Introduction:

Deadly Choices follows Detective Inspector Zoe Finch as she investigates the disappearance of two children, Maddy and Ollie Osman, from Cadbury World in Birmingham. The novel intertwines the kidnapping investigation with themes of police corruption, family secrets, and personal relationships.

The Crime:

Maddy and Ollie Osman disappear during a family outing to Cadbury World. Their mother, Alison, reports them missing after briefly leaving them to buy food. CCTV footage shows Alison walking away with the children, contradicting her story. The investigation initially focuses on the parents, Ian and Alison Osman, as suspects. DI Finch and her team pursue several leads, including a former teacher with a history of inappropriate behavior and the children's biological father, Benedict Tomkin, who was presumed dead. The team eventually discovers that Victoria "Vic" Parrish, Benedict's girlfriend who bears a striking resemblance to Alison, kidnapped the children as a misguided attempt to reunite them with their biological father.

Sub Plots:

1. Police Corruption: DI Finch investigates potential corruption within the police force, focusing on DS Ian Osman's connections to criminal Trevor Hamm and contractor Stuart Reynolds.
2. Benedict Tomkin's Reappearance: The investigation reveals that Benedict Tomkin, Maddy and Ollie's biological father, faked his death and has been living under an assumed identity.
3. DI Finch's Personal Life: The novel explores Zoe's relationship with her son Nicholas, her estranged mother Annette, and her potential romantic interest in DI Carl Whaley.

Main characters:

1. DI Zoe Finch
2. DS Mo Uddin
3. DC Connie Williams
4. DC Rhodri Hughes
5. Alison Osman
6. Ian Osman
7. Benedict Tomkin / Brian Parrish
8. Victoria "Vic" Parrish

Relationship development:

• Zoe and Mo: Their close working relationship is tested when Mo is reassigned to another team.
• Zoe and Carl: They develop a potential romantic interest, complicated by professional boundaries.
• Zoe and Nicholas: Their mother-son relationship evolves as Nicholas prepares for university.
• Zoe and Annette: Zoe reluctantly attempts to reconnect with her estranged mother.
• Alison and Ian: Their marriage is strained by the kidnapping and revelations about Ian's potential corruption.
• Benedict and Vic: Their relationship unravels as Vic's actions in kidnapping the children are revealed.

Police Corruption investigation:

DI Finch discovers connections between DS Ian Osman, contractor Stuart Reynolds, and criminal Trevor Hamm. The investigation reveals that Osman may have received payments in the form of home improvements from Reynolds, similar to a scheme involving the late ACC Bryn Jackson. DI Carl Whaley from Professional Standards leads 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.

DI Zoe Finch:

Introduction:
Detective Inspector Zoe Finch is a fictional character and the protagonist of the crime novel Deadly Choices. She serves as a Detective Inspector in the West Midlands Police Force CID.

Overview:
DI Zoe Finch is a dedicated and skilled detective known for her tenacity and intuition in solving complex cases. She balances her demanding career with single motherhood, often navigating the challenges of both roles simultaneously.

Background:
Zoe Finch grew up in Birmingham, raised by her mother Annette, with whom she has a strained relationship due to Annette's alcoholism. Zoe joined the police force at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a capable and determined officer. She has a son, Nicholas, whom she raised as a single mother.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Choices, Zoe leads the investigation into the disappearance of Maddy and Ollie Osman from Cadbury World. She uncovers a complex web of deceit involving the children's parents, a presumed-dead biological father, and potential police corruption. Zoe's investigative skills and leadership are tested as she navigates personal and professional challenges, including the reassignment of her close colleague DS Mo Uddin and a budding romantic interest in DI Carl Whaley from Professional Standards.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Zoe Finch
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
• Current Residence: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, likely some university education
• Occupation: Detective Inspector, West Midlands Police Force CID
• Income Level: Middle-class
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: Mini (bottle green color)
• Height: Not specified, likely average
• Weight: Not specified, likely average
• Build: Not specified, likely average to athletic
• Skin color: Not specified, likely fair
• Eye color: Not specified
• Hair color: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

DS Mo Uddin:

Introduction:
Detective Sergeant Mo Uddin is a fictional character in the crime novel Deadly Choices. He serves as a Detective Sergeant in the West Midlands Police Force CID and is DI Zoe Finch's closest colleague.

Overview:
DS Mo Uddin is a skilled and reliable detective known for his calm demeanor and analytical approach to investigations. He forms a strong professional partnership with DI Zoe Finch, complementing her investigative style with his methodical approach.

