Lockdown Lovers' Grim Discovery

During the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown, two married dog-walkers, Shirley and Jon, meet in Chorlton Ees, Manchester, for their clandestine morning walks. Their routine is shattered when their dogs discover the naked body of a young boy, David Carsley, strangled and posed in a glade. The couple's panic is palpable—Shirley flees to protect her secret, while Jon calls the police, setting off a chain of events that will ripple through the city. The discovery is both intimate and horrifying, a collision of private shame and public tragedy, and the first sign that something evil is lurking, waiting to strike again.

The Boy in the Woods

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Turnbull and his team arrive at the crime scene, quickly establishing protocols and beginning the investigation. The boy's body is found with a rope around his neck, his clothes folded nearby, and no immediate clues. The police learn the victim is David Carsley, a missing seven-year-old. The scene is both methodical and chaotic, with the police, pathologist, and forensics all working under the shadow of a child's murder. The city's sense of safety is shattered, and the pressure mounts to find the killer before he strikes again.

Grief and Ghosts Return

Detective Inspector Thomas Ridpath, still reeling from his wife Polly's murder and his own battle with cancer, returns to work at the Coroner's Office after months of sick leave. He is haunted by Polly's ghost, both literally and figuratively, as he struggles with PTSD and guilt. The pandemic has changed everything, but grief remains constant. Ridpath's return is tentative, marked by self-doubt and the weight of personal loss, yet he is drawn back into the world by the need to help others through their own suffering.

Coroner's Office Under Pressure

The Coroner's Office, led by Mrs. Challinor, faces mounting pressure from the pandemic and the backlog of cases. Ridpath is assigned to the Carsley case, despite concerns about his readiness. The team navigates new rules, social distancing, and the emotional toll of dealing with death on a daily basis. The office becomes a microcosm of a city under siege, balancing compassion with bureaucracy, and Ridpath's empathy for the bereaved becomes both his strength and his vulnerability.

Ridpath's Haunted Homecoming

Ridpath's first days back are filled with reminders of his own loss and the fragility of life. He visits the Carsley family, witnessing firsthand the devastation wrought by David's murder. Michael Carsley, the boy's father, is broken and adrift, while Daniel, the surviving son, is traumatized and withdrawn. Ridpath's interactions are colored by his own grief, and he finds solace in helping others, even as he questions his own ability to heal.

The Carsley Family's Fracture

The Carsleys are a family in crisis. Michael is unemployed and overwhelmed, Daniel is wracked with guilt, and Irene, the mother, has left, unable to cope. The investigation reveals a history of domestic strife, with both parents accused of violence. The family's pain is compounded by public scrutiny and the relentless attention of the press. Ridpath's empathy allows him to connect with them, but he senses that something is being hidden, a secret that may be key to understanding what happened to David.

A City's Fear Awakens

The police investigation, led by Turnbull, is methodical but stymied by a lack of evidence. Photofits are released, tips pour in, and the city is gripped by fear. The press, led by the ambitious Molly Wright, fans the flames, drawing parallels to infamous child murders of the past. The investigation is swamped by false leads and public hysteria, and the pressure to find the killer mounts. Ridpath, working in parallel, begins to question the official narrative, sensing that the truth is more complex than it appears.

False Leads and Frustration

Despite exhaustive efforts, the investigation stalls. The photofits yield thousands of tips but no real suspects. The police focus on Michael Carsley as a potential perpetrator, driven by circumstantial evidence and desperation. Ridpath, however, is unconvinced, believing Michael's grief is genuine. The team is divided, with Turnbull pushing for an arrest and Ridpath advocating for a broader search. The city's anxiety grows, and the sense of impending danger is palpable.

The Press Circles Hungrily

Molly Wright, a relentless reporter, seizes on the case, turning it into a media spectacle. She manipulates public opinion, pressures the police, and pursues her own agenda, seeing the tragedy as a path to personal success. The Carsley family is hounded, and the investigation is complicated by leaks and sensationalism. The press becomes both a tool and an obstacle, shaping the narrative and influencing the course of justice.

Parallel Investigations Collide

At the urging of his superior, Claire Trent, Ridpath is tasked with conducting a parallel investigation, reviewing the case from the beginning. He assembles a small team, including Emily Parkinson and Chrissy Wright, and begins to re-examine the evidence. Their approach is meticulous and empathetic, focusing on overlooked details and questioning assumptions. Ridpath's intuition leads him to suspect that the killer is someone local, familiar with the area and the routines of the community.

The White Car Mystery

The breakthrough comes with the discovery of CCTV footage showing a white car near the scene of David's abduction and later near the body's disposal site. The car becomes the focal point of the investigation, representing both hope and frustration. The team works tirelessly to identify the vehicle and its owner, cross-referencing databases and canvassing the area. The clue is tantalizing but elusive, and the sense of urgency grows as the profiler warns that the killer will strike again.

