-ranking police officers in corruption, including her superior, DCI David Randle. Her persistence and analytical skills prove crucial in solving the case and exposing police corruption, despite facing professional and personal challenges.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Zoe Finch
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Birmingham area (implied)
• Current Residence: Selly Oak, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, specific degree not mentioned
• Occupation: Detective Inspector, West Midlands Police
• Income Level: Middle-class (implied from lifestyle)
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: Green Mini

• Height: 5 foot 8 inches (1.73 m)
• Build: Fit and athletic (practices karate)
• Skin colour: Not explicitly stated, likely white British
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned, but experiences stress-related habits like picking at her palms

DS Mo Uddin

Introduction:
Detective Sergeant Mo Uddin is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's DI Zoe Finch series, including the novel Deadly Wishes.

Overview:
Mo Uddin serves as a Detective Sergeant in the West Midlands Police Force. He works closely with DI Zoe Finch and demonstrates strong investigative skills and loyalty to his team. Uddin balances his demanding career with family life, being married with two young daughters.

Background:
Uddin joined the police force around the same time as Zoe Finch. He progressed through the ranks, becoming a Detective Sergeant before Finch. Mo maintains a close friendship with Zoe, often serving as her confidant and trusted colleague. He values work-life balance and strives to be present for his family despite the demands of his job.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Wishes, DS Uddin assists DI Finch in investigating ACC Bryn Jackson's murder. He conducts interviews, analyzes evidence, and supports Finch's pursuit of leads connecting the murder to art theft and police corruption. Uddin suffers an injury during the investigation when he and DC Connie Williams are attacked while following a lead. Despite this setback, he continues to provide crucial support to the case from his hospital bed and during his recovery.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Mohammed "Mo" Uddin
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely Birmingham area
• Current Residence: Northfield, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, specific degree not mentioned
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant, West Midlands Police
• Income Level: Middle-class
• Relationship Status: Married to Catriona, with two daughters (Fiona and Isla)
• Car: Ford Focus

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified, but described as fit
• Build: Fit, takes care of himself
• Skin colour: Brown (implied from his name and background)
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: Suffers a head injury and broken wrist during the investigation

ACC Bryn Jackson

Introduction:
Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Wishes, serving as both a victim and a central figure in the story's criminal conspiracy.

Overview:
Bryn Jackson held the position of Assistant Chief Constable in the West Midlands Police Force. He presented a public image of a respected, high-ranking police officer while secretly participating in criminal activities, including involvement in a pedophile ring known as Canary.

Background:
Jackson rose through the ranks of the police force over a 32-year career, eventually attaining the position of Assistant Chief Constable. He cultivated a network of loyal subordinates, including DCI David Randle, who helped cover up his illegal activities. Jackson amassed significant wealth through his involvement in criminal enterprises, which he disguised through art collecting and home renovations.

Role in this Story:
Jackson serves as the murder victim whose death catalyzes the main plot. His murder exposes his connections to the Canary pedophile ring and art theft operations. The investigation into his death reveals the extent of police corruption he fostered and participated in throughout his career. Jackson's actions and secrets continue to impact the story even after his death, as characters grapple with the revelations about his true nature.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Bryn Jackson
• Age: 65 at time of death
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely West Midlands area
• Current Residence: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, specific degree not mentioned
• Occupation: Assistant Chief Constable, West Midlands Police (retired)
• Income Level: High (from both legal and illegal sources)
• Relationship Status: Married to Margaret Jackson
• Car: Jaguar SUV

• Height: Described as short, around 5 foot 6 inches (1.68 m)
• Weight: Described as having a "protruding stomach"
• Build: Overweight
• Skin colour: Not explicitly stated, likely white British
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: Had suffered a mini-stroke two years before his death

Margaret Jackson

Introduction:
Margaret Jackson is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Wishes, serving as the wife of murder victim Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson.

Overview:
Margaret Jackson lived a restricted life as the wife of ACC Bryn Jackson. She endured emotional abuse and isolation throughout their marriage, maintaining a facade of normalcy while harboring deep resentment towards her husband.

Background:
Margaret married Bryn Jackson in her youth and spent over three decades in an oppressive marriage. She raised two children, Winona and Paul, while supporting her husband's career. Margaret developed coping mechanisms, including writing unsent letters to a former love interest, to deal with her unhappiness. She remained largely unaware of her husband's criminal activities.

Role in this Story:
Initially a suspect in her husband's murder, Margaret becomes a key witness as the investigation unfolds. She provides crucial information about the night of the murder and her husband's behavior. Margaret faces the shocking revelations about Bryn's involvement in criminal activities and her daughter Winona's role in his death. By the story's end, she begins to assert her independence and rebuild her life.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Margaret Jackson
• Age: 63
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely West Midlands area
• Current Residence: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Housewife
• Income Level: High (due to husband's position, later inherits significant wealth)
• Relationship Status: Widowed
• Car: Vauxhall Corsa

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Described as slim
• Build: Slim
• Skin colour: Not explicitly stated, likely white British
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Described as having hair that "wouldn't move"
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: Suffers a sprained ankle during the events of the story

Introduction:
Winona Jackson is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Wishes, daughter of Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson and Margaret Jackson.

Overview:
Winona Jackson exhibits volatile behavior and struggles with emotional instability. She maintains a complex and often strained relationship with her parents, particularly her father.

