Book Summary – Troubled Blood – Cormoran Strike – Book 5

Book summary by chapter of Troubled Blood. Includes spoilers from Margot’s disappearance to the end of the book. Time doesn’t erase a crime—it buries it deeper: forty years on, the blood still pulses beneath layers of silence and complicity. Cormoran and Robin dig into Margot Bamborough’s case and unearth a poisoned truth—Janice Beattie, the perfect nurse, was the killer all along. When Strike drinks her venom, the truth nearly kills him. The case closes, and in the ashes of grief, an embrace finally dares to breathe what words never have.

Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott in a rainy Clerkenwell alley, surrounded by wet debris, graffiti, and tension – Chapter-by-chapter Summary - Troubled Blood

Introduction – Troubled Blood

In 1974, a woman vanished without a trace—and with time, her case was forgotten. Decades later, her daughter asks private detective Cormoran Strike a single question: what really happened to Margot Bamborough? Troubled Blood turns that cold case into a race against fading memories, buried biases and a time when independent women were often punished for being both.

As Strike and Robin navigate unreliable witnesses, outdated records and personal crossroads, their investigation stretches the limits of their patience and partnership. The cost of truth begins to look dangerously like the cost of everything else they hold dear.

To better understand how this chapter fits into the deeper arc of the series, take a look at the Cormoran Strike reading order ➤

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Reading Order ➤

Chapter Navigation

• Chapter 1 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Reunion with Dave Polworth in Cornwall

• Chapter 10 Summary – Troubled Blood – Dr. Gupta’s Confessions about Margot Bamborough

• Chapter 20 Summary – Troubled Blood – Irene Sheds Light on Margot’s Past and Her Colleagues

• Chapter 30 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Confronts Morris and Reclaims Her Story

• Chapter 40 Summary – Troubled Blood – A Disastrous Dinner and Open Wounds

• Chapter 50 Summary – Troubled Blood – An Unexpected Visit and Revealed Secrets

• Chapter 60 Summary – Troubled Blood – Suspicions About Gloria and Ricci’s Secret

• Chapter 70 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Discovery of Margot Bamborough’s Body

FIRST PART

Chapter 1 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Reunion with Dave Polworth in Cornwall

Cormoran Strike returns to Saint Mawes, Cornwall, to accompany his aunt Joan, recently diagnosed with cancer. In the summer heat, he finds himself at the Victory Inn celebrating the birthday of his childhood friend, Dave Polworth. While they share beers, Dave insists on Strike’s Cornish identity, stressing his Nancarrow roots and questioning his Britishness. Through a discussion about nationalism, the story reveals their long and peculiar friendship, born since they were children. Dave, a fervent supporter of Cornish independence and a former company director now a gardener, shares personal anecdotes, including the unusual reason he decided to marry his wife Penny, influenced by a Tolstoy quote. Despite the political and family tensions, Strike finds comfort in that bond of loyalty and affection, while reflecting on his complicated love life and his close professional relationship with Robin Ellacott, his partner in the detective agency.

Chapter 2 Summary – Troubled Blood – Margot Bamborough’s Daughter Appears in the Dark

After the night in the pub, Strike goes out to smoke alone by the sea, avoiding further expressions of sympathy for his aunt’s illness. At that moment a woman, Anna, accompanied by her partner Kim, approaches him to talk about her missing mother, Margot Bamborough, a family doctor who disappeared in 1974. Anna, visibly nervous, claims she visited a medium who predicted she would find a “guide” to learn the truth about her mother, and upon seeing Strike in the pub she identified him as that figure. Skeptical but intrigued, Strike agrees to meet them the next day in Falmouth. Later, when searching Margot’s name online, he discovers her connection to serial killer Dennis Creed, although her body was never found. The implications of the case, coupled with the mysterious prediction of the medium, awaken Strike’s investigative instinct, and he decides to get involved, despite knowing the case has been unsolved for nearly forty years.