Background:
Mo Uddin has worked alongside Zoe Finch for many years, developing a close friendship and effective working relationship. He is married to Catriona, a GP, and they have two daughters. Mo balances his demanding career with his family life, often relying on his mother to help with childcare.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Choices, Mo plays a crucial role in the investigation of Maddy and Ollie Osman's disappearance. He conducts interviews, follows leads, and provides valuable support to DI Finch throughout the case. Mo also investigates potential police corruption, particularly focusing on DS Ian Osman's connections to criminal elements. Towards the end of the novel, Mo faces reassignment to DI Frank Dawson's team, challenging his long-standing partnership with Zoe.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Mo Uddin
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Birmingham or surrounding area, England
• Current Residence: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, likely some university education
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant, West Midlands Police Force CID
• Income Level: Middle-class
• Relationship Status: Married to Catriona
• Car: Not specified

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin color: Brown (inferred from his name and background)
• Eye color: Not specified
• Hair color: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

DC Connie Williams:

Introduction:
Detective Constable Connie Williams is a fictional character in the crime novel Deadly Choices. She serves as a Detective Constable in the West Midlands Police Force CID under DI Zoe Finch.

Overview:
DC Connie Williams is a young and ambitious detective known for her technological expertise and attention to detail. She excels in digital forensics and social media investigations, making her a valuable asset to DI Finch's team.

Background:
Connie comes from a close-knit family, with her mother Annabelle having worked as a cleaner to support the family. She has a younger brother, Jaf, who is dating Nicholas, DI Finch's son. Connie has previously suffered an injury during a case, resulting in a broken leg.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Choices, Connie plays a crucial role in the investigation of Maddy and Ollie Osman's disappearance. She focuses on digital evidence, analyzing social media accounts, emails, and CCTV footage. Connie's skills lead to several breakthroughs in the case, including tracing the source of a hacked Facebook message and identifying the cleaning company connected to the crime. She also uncovers a potential link between DS Ian Osman and Detective Superintendent David Randle through phone records.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Connie Williams
• Age: Mid to late 20s (exact age not specified, but mentioned to be 29 at one point)
• Place of Birth: Likely Birmingham or surrounding area, England
• Current Residence: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, likely university education
• Occupation: Detective Constable, West Midlands Police Force CID
• Income Level: Lower to middle-class
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: Not specified, likely does not own a car

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin color: Not specified, but likely to be of ethnic minority background based on context
• Eye color: Not specified
• Hair color: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: Previously suffered a broken leg during a case

DC Rhodri Hughes:

Introduction:
Detective Constable Rhodri Hughes is a fictional character in the crime novel Deadly Choices. He serves as a Detective Constable in the West Midlands Police Force CID under DI Zoe Finch.

Overview:
DC Rhodri Hughes is an enthusiastic and resourceful detective known for his networking skills and ability to think outside the box. He brings energy and unconventional approaches to investigations, often leading to unexpected breakthroughs.

Background:
Rhodri has a background in uniformed policing before joining CID. He has a keen interest in rock climbing, which proves valuable in the investigation. Rhodri previously struggled with smoking but successfully quit 18 months prior to the events of the novel.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Choices, Rhodri plays a significant role in solving the case of Maddy and Ollie Osman's disappearance. He makes a crucial breakthrough by identifying Benedict Tomkin, the children's presumed-dead biological father, through his connections in the climbing community. Rhodri also assists in various aspects of the investigation, including surveillance and witness interviews.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Rhodri Hughes
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Wales or Birmingham area, England
• Current Residence: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British (likely Welsh heritage)
• Education Level: Police training, possible university education
• Occupation: Detective Constable, West Midlands Police Force CID
• Income Level: Lower to middle-class
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: Saab (3 years old)

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified, but described as wearing "tight trousers" at one point
• Skin color: Not specified, likely fair
• Eye color: Not specified
• Hair color: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Alison Osman:

Introduction:
Alison Osman is a fictional character in the crime novel Deadly Choices. She is the mother of Maddy and Ollie Osman, whose disappearance forms the central plot of the story.

Overview:
Alison Osman is a teaching assistant and mother of two who becomes embroiled in a complex kidnapping case. She navigates the trauma of her children's disappearance while facing scrutiny from the police and dealing with revelations about her past and her current marriage.

Background:
Alison was previously married to Benedict Tomkin, a mountaineer presumed dead after a climbing accident on K2. She has a history of depression, for which she received treatment after Ollie's birth. Alison later married Ian Osman, a police sergeant, who adopted her children.

Role in this Story:
Alison reports her children missing from Cadbury World, initiating the investigation. She becomes a suspect due to discrepancies in her story and CCTV footage. Alison struggles with the disappearance of her children, the return of her ex-husband Benedict, and revelations about her current husband Ian's potential corruption. She ultimately reunites with her children after the true kidnapper, Victoria Parrish, is apprehended.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Alison Osman (née Tomkin)
• Age: 36
• Place of Birth: Likely Manchester, England
• Current Residence: Erdington, Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified, likely some post-secondary education
• Occupation: Teaching Assistant
• Income Level: Lower to middle-class
• Relationship Status: Married to Ian Osman
• Car: Blue Fiesta

• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin color: Not specified, likely fair
• Eye color: Not specified
• Hair color: Dark, thin
• Face shape: Described as having a pointed jawline and flat cheekbones
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Ian Osman:

Introduction:
Ian Osman is a fictional character in the crime novel Deadly Choices. He serves as a Detective Sergeant in the West Midlands Police Force and is the stepfather of Maddy and Ollie Osman.

