Introduction:

Deadly Christmas is a crime novel featuring DI Zoe Finch investigating the murder of a homeless man found dead near Birmingham's German Christmas Market. The victim is identified as Albert North, who is later revealed to be Aleksander Nadarević, a Bosnian war criminal. As Zoe and her team investigate, they uncover connections to vigilante groups and face interference from higher authorities.

The Crime:

Albert North's body appears behind a stall at the German Christmas Market. The investigation reveals he was poisoned with thallium. Zoe's team discovers North was actually Aleksander Nadarević, a Bosnian war criminal who had been living under an assumed identity. They identify Jimmy Kirk, a homeless shelter manager, as a suspect based on CCTV footage and witness statements. The Home Office takes over the case, but Zoe continues investigating a related assault on Freya Garside, North's neighbor. Kirk is ultimately arrested for both crimes.

Sub Plots:

1. Freya Garside's assault: Freya, Albert's nosy neighbor, is attacked in his house after his death. This gives Zoe a reason to continue investigating despite being ordered off the main case.
2. Zoe's personal life: Zoe navigates her relationship with Carl, who wants her to move to Cumbria for a new job opportunity. She also deals with her son Nicholas returning from university.
3. Departmental politics: Zoe faces pressure from her superiors and works with a new DS, Layla Kaur, who she distrusts due to past interactions.

Main characters:

1. DI Zoe Finch
2. DC Connie Williams
3. DC Rhodri Hughes
4. DS Layla Kaur
5. DCI Frank Dawson
6. Carl Whaley (Zoe's boyfriend)
7. Jimmy Kirk (suspect)
8. Freya Garside (victim of assault)

Relationship development:

• Zoe and Carl: Tension over potential move to Cumbria; Carl pushes Zoe to report a Christmas card from a corrupt former colleague
• Zoe and Layla: Initial distrust due to past investigation; gradually develop working relationship
• Zoe and her team: Guides Connie and Rhodri through the case, balancing their eagerness with procedural requirements
• Zoe and Frank: Navigate departmental politics and pressure from higher authorities

Police Corruption investigation:

The novel references a past investigation into police corruption involving David Randle, a former senior officer. Zoe receives a Christmas card from Randle, causing concern about potential renewed scrutiny. Carl urges Zoe to report the card to protect herself from accusations of continued association with Randle. This subplot highlights ongoing tensions and suspicions within the police force following the corruption scandal.

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 of crime novels set in Birmingham, England.

Overview:
Zoe Finch is a dedicated and skilled detective inspector working for the West Midlands Police Force CID. She leads investigations into complex crimes while balancing her professional duties with her personal life as a single mother.

Background:
Zoe grew up in Birmingham with an alcoholic mother and a supportive father who died when she was in her twenties. She became a single mother at 23 and raised her son Nicholas while pursuing her career in law enforcement. Zoe has a history of navigating difficult workplace situations, including investigations into police corruption.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Christmas, Zoe leads the investigation into the murder of Albert North, later revealed as Bosnian war criminal Aleksander Nadarević. She faces pressure from superiors and works with a new team member she distrusts. Despite being ordered off the main case, Zoe continues investigating through a related assault. She also grapples with personal decisions regarding a potential move for her boyfriend's career.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Zoe Finch
• Age: Late 40s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
• Current Residence: Selly Oak, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: University degree (implied)
• Occupation: Detective Inspector, West Midlands Police Force CID
• Income Level: Middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with Carl Whaley
• Car: Green Mini
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
• Build: Not specified, but described as fitting into a bulky duffel coat
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Red-brown, long
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned

DC Connie Williams:

Introduction:
Detective Constable Connie Williams is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's DI Zoe Finch series. She serves as a key member of DI Finch's investigative team in the West Midlands Police Force CID.

Overview:
Connie is a skilled and dedicated detective constable known for her expertise in data analysis and online research. She demonstrates a strong commitment to justice and often becomes emotionally invested in cases.