Daniel's Guilt and Lies

A second interview with Daniel Carsley reveals that he fabricated the story of a strange man in the park, driven by guilt over failing to protect his brother. The revelation upends the investigation, forcing the team to reconsider their assumptions and refocus their efforts. The emotional toll on Daniel is immense, and Ridpath's compassion is tested as he navigates the delicate balance between seeking the truth and protecting a traumatized child.

The Real Monster Revealed

Through dogged investigation and a series of small breakthroughs, Ridpath and his team identify Matthew Oram, a local shopkeeper, as the killer. Oram is a deeply disturbed individual, shaped by childhood abuse and dominated by his mother. His crimes are methodical and sadistic, driven by a compulsion to collect trophies and relive his power over his victims. The discovery is both shocking and inevitable, the culmination of a city's collective fear and the investigators' relentless pursuit of justice.

A Child Goes Missing

Just as the case seems to be winding down, tragedy strikes again: Ben, the grandson of Coroner Mrs. Challinor, is abducted from a cinema. The city is thrown into chaos, and the investigation becomes a desperate race against time. The parallels to David's case are chilling, and the team mobilizes every resource to find the missing boy before it's too late. The personal stakes for Ridpath and Mrs. Challinor add a new layer of urgency and emotion.

Race Against the Clock

The investigation zeroes in on Oram, who is found at home with Ben, drugged but alive. A tense confrontation ensues, with Ridpath and Emily risking their lives to save the boy. The police tactical unit storms the house, and Oram is finally subdued, his reign of terror ended. The rescue is both triumphant and traumatic, a testament to the team's determination and the high cost of justice.

The Final Confrontation

Oram is arrested and committed to a psychiatric hospital, his crimes exposed but his motives only partially understood. The city breathes a sigh of relief, but the scars remain. The Carsley family is left shattered, the press moves on to the next story, and the investigators grapple with the emotional aftermath. Ridpath, battered but alive, reflects on the nature of evil and the resilience of those left behind.

Aftermath and Unhealed Wounds

In the weeks following the case, the characters struggle to find closure. Ridpath reconnects with his daughter Eve, determined to rebuild their lives. Mrs. Challinor supports her traumatized family, while the Carsleys face an uncertain future. Molly Wright capitalizes on the story, writing a book and cementing her reputation. The city moves forward, forever marked by the tragedy, and Ridpath is left to ponder the meaning of justice, grief, and hope in a world where evil sometimes waits just out of sight.

Characters

Thomas Ridpath

Ridpath is a detective inspector seconded to the Coroner's Office, still reeling from the murder of his wife and his own battle with cancer. He is deeply empathetic, driven by a need to help others and haunted by guilt and grief. Ridpath's psychological complexity is central to the narrative—he converses with his dead wife's ghost, struggles with PTSD, and finds solace in his work. His relationships with colleagues and the bereaved are marked by compassion and insight, but he is also prone to self-doubt and isolation. Over the course of the story, Ridpath moves from a place of despair to one of cautious hope, finding purpose in the pursuit of justice and the rebuilding of his relationship with his daughter.

Emily Parkinson

Emily is a detective sergeant who becomes Ridpath's closest collaborator. She is competent, resilient, and deeply committed to her work, often serving as the emotional anchor for the team. Emily's relationship with Ridpath is built on mutual respect and shared trauma—they both understand the cost of police work and the importance of empathy. She is instrumental in breaking through to Daniel Carsley and in the final confrontation with the killer. Emily's development is marked by increasing confidence and a willingness to challenge authority for the sake of truth.

Paul Turnbull

Turnbull is the Senior Investigating Officer on the Carsley case, embodying the traditional, by-the-book approach to policing. He is ambitious, defensive, and resistant to new ideas, often clashing with Ridpath and others who challenge his authority. Turnbull's focus on procedure blinds him to alternative possibilities, leading to missteps and the near-ruin of an innocent man's life. Psychologically, he is driven by a need for control and recognition, but his rigidity ultimately undermines his effectiveness and alienates his team.

Mrs. Margaret Challinor

Mrs. Challinor is the coroner overseeing the Carsley case and Ridpath's boss. She is wise, empathetic, and deeply committed to the dignity of the dead and the needs of the bereaved. Her own family is touched by tragedy when her grandson is abducted, revealing her vulnerability beneath the professional exterior. She serves as a mentor to Ridpath, encouraging his return to work and supporting his unconventional methods. Her character embodies the tension between professional duty and personal pain.

Michael Carsley

Michael is the father of David and Daniel, a man devastated by loss and overwhelmed by suspicion. He is portrayed as emotionally fragile, struggling with unemployment, single parenthood, and the aftermath of his son's murder. The investigation's focus on him as a suspect exacerbates his trauma, and his relationship with his surviving son is strained by mutual guilt and grief. Michael's psychological journey is one of endurance—he survives public vilification and personal despair, but is left deeply scarred.