Chapter 3 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Discovers “The Mane”’s Double Life

Robin Ellacott, exhausted after weeks without rest, watches in Torquay a man nicknamed “The Mane,” who was supposed to be in Scotland. She discovers that the subject, Edward Campion, leads a double life with two wives and a pregnant lover, maintaining separate identities in different cities. Her work has led her to give up her long‑awaited day off, amid an increasingly hostile divorce process with her ex‑husband Matthew, who is trying to ruin her financially. Robin also faces the discomfort of working with the new collaborator, Morris, who is too casual and persuasive. While conducting surveillance, she receives a call from Strike, who tells her about his encounter with Anna and his interest in investigating Margot Bamborough’s disappearance. Despite her fatigue, Robin agrees to meet him in Falmouth. Through this conversation, both demonstrate the complicity that unites them. Robin feels better after the talk, although she struggles to hide the satisfaction she gets from helping Strike.

Chapter 4 Summary – Troubled Blood – Family Conflicts and the Margot Bamborough Case

Strike wakes up sore on the uncomfortable couch at his aunt and uncle’s house. Before dawn, he reviews details of the Margot Bamborough case online and buys a book about Dennis Creed. While smoking in the garden, his sister Lucy confronts him with old resentments. Lucy considers Joan her true mother and reproaches Strike for his bond with Leda, his biological mother. The tension escalates when Lucy accuses him of favoritism toward her son Jack and of being emotionally absent. After a heated argument, Strike enters the house and accidentally breaks one of Joan’s ornaments, which Luke gleefully reports with childish enthusiasm. The atmosphere becomes chaotic, with children running around and questions everywhere. Wishing to escape, Strike says affectionate goodbyes to his aunt and uncle and promises to return soon. Although he hides his annoyance, his departure reveals the emotional weight of a fractured childhood, loyalty divided between two mother figures, and the desire to focus on a new case to avoid thinking about family pain.

Chapter 5 Summary – Troubled Blood – Reunion in Falmouth and Strike’s Hidden Pain

Robin wakes up exhausted in a rundown bed and breakfast, with hardly any comforts, and after improvising her grooming in a supermarket, heads to meet Strike at the Palacio Lounge café in Falmouth. There she finds him visibly affected, both physically and emotionally, because of pain in his prosthetic leg after a fall boarding a ferry. In the midst of a chaotic setting full of rowdy children, they both try to maintain composure. Robin senses Strike’s bad mood, caused by discomfort, accumulated fatigue, and family pressure. The conversation reveals small frictions but also a silent complicity. The tension dissipates when they decide to leave the café to meet Anna Phipps. Robin watches Strike’s every gesture, intuiting his physical suffering, but also recognizing his determination regarding the new case. Together they head toward Wodehouse Terrace, prepared to hear a story that could change the course of their investigation.

Chapter 6 Summary – Troubled Blood – Anna’s Confessions about Margot and the Medium

In Anna Phipps’s bright house, Robin and Strike meet her and her partner, Kim Sullivan. Anna recounts her mother Margot Bamborough’s disappearance when she was barely one year old. Through a medium, she received an enigmatic message: “She lies in a sacred place,” which motivated her to seek Strike. Anna explains how she grew up believing her nanny, Cynthia, was her mother until at eleven she discovered the truth: Margot vanished without a trace after leaving her medical office, and her friend Oonagh Kennedy was the last to wait for her at the Three Kings pub. For years, Anna tried to reconstruct the story, facing her father Roy’s silence and the distrust of those around her. The medium rekindled her hope, though she acknowledges how absurd believing in her seems. Strike is honest about the case’s difficulties, but Anna insists she cannot die without knowing what happened. Finally, she considers formalizing the hiring of the agency.

Chapter 7 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Margot Case Begins and the Bond between Robin and Strike Strengthens

Back in London, Robin and Strike travel together while reviewing the conversation with Anna. Strike, although skeptical about the chances of success, is animated by the challenge. Between jokes, complaints about the secretary Pat, and sarcastic comments about the new collaborator Morris, they share confidences. Robin tolerates Strike’s comments about her nephew Jack, whom she defends vehemently against the other nephews she openly despises. On the journey, they discuss the agency’s active cases, with nicknames like “Déjà Vu,” “Postcards,” or “the Pearl,” all in different stages of development. A call from Anna and Kim from Falmouth confirms the hiring of the Margot case with an initial duration of one year. The news excites both of them, and they close the day with reflections on Dennis Creed and the medium. Robin drops Strike at the office and mentions a message from Charlotte Campbell, leaving in the air the mystery of what she has for him.