Overview:
Ian Osman is a complex character who straddles the line between dedicated family man and potentially corrupt police officer. His actions and connections become a significant focus of the investigation into his stepchildren's disappearance.

Background:
Ian previously worked in Organized Crime before transferring to Kings Norton police station. He married Alison Osman three years prior to the events of the novel and adopted her two children, Maddy and Ollie. Ian has a history of moving between different police departments.

Role in this Story:
Ian becomes a person of interest in the investigation of Maddy and Ollie's disappearance. DI Finch and her team uncover his potential connections to criminal Trevor Hamm and contractor Stuart Reynolds, suggesting possible corruption. Ian's paternity of Ollie comes into question, leading him to secretly order a DNA test. He faces arrest and questioning but is ultimately released due to lack of evidence.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Ian Osman
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Likely Yorkshire, England
• Current Residence: Erdington, Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Police training, possible university education
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant, West Midlands Police Force
• Income Level: Middle-class
• Relationship Status: Married to Alison Osman
• Car: Not specified

• Height: Described as short
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Described as skinny
• Skin color: Described as sallow
• Eye color: Blue
• Hair color: Not specified, but described as prematurely balding
• Face shape: Described as having a hollow, colourless face
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Benedict Tomkin / Brian Parrish:

Introduction:
Benedict Tomkin, also known as Brian Parrish, is a fictional character in the crime novel Deadly Choices. He is the biological father of Maddy and Ollie Osman and a presumed-dead mountaineer who resurfaces during the investigation of his children's disappearance.

Overview:
Benedict Tomkin is a skilled mountaineer who faked his death after a climbing accident on K2. He assumes the identity of Brian Parrish and works as a climbing instructor, living a double life while secretly observing his former family.

Background:
Benedict was previously married to Alison Osman and fathered two children with her. He survived a near-fatal climbing accident on K2, which led to him being presumed dead. After recovery, he chose not to reveal his survival to his family and started a new life under the name Brian Parrish.

Role in this Story:
Benedict/Brian becomes a person of interest in the investigation when DC Rhodri Hughes discovers his true identity. His presence complicates the case and raises questions about the children's parentage. While not directly involved in the kidnapping, his girlfriend Victoria Parrish abducts Maddy and Ollie in a misguided attempt to reunite them with their biological father.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Benedict Tomkin (alias: Brian Parrish)
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely England
• Current Residence: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified, likely some specialized mountaineering training
• Occupation: Climbing instructor
• Income Level: Lower to middle-class
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with Victoria Parrish
• Car: Not specified

• Height: Described as short
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Described as skinny
• Skin color: Not specified, likely fair
• Eye color: Blue (like his mother)
• Hair color: Dark, curly
• Face shape: Described as having a hollow, colourless face
• Distinguishing marks: Frostbite damage to ears, missing tips
• Physical ailments or injuries: Walks with a limp due to a poorly healed leg fracture

Victoria "Vic" Parrish:

Introduction:
Victoria "Vic" Parrish is a fictional character in the crime novel Deadly Choices. She is the girlfriend of Benedict Tomkin (aka Brian Parrish) and the kidnapper of Maddy and Ollie Osman.

Overview:
Victoria Parrish is a complex character who becomes the primary antagonist of the novel. She bears a striking resemblance to Alison Osman and uses this similarity to orchestrate the kidnapping of Maddy and Ollie.

Background:
Victoria's background is not extensively detailed in the novel. She works for Cleanways cleaning company and maintains a separate residence from Benedict/Brian. She desires to have children but faces fertility issues.

Role in this Story:
Victoria plays a crucial role as the kidnapper of Maddy and Ollie Osman. She impersonates Alison Osman at Cadbury World to abduct the children and keeps them captive. Victoria sees the kidnapping as a misguided attempt to provide Benedict with his children and create a family. Her actions drive the main plot of the novel and lead to her eventual arrest.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Victoria Parrish (goes by Vic)
• Age: Mid to late 30s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely England
• Current Residence: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Cleaner at Cleanways cleaning company
• Income Level: Lower to middle-class
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with Benedict Tomkin/Brian Parrish
• Car: Mini (make and model not specified)

• Height: Described as taller than Alison Osman
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin color: Described as pale
• Eye color: Not specified
• Hair color: Long, dark
• Face shape: Not specified, but noted to be very similar to Alison Osman
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

The novel emphasizes Victoria's strong physical resemblance to Alison Osman, which allows her to impersonate Alison during the kidnapping. This similarity plays a crucial role in the plot and the investigation.