Background:
Connie comes from a close-knit family in Birmingham. She has a younger brother, Zaf, who attends university. Connie has been in CID for two years and previously worked in uniform. She maintains a close relationship with her mother, who often worries about her.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Christmas, Connie plays a crucial role in the investigation of Albert North's murder and Freya Garside's assault. She uncovers key evidence linking Jimmy Kirk to Bosnian vigilante groups through social media analysis. Connie struggles with the moral implications of the case, particularly regarding the victim's past as a war criminal.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Connie Williams
• Age: Late 20s to early 30s (exact age not specified)
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England (implied)
• Current Residence: Ladywood, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: University degree (implied)
• Occupation: Detective Constable, West Midlands Police Force CID
• Income Level: Early career professional
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with Rav (from Forensics)
• Car: Does not drive, uses a bicycle
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not overweight, but considers dieting
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Black
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: Mentions occasional skin itching

DC Rhodri Hughes:

Introduction:
Detective Constable Rhodri Hughes is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's DI Zoe Finch series. He serves as a member of DI Finch's investigative team in the West Midlands Police Force CID.

Overview:
Rhodri is an enthusiastic and sociable detective constable known for his people skills and ability to build rapport with witnesses and informants. He maintains strong connections with his former colleagues in uniform and uses these relationships to gather information.

Background:
Rhodri hails from Wales and maintains close ties with his family there. He has been in CID for six years, longer than his colleague Connie Williams. Rhodri previously failed the sergeant's exam and aspires to pass it in the future.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Christmas, Rhodri contributes significantly to the investigation of Albert North's murder and Freya Garside's assault. He conducts interviews with homeless individuals and shelter staff, gathering crucial information about Jimmy Kirk. Rhodri shows particular motivation to solve the case quickly so he can spend Christmas with his family in Wales.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Rhodri Hughes
• Age: Mid-30s (implied)
• Place of Birth: Wales (specific location not mentioned)
• Current Residence: Birmingham (specific area not mentioned)
• Nationality: British (Welsh)
• Education Level: Police training (university education not specified)
• Occupation: Detective Constable, West Midlands Police Force CID
• Income Level: Mid-career professional
• Relationship Status: Not specified
• Car: Owns a car (make and model not specified)
• Height: Not specified, but described as shorter than Zoe
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Described as "scrawny"
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Described as having "sunken cheeks"
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned

DS Layla Kaur:

Introduction:
Detective Sergeant Layla Kaur is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's DI Zoe Finch series. She temporarily joins DI Finch's team from the Professional Standards Division (PSD) of the West Midlands Police.

Overview:
Layla is a competent and ambitious detective sergeant with a background in investigating police corruption. She maintains a professional demeanor and demonstrates keen observational skills. Layla aspires to transfer to the Anti-Terrorism unit.

Background:
Layla previously worked in the Professional Standards Division under DI Carl Whaley. She investigated DI Zoe Finch during a corruption case involving Detective Superintendent David Randle, which created tension between them. Layla left PSD under undisclosed circumstances.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Christmas, Layla joins Zoe's team to assist with the Albert North murder investigation and subsequent assault on Freya Garside. She conducts interviews and provides insights from her PSD experience. Layla's presence creates tension within the team due to her history with Zoe and her perceived role in monitoring the investigation.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Layla Kaur
• Age: Mid to late 30s (implied)
• Place of Birth: Not specified
• Current Residence: Birmingham area (specific location not mentioned)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: University degree (implied)
• Occupation: Detective Sergeant, West Midlands Police Force
• Income Level: Mid-career professional
• Relationship Status: Single (implied)
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Described as having "dark skin"
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Dark, long
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned

DCI Frank Dawson:

Introduction:
Detective Chief Inspector Frank Dawson is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's DI Zoe Finch series. He serves as Zoe's direct superior in the West Midlands Police Force.

Overview:
Frank is a pragmatic and politically astute detective chief inspector who balances the demands of his superiors with the needs of his investigative team. He maintains a professional demeanor but occasionally shows frustration with bureaucratic procedures.

Background:
Frank recently received a promotion to DCI, taking over the position previously held by Zoe's mentor, Lesley Clarke. He struggles to quit smoking and chews gum excessively as a substitute. Frank has a family, including a wife named Diane and daughters.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Christmas, Frank oversees the investigation into Albert North's murder and Freya Garside's assault. He navigates pressure from higher authorities, including the Home Office, and manages Zoe's tendency to work outside official parameters. Frank makes difficult decisions about resource allocation and case priorities throughout the investigation.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Frank Dawson
• Age: Late 40s to early 50s (implied)
• Place of Birth: Not specified
• Current Residence: Birmingham area
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: University degree (implied)
• Occupation: Detective Chief Inspector, West Midlands Police Force
• Income Level: Senior professional
• Relationship Status: Married to Diane
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned, but struggles with nicotine addiction

Carl Whaley:

Introduction:
Detective Inspector Carl Whaley is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's DI Zoe Finch series. He serves as Zoe Finch's boyfriend and works for the Professional Standards Division (PSD) of the West Midlands Police.