SECOND PART

Chapter 8 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Mane Scandal and Joan’s Crisis

Strike and Robin reveal to “The Mane”’s second wife that her husband is leading a double life. The woman, devastated, destroys the bigamist’s car with a golf club. After calming her, the detectives advise her to find a lawyer. Although they try to remain anonymous, the case explodes in the media and both detectives appear in the tabloids. The Mane’s wives even give joint interviews, united against him. Meanwhile, Strike returns to Cornwall to visit his aunt Joan, weakened by chemotherapy. There, his uncle Ted breaks down emotionally, and Strike debates whether to stay or return to London, where the agency is overwhelmed with work. Between lease negotiations, active cases, and the frustrating search for the police file on Margot Bamborough, he finally receives an unexpected call from Inspector George Layborn. Layborn proposes a meeting to discuss the case, hinting at secrets and serious errors in the original investigation that could change the course of everything.

Chapter 9 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin’s Birthday and Creed’s Unsettling Presence

Robin turns twenty‑nine immersed in reflections on her loneliness and her all‑consuming work life. She recalls her decision to divorce Matthew and faces the day with a low spirit. She lives with Max, an unemployed actor who barely speaks, in a quiet but distant coexistence. After opening poorly chosen gifts from family members, she receives a message from Strike proposing she accompany him to visit a key witness, but she already has commitments. On the subway, she leafs through the book about Dennis Creed, the serial killer linked to Margot Bamborough’s disappearance. As she reads, she immerses herself in disturbing details of Creed’s abusive childhood, his criminal evolution, and the sinister basement where he tortured his victims. The figure of Violet Cooper, his landlady, and the song “Come On‑A My House” reveal unsettling psychological nuances of the killer. Meanwhile, Strike continues advancing alone on the case, and Robin, forgotten on her birthday, hides her disappointment and continues toward the office.

Chapter 10 Summary – Troubled Blood – Dr. Gupta’s Confessions about Margot Bamborough

Strike visits Dr. Dinesh Gupta in Amersham, who worked with Margot Bamborough in 1974. Gupta remembers Margot as an intelligent, feminist, and combative woman whose presence created divisions at the St. John’s practice. He describes Dr. Brenner, her colleague addicted to barbiturates, as a misogynistic and reserved man who despised Margot. Gupta mentions workplace tensions, a failed integration barbecue, and the ambiguous attitude of employees like Dorothy Oakden and Gloria Conti. He reveals that the last patient Margot saw was a woman of “disheveled” appearance whose identity was never confirmed, and that Brenner suggested she might have been a man in disguise. Gupta suspects that Talbot, the original inspector, became obsessed with Dennis Creed, neglecting other leads. He also questions Talbot’s complacent attitude toward Roy, Margot’s husband. Finally, Gupta offers a medical reflection: hiding a corpse without a trace requires expert planning, which reinforces the suspicion that Creed was responsible.

Chapter 11 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Police File and Strike’s Personal Connection

After his interview with Dr. Gupta, Strike reflects on Margot Bamborough while walking through a residential suburb of Amersham. He imagines her as a figure lost in time and associates her with other victims of Dennis Creed, evoking the brutality of the Essex Butcher. He recalls the testimony of Helen Wardrop, the only known survivor, and reflects on what it really means to be “lucky,” remembering his own traumatic experience in Afghanistan. Upon arriving at the station, he discovers he has missed the last train and takes the opportunity to call George Layborn, who confirms he has obtained a copy of the original Bamborough case file. Although the file is disorganized, Strike feels euphoric at the possibility of advancing the investigation. He then checks a message from his half‑brother Al, inviting him to a Deadbeats anniversary celebration and proposing a family photo. Strike, unenthusiastic, closes the message and learns from Ilsa that he forgot Robin’s birthday.