Background:
Winona grew up in a dysfunctional household, experiencing her father's controlling behavior and her mother's submissiveness. She moved out of the family home as an adult but remained financially dependent on her parents. Winona developed a friendship with Irina Hamm, wife of criminal Trevor Hamm, which became significant to the story's plot.

Role in this Story:
Winona plays a crucial role as the murderer of her father, ACC Bryn Jackson. She discovers her father's involvement in the Canary pedophile ring and takes matters into her own hands. Winona drugs her mother and kills her father, initially evading suspicion. Her actions drive the plot forward, leading to revelations about police corruption and her father's criminal activities.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Winona Jackson
• Age: Early to mid-30s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Birmingham area
• Current Residence: Brindleyplace, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Not specified
• Income Level: Middle-class, financially supported by parents
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: Fiat (model not specified)

• Height: Described as tall, similar height to Zoe Finch (around 5'8")
• Weight: Described as skinny
• Build: Slim
• Skin colour: Not explicitly stated, likely white British
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Dark, described as "wild" and messy
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned, but described as having mental health issues

DCI David Randle

Introduction:
Detective Chief Inspector David Randle is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Wishes, serving as a senior officer in the West Midlands Police Force.

Overview:
DCI David Randle presents himself as a competent and charismatic police officer. He maintains a facade of integrity while secretly participating in corrupt activities and covering up crimes committed by his mentor, ACC Bryn Jackson.

Background:
Randle rose through the police ranks under ACC Jackson's mentorship. He developed a close friendship with Jackson, which evolved into a corrupt partnership. Randle had a brief romantic relationship with Margaret Jackson in the past, adding complexity to his connections with the Jackson family.

Role in this Story:
Randle serves as the Senior Investigating Officer in ACC Jackson's murder case. He actively obstructs the investigation to protect himself and cover up Jackson's crimes. Randle attempts to manipulate DI Zoe Finch's investigation, steering it away from evidence of police corruption. His actions become increasingly desperate as the truth threatens to emerge, culminating in his promotion to Superintendent despite his involvement in corrupt activities.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: David Randle
• Age: Late 40s to early 50s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely West Midlands area
• Current Residence: Not specified, likely Birmingham area
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, specific degree not mentioned
• Occupation: Detective Chief Inspector, later Superintendent
• Income Level: Upper middle-class
• Relationship Status: Divorced, mentioned to have an ex-wife
• Car: Audi TT

• Height: Described as not tall, similar to ACC Jackson (around 5'6")
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not explicitly stated, likely white British
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Dark and short
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned

Trevor Hamm

Introduction:
Trevor Hamm is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Wishes, operating as a prominent organized crime figure in Birmingham.

Overview:
Trevor Hamm runs a sophisticated criminal enterprise involved in art theft, money laundering, and other illegal activities. He maintains connections with corrupt police officers, including ACC Bryn Jackson and DCI David Randle.

Background:
Hamm built his criminal empire over an unspecified period, establishing himself as a powerful and feared figure in Birmingham's underworld. He cultivated relationships with corrupt officials to protect his operations and expand his influence.

Role in this Story:
Hamm plays a significant role as a background antagonist. He connects the art theft subplot to the main murder investigation. Hamm orchestrates the attack on DI Zoe Finch's house and the assault on DS Mo Uddin and DC Connie Williams. He likely arranges his wife Irina's death to prevent her from revealing information about his criminal activities. Hamm's actions and connections drive much of the story's conflict, particularly in relation to police corruption.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Trevor Hamm
• Age: Middle-aged (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified
• Current Residence: Brindleyplace, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Construction firm owner (front for criminal activities)
• Income Level: High
• Relationship Status: Widowed (wife Irina dies during the story)
• Car: Not specified

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Described as "wide"
• Build: Heavy-set, muscular
• Skin colour: Described as having a "ruddy tan"
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Silver
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned

Irina Hamm

Introduction:
Irina Hamm is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Wishes, serving as the wife of organized crime figure Trevor Hamm.

Overview:
Irina Hamm, a recent immigrant to the UK, becomes entangled in her husband's criminal activities. She forms a friendship with Winona Jackson, which leads to her involvement in the main plot.

Background:
Irina moved to the UK from Lithuania approximately three months before the events of the story. She married Trevor Hamm, likely as part of a mail-order bride arrangement. Irina struggles to adjust to life in Birmingham and her marriage to a criminal.

Role in this Story:
Irina plays a crucial role as a link between the Hamm and Jackson families. She discovers evidence of ACC Bryn Jackson's involvement in criminal activities and shares this information with Winona Jackson. Irina suffers an assault in her apartment, which initially appears connected to the main investigation. Her death, ruled as an accidental drowning, becomes a point of suspicion in the overall case.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Irina Hamm (maiden name not provided)
• Age: 24
• Place of Birth: Lithuania (specific location not mentioned)
• Current Residence: Brindleyplace, Birmingham
• Nationality: Lithuanian
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Unemployed
• Income Level: High (due to husband's wealth)
• Relationship Status: Married to Trevor Hamm
• Car: Not mentioned, likely doesn't drive

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Described as "skinny"
• Build: Slim
• Skin colour: Not explicitly stated, likely fair (Eastern European)
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Described as "wispy blonde"
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned before death
• Physical ailments: Suffers injuries from an assault, including facial bruising and swelling