Daniel Carsley

Daniel is David's older brother, a ten-year-old boy who becomes a key witness and, ultimately, the source of a crucial lie. His fabrication of a stranger in the park is driven by guilt and a desperate need to absolve himself of responsibility for his brother's disappearance. Daniel's psychological state is fragile—he is isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed by the expectations of adults. His eventual confession is both a moment of catharsis and a catalyst for the investigation's breakthrough.

Irene Carsley (McMurdo)

Irene is Michael's estranged wife and the mother of David and Daniel. She is depicted as emotionally unstable, struggling with guilt, poverty, and a history of violence. Her abandonment of the family is both a cause and a symptom of the household's dysfunction. Irene's psychological complexity is revealed in her interactions with Ridpath and her inability to attend her son's funeral. She is a figure of both sympathy and suspicion, embodying the collateral damage of trauma.

Molly Wright

Molly is a reporter who turns the Carsley case into a media sensation. She is driven, cunning, and unafraid to exploit tragedy for personal gain. Molly's relationship with the police is adversarial—she pressures, manipulates, and sometimes aids the investigation, always with an eye on her own advancement. Psychologically, she is both hardened and vulnerable, using her work to mask deeper insecurities. Her arc culminates in her becoming a "hero" in the public eye, though her motives remain ambiguous.

Claire Trent

Detective Superintendent Claire Trent is Ridpath's superior, tasked with managing the investigation and the political fallout. She is intelligent, adaptable, and willing to bend rules to achieve results. Claire's leadership style is pragmatic—she recognizes Ridpath's value and authorizes his parallel investigation, even as she navigates departmental politics and public scrutiny. Her psychological resilience is tested by the pressures of command and the need to balance justice with institutional survival.

Matthew Oram

Oram is the killer, a local shopkeeper whose outward normalcy masks profound psychological disturbance. He is methodical, manipulative, and driven by compulsions rooted in childhood trauma and maternal domination. Oram's crimes are both calculated and compulsive, marked by ritual and the collection of trophies. His interactions with his victims are chillingly intimate, and his internal monologue reveals a fractured psyche. Oram's capture is both a relief and a reminder of the darkness that can hide in plain sight.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel employs a dual narrative structure, alternating between the official police investigation led by Turnbull and the more intuitive, empathetic approach of Ridpath and his team. This device allows for a contrast between procedural rigidity and creative problem-solving, highlighting the limitations of traditional methods and the value of fresh perspectives. The structure also builds suspense, as the reader is privy to information withheld from the characters, and creates emotional depth by exploring the personal lives of both investigators and victims.

Unreliable Witness and False Memory

Daniel Carsley's fabrication of a stranger in the park serves as a central plot device, misleading the investigation and the reader. This use of an unreliable witness not only creates narrative tension but also explores the psychological impact of trauma and guilt on children. The eventual unraveling of the lie is both a plot twist and a commentary on the fallibility of memory and the dangers of assumption.

Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony

The novel is rich in foreshadowing, from the killer's internal monologues to the profiler's warnings that he will strike again. The reader is given glimpses into the mind of the predator, creating dramatic irony as the investigators race to catch up. This device heightens suspense and underscores the theme of evil waiting just out of sight, ready to exploit moments of vulnerability.

The Press as Catalyst and Obstacle

Molly Wright and the press serve as both a catalyst for action and an obstacle to justice. Their relentless pursuit of a story pressures the police, influences public opinion, and sometimes uncovers useful leads. At the same time, media sensationalism distorts the narrative, vilifies the innocent, and complicates the search for truth. This device reflects the real-world interplay between law enforcement and the media in high-profile cases.

Psychological Realism and Trauma

The novel's emotional core lies in its exploration of trauma—personal, familial, and communal. Ridpath's conversations with his dead wife, Daniel's guilt, and the Carsley family's unraveling are all rendered with psychological realism. The use of therapy, coping strategies, and the slow process of healing are woven into the narrative, grounding the procedural elements in authentic human experience.

Analysis

"When the Evil Waits" is a masterful blend of police procedural, psychological thriller, and social commentary, set against the backdrop of a city in crisis. At its heart, the novel is an exploration of grief—how it fractures families, haunts individuals, and shapes the pursuit of justice. The story interrogates the limits of traditional policing, the dangers of assumption, and the corrosive effects of public hysteria. Through Ridpath's journey, the novel argues for empathy, intuition, and the courage to question received wisdom. The killer's ability to hide in plain sight is a chilling reminder of the banality of evil and the vulnerability of the innocent. The narrative's focus on trauma—both personal and collective—offers a nuanced portrait of resilience and the long, uneven road to healing. Ultimately, "When the Evil Waits" is a meditation on the persistence of hope in the face of darkness, the necessity of compassion, and the enduring power of love to anchor us when evil waits just beyond the light.

Last updated: August 24, 2025