Chapter 12 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin’s Birthday and Suspicions at the Agency

Robin receives the BBC weatherman and his wife, who share a new theory about the anonymous postcards. Although Robin finds it unlikely that an ex‑girlfriend is the sender, she notes the details professionally. She then gets a call from Strike, who tries to make up for forgetting her birthday by sending some flowers en route. Robin, disappointed but polite, thanks him. At the agency, Pat gives her a useful, personalized gift, and Barclay leaves a deck of Al‑Qaeda playing cards as a nod to a past conversation. Morris, the new collaborator, shows up with chocolates and a kiss on the cheek that Robin finds invasive. Uncomfortable, she heads to Selfridges and, after testing multiple perfumes, chooses one radically different, seeking an identity separate from the past she shared with Matthew. While walking among fragrances, she reflects on her personal change and the symbolism of her new choice, marking a birthday filled with awkward gestures and significant silences.

Chapter 13 Summary – Troubled Blood – Walking Clerkenwell and Theories About Margot’s Disappearance

Strike and Robin walk through Clerkenwell, reconstructing the route Margot might have taken the day she disappeared. They observe the old St. John’s surgery, review key testimonies, and explore alleys like Passing Alley and Albemarle Way, assessing possible spots where Margot could have been intercepted. While discussing the possibility of an assailant hiding in a nearby residence, they consider details about alibis, secondary access points, and the testimony of Gloria, the last person who claims to have seen Margot. They also analyze reports of a white van speeding away and conflicting sightings, including one near Saint James‑on‑the‑Green church. The constant rain and heavy atmosphere heighten the narrative tension. Robin debuts her new perfume, triggering an unexpected emotional reaction in Strike. Their conversation reveals their complementary deductive styles and strengthens their professional bond as they attempt to build a coherent hypothesis amidst numerous inconclusive clues and errors by the original inspector, Bill Talbot.

Chapter 14 Summary – Troubled Blood – Initial Suspects and the Chaos of the Talbot Case

At the Three Kings pub, Strike shares with Robin a massive dossier of documents from the Bamborough case. Together, they analyze the three main suspects: Roy Phipps, the ailing husband whose alibi is weakened by his cleaner Wilma’s testimony, claiming she saw him walking and cleaning blood that day; Paul Satchwell, an eccentric ex‑boyfriend with a solid alibi but enigmatic details; and Steve Douthwaite, a patient of Margot’s with a history of emotional issues, indirectly implicated in a lover’s suicide. Douthwaite disappeared after interrogation and resurfaced with a weak alibi based on a café where no one remembers him. Margot had recorded signs of anxiety in his medical file, and receptionists recall that his last visit was tense. Additionally, Talbot left chaotic notes filled with symbols and disjointed dates, including stars that might be pentagrams. In the end, Robin receives the translation of a shorthand note: a disturbing phrase with occult references that deepens the mystery of the case.

THIRD PART

Chapter 15 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Faces the Agency Alone and Her Own Ghosts

With Joan hospitalized after a relapse in her treatment, Robin takes charge of the agency. She leads the monthly meeting alone, perceiving tensions between Hutchins and Morris regarding the “Pearl” case, where Robin insists on sidelining the subject’s secretary and seeking other leads. At home, Robin deals with loneliness, stress, and a sleepy dachshund while unsuccessfully investigating deceased and missing witnesses related to Margot Bamborough’s disappearance. Frustrated, she tries to relax with hot chocolate, but a poorly timed call from Morris unsettles her: he has gotten the secretary drunk and suggests using her as an informant. Robin firmly refuses, removes him from the case, and ends the call. Tired of pretending to be nice to please others, she recalls episodes with Matthew and his family, recognizing patterns of submission imposed since childhood. Despite everything, she decides to reopen the book about Creed, breaking her own rule.

Chapter 16 Summary – Troubled Blood – Breakfast in London and New Clues About Margot’s Abortion

Strike returns to London after difficult days in Cornwall and meets Robin at a café near the National Gallery. Over breakfast, they exchange updates on the Bamborough case. Both have contacted relatives of deceased witnesses but are frustrated by the disappearance of key people like Paul Satchwell, Gloria Conti, and Steve Douthwaite. Robin reveals that her copy of The Demon of Paradise Park includes a passage removed from other editions, suggesting Margot registered at an abortion clinic near Creed’s home. The author of this theory is Carl Oakden, son of Dorothy, the practice secretary. The book was destroyed following a lawsuit from Roy Phipps and Oonagh Kennedy, raising suspicions of a cover‑up. Strike suggests someone might have used Margot’s name to conceal an abortion. Intrigued by the implications, both agree this new lead could change the direction of the case.