Overview:
Carl is an ambitious and principled detective inspector who specializes in investigating police corruption. He maintains a strong sense of ethics and often advises Zoe on professional matters. Carl balances his commitment to his career with his relationship with Zoe.

Background:
Carl previously worked undercover in Force CID to investigate corruption, including the case involving Detective Superintendent David Randle. He developed a relationship with Zoe during this time. Carl has no children of his own but has adapted to Zoe's role as a single mother.

Role in this Story:
In Deadly Christmas, Carl supports Zoe through her investigation while also pushing her to consider a potential move to Cumbria for his career advancement. He urges Zoe to report a Christmas card she received from the corrupt former officer David Randle, demonstrating his concern for her professional reputation.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Carl Whaley
• Age: Late 40s to early 50s (implied)
• Place of Birth: Not specified
• Current Residence: Birmingham (shares time between his flat and Zoe's house)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: University degree (implied)
• Occupation: Detective Inspector, Professional Standards Division
• Income Level: Senior professional
• Relationship Status: In a relationship with Zoe Finch
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Taller than Zoe (who is 5'8")
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Described as "soft" when embracing Zoe
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: None mentioned

Jimmy Kirk:

Introduction:
Jimmy Kirk is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Christmas from the DI Zoe Finch series. He serves as the primary suspect in the murder of Albert North and the assault on Freya Garside.

Overview:
Jimmy is the manager of Greenfields Shelter, a homeless facility in Birmingham. He presents a caring facade but harbors a dark past connected to Bosnian war criminals. Jimmy demonstrates cunning and resourcefulness in his attempts to evade suspicion.

Background:
Jimmy originates from Glasgow, Scotland. He has worked at Greenfields Shelter for two to three years. Jimmy maintains connections to Bosnian vigilante groups through his brother-in-law, whose child died during the Srebrenica massacre.

Role in this Story:
Jimmy becomes the prime suspect in Albert North's murder after CCTV footage shows him with the victim on the night of his death. He later assaults Freya Garside when she investigates Albert's house. Jimmy's actions stem from a desire for revenge against Albert, who he discovers is actually Aleksander Nadarević, a Bosnian war criminal.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Jimmy Kirk
• Age: Approximately 50 years old
• Place of Birth: Glasgow, Scotland
• Current Residence: Birmingham, England
• Nationality: British (Scottish)
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Manager of Greenfields Shelter
• Income Level: Middle-class professional
• Relationship Status: Single (uses dating apps)
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Described as "short"
• Weight: Described as "overweight" or "generously built"
• Build: Heavy-set
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: Has a plaster on the back of his hand during questioning
• Physical ailments: None mentioned

Freya Garside:

Introduction:
Freya Garside is a fictional character in Rachel McLean's novel Deadly Christmas from the DI Zoe Finch series. She serves as a victim of assault and a key witness in the investigation of Albert North's murder.

Overview:
Freya is an elderly resident of Avenue Road in Kings Heath, Birmingham. She exhibits a keen interest in her neighbors' affairs and takes pride in her observational skills. Freya demonstrates resilience and a strong desire to assist the police in their investigations.

Background:
Freya has lived on Avenue Road for many years. She maintains an active role in community affairs, including organizing the local primary school's Christmas fair. Freya has no children of her own and appears to have limited family connections.

Role in this Story:
Freya becomes involved in the investigation when she reports Albert North missing. She later suffers an assault when investigating Albert's house after his death. Freya provides key witness testimony to the police, describing her attacker in detail. Her actions inadvertently help uncover the connection between Albert North's murder and Jimmy Kirk.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Freya Garside
• Age: Early to mid-70s
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely Birmingham area
• Current Residence: Avenue Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Retired
• Income Level: Pensioner
• Relationship Status: Single (referred to as "Miss Garside")
• Car: Not specified, likely doesn't drive
• Height: Described as short, approximately 4-5 inches shorter than DI Finch (who is 5'8")
• Weight: Not specified, likely slight build
• Build: Small, elderly
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified, likely grey
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments: Mentions arthritis in her hands, general age-related physical limitations