Chapter 17 Summary – Troubled Blood – Talbot’s Secret Notebook and Strike’s Family Demons

Strike reflects on the complex figure of his father, Jonny Rokeby, and his chaotic childhood marked by Leda’s neglect and the musician’s indifference. In the present, he deals with tensions within the agency, especially due to Morris’s defiant attitude toward Robin. He then heads to the home of Gregory Talbot, son of the original inspector on the Bamborough case. Gregory describes his father’s mental decline during the investigation: obsession with Creed, occult beliefs, and satanic rituals. Despite the decline, he insists Bill Talbot was a good policeman. Initially reluctant, Gregory hands Strike a mysterious notebook his father kept even during psychiatric hospitalization. It’s believed to contain details not included in the official case file. Gregory never showed it to anyone and admits he hesitated before handing it over. Strike accepts it cautiously, aware that the notebook could hold crucial clues about Margot Bamborough’s fate.

Chapter 18 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Eden Richards Failure and Divorce Pressure

Robin tries to enjoy her days off, but the stress of the divorce and lack of progress in the Bamborough case dampen her rest. Her meeting with lawyer Judith Cobbs leaves her frustrated: her ex‑husband Matthew refuses to yield on the joint account, and Judith insists on mediation, which Robin finds pointless. During her commute to the meeting, she gets an unexpected call from Eden Richards, daughter of Wilma Bayliss, who harshly informs her that she and her siblings want nothing to do with the past or the investigation. Despite the rejection, Robin reflects on how Margot’s disappearance might be tied to family secrets. Later, she meets Strike at a café, and he tells her that Irene Bull and Janice Beattie, former colleagues of Margot, have agreed to meet. Although Robin had another assignment, she gladly yields to her partner’s request, renewing her commitment to the case and appreciating the silent support he represents.

Chapter 19 Summary – Troubled Blood – Strike’s Birthday and Rokeby’s Unexpected Message

On his thirty‑ninth birthday, Strike receives gifts and cards, but one in particular enrages him: a blank note from his father, Jonny Rokeby. The belated and superficial gesture reopens deep childhood wounds marked by abandonment and indifference. After tearing up the card, he immerses himself in work to avoid thinking. Robin, unaware of what happened, picks him up to interview two witnesses. She gives him headphones identical to the ones he lost in Saint Mawes, a gift that touches Strike more than he admits. During the trip, he shares major findings: an anonymous call pretending to be Margot years after her disappearance, new leads on witnesses who may have seen her, and past lies from Irene Bull about her alibi. They also discover that Janice Beattie lied about owning a car, although her story was corroborated by patients. Both reflect on the complexities of the case as they approach the long‑awaited interview.

Chapter 20 Summary – Troubled Blood – Irene Sheds Light on Margot’s Past and Her Colleagues

Strike and Robin visit Irene Hickson and Janice Beattie, two former workers from the St. John’s surgery. Irene, flamboyant and talkative, tries to control the conversation, constantly interrupting Janice, who is more discreet and empathetic. They both talk about Steve Douthwaite, a former patient of Margot’s, and the disturbing Mr. Applethorpe, a neighbor obsessed with the occult who claimed to have killed Margot. Janice says she found a sedative capsule in Dr. Brenner’s mug and that Margot stopped accepting drinks from others afterward. Irene accuses Gloria Conti of planting it, hinting at ties to organized crime. She also reveals that Margot had an appointment for an abortion weeks before her disappearance, information she had kept hidden for years. Both agree that Margot was seen as haughty and mention internal tensions at the surgery. Robin and Strike leave with many doubts but also with new leads about the toxic environment surrounding Margot before her disappearance.

Chapter 21 Summary – Troubled Blood – Suspicions, Birthdays, and Revelations in Talbot’s Notebook

After an uncomfortable visit with Irene and Janice, Robin and Strike analyze the contradictions of the meeting as they head to the Trafalgar Tavern, a pub Robin chose as a birthday surprise. They reflect on detected lies: the Christmas argument between Margot and Irene wasn’t about Kevin’s medical exam, and something in the Leamington Spa story raises doubts. While sharing a drink by the Thames, a disheartened Robin expresses her fear that the case is unsolvable. Strike encourages her by pointing out key clues: the stash of barbiturates at the clinic and the possible abortion appointment. They consider new scenarios, like a failed robbery or an internal conspiracy. The memory of Margot confronting the unstable Brenner gains significance. Later, Strike shows Robin Talbot’s disturbing notebook, filled with astrological symbols, and they discover that the delusional inspector had created a natal chart of the crime. Strike decides to contact Dennis Creed and continue investigating.

Chapter 22 Summary – Troubled Blood – A Lonely Birthday and Talbot’s Zodiac Signs

In his attic, Strike dines alone on Chinese takeout while reflecting on his relationship with Robin and the conflicting feelings he’s beginning to recognize. Though he admires her beauty and their connection, he fears a romance would ruin their cherished friendship and the agency. Alone in his room, he writes a letter to the Ministry of Justice requesting a visit with Dennis Creed. He then returns to reading The Demon of Paradise Park, where a journalist interviews Creed, who hints at abducting Margot without confirming it. Strike links phrases from Talbot’s notebook with a mysterious shorthand note: “The killer is a Capricorn.” Using astrology search tools, he discovers Talbot believed Steve Douthwaite was a Pisces—the “twelfth”—and thus the killer must be a Capricorn: Roy Phipps. Yet Talbot had dismissed him. Intrigued, Strike starts cross‑referencing zodiac signs with statement dates in the case files, ignoring a call from Charlotte that only brings painful memories.

Chapter 23 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Receives Family News and Faces Past Ghosts

Eleven days later, Robin is awakened by her brother Stephen with the news of her niece Annabel Marie’s birth. Excited yet exhausted, she reflects on her personal sacrifices and views motherhood as incompatible with her current career. After a brief chat with her flatmate Max, she writes Strike an email detailing updates on the Bamborough case: the death of Charles Ramage, a promising lead named Amanda Laws, and the acquisition of the censored book What Happened to Margot Bamborough? Still affected, she receives a call from Tom Turvey, ex‑boyfriend of Sarah Shadlock, accusing her of hiding his fiancée’s affair with Matthew. The verbal attack leaves her shaken at Fortnum & Mason. Upon reuniting with Strike, she learns that Joan has been hospitalized again. Robin insists he travel to Cornwall, but he decides to stay out of respect for his aunt’s wishes. Together they enter the café, trying to refocus before the interview with Oonagh Kennedy.

Chapter 24 Summary – Troubled Blood – Oonagh’s Testimony and Margot Bamborough’s Dark Past

Robin and Strike meet with Oonagh Kennedy, a former close friend of Margot Bamborough, in a London café. Oonagh recounts her story from when she met Margot in 1966 during an audition to work as bunnies at the Playboy Club. She describes Margot as funny, intelligent, and driven to help her family, which led her to save money for medical school. She reveals Margot had a turbulent relationship with Paul Satchwell, a manipulative and violent artist who once locked her up, beat her, and took intimate photos he later used for blackmail. Oonagh recalls the ominous “pillow dream,” a threat Margot made against Satchwell if he ever released the photos. She confirms Margot briefly resumed the relationship but eventually left him. Later, Margot married Roy Phipps but endured an imbalanced relationship. The last time they spoke, Margot seemed sad and confused, and confessed she had something important to share—but vanished before she could.

Chapter 25 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Censored Book, Clues in Leamington Spa, and the Douthwaite Lead

While surveilling a house on another case, Strike reads the controversial book What Happened to Margot Bamborough?, marked by Robin. He finds distorted details: the author exaggerates Margot’s Playboy Bunny past and falsely suggests she helped a friend get an abortion using her name. The book mentions a man seeing Margot in Leamington Spa after her disappearance, but the source is unreliable. Strike focuses on Stevie Jacks, alias Steve Douthwaite, who became a singer at a holiday center. The interview Oakden conducted reveals suspicious evasions, and the fact that Douthwaite changed his name unsettles Strike. The book also references a mysterious object in Margot’s office that upset Roy, and an indirect link between Satchwell and a print shop near where she was last seen. Strike concludes that Oakden was sensationalist, but some connections may still prove useful to the investigation.

Chapter 26 Summary – Troubled Blood – Crucial Discoveries and the Astrological Symbol of Capricorn

The agency is hit by a flu outbreak that sidelines several employees, and Robin and Strike take the opportunity to review clues in the Bamborough case. Gregory Talbot calls to say he found a film reel hidden in a tin marked with Creed’s symbol, possibly linked to his father Bill Talbot. While waiting for the material, Strike explains how the inspector developed a theory based on astrology: he believed Margot’s killer had to be a Capricorn. Despite the absurdity of the method, some connections remain relevant. Robin shares updates about a witness requesting money to testify and a possible mix‑up between the names Margot and Mary Flanagan, another missing woman. They also confirm that Steve Douthwaite has changed his name again, raising further suspicion. The scene ends with anticipation to analyze the film reel Gregory will deliver, while Strike plans to give Robin a gift before her trip to Masham.

Chapter 27 Summary – Troubled Blood – Strike’s Failed Gift and the Dark Link to the Riccis

In the midst of flu and with Christmas shopping unfinished, Strike walks along Regent’s Street laden with bags and a raw throat. He decides to buy Robin a gift and calls Ilsa, who suggests a new perfume. Though he chooses a brand without romantic overtones, he ends up buying chocolates too, fearing a misstep. Later, he meets Shanker at the Shakespeare’s Head pub and shows him an old photo from the clinic party featuring a man with a lion ring. Shanker identifies him as Mucky Ricci, an old London mobster still alive and tied to crime. Learning he attended the party where Margot was last seen, Strike suspects a dangerous connection. For the first time, Shanker warns him: don’t mess with the Riccis unless you want trouble. The conversation leaves Strike uneasy, aware that he has tugged at a thread more dangerous than he anticipated.

Chapter 28 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Returns to Masham and Revisits Past Wounds

Annoyed by Strike’s impersonal gift, Robin travels to Masham with a sense of emptiness and disappointment. During the trip, she listens to Joni Mitchell’s Court and Spark, Margot’s favorite album, but its unfinished and melancholic tone unsettles her. Upon arrival, her mother greets her warmly, but the calm is shattered when Linda informs her that Matthew has brought Sarah Shadlock to spend Christmas in the village. Though Robin suspected it, the confirmation shakes her emotionally. At home, she tries to stay composed while meeting her new niece, Annabel Marie, and engaging in holiday festivities surrounded by memories and simmering tensions. Despite her family’s affection, Robin feels watched and judged for her singleness and history with Matthew. Lying in her childhood bedroom, she relives her post‑assault isolation from university and senses that the mask of normality she wears is starting to crack.

Chapter 29 Summary – Troubled Blood – Strike’s Fever and the Case’s Most Disturbing Discovery

Physically deteriorating, Strike isolates himself in his attic to spend Christmas sick. Burning with fever, he receives an unexpected visit from Pat, who brings him hot soup, gifts, and the old projector along with the film reel recovered by Gregory Talbot. Though weak, he forces himself to shower and organize his space, clinging to routine as emotional survival. While drafting his report on Talbot’s astrological notebook, he reveals that the deranged inspector excluded four key clues from the police file, including a mention of Mucky Ricci seen leaving the clinic. That connection to the criminal underworld strengthens Strike’s theory of a deliberate cover‑up. Later, he manages to set up the projector and plays the tape: a brutal snuff film showing a woman being raped and murdered by several hooded men, one wearing a gold lion ring identical to Ricci’s. The scene makes him vomit. Strike realizes he has just crossed an irreversible threshold in the investigation.

Chapter 30 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Confronts Morris and Reclaims Her Story

Stuck in Masham for Christmas, Robin feels emotionally isolated as the family centers around the new baby. Through Joni Mitchell’s album, she connects with Margot’s pain and contradictions and acknowledges her own struggle to reclaim the woman she was before her trauma. While reading Strike’s report, she discovers Mucky Ricci’s past link to the clinic. Overwhelmed by family scrutiny, she starts exchanging messages with Morris, initially casual. But he crosses the line by sending a sexual photo. Furious, Robin calls and confronts him bluntly, making it clear she will tolerate no further disrespect. Though she promises not to tell Strike to avoid jeopardizing the agency, she feels used and enraged. Beneath the façade of family normalcy, Robin reaffirms her independence, aware that her worth doesn’t depend on being in a relationship or pleasing others.

FOURTH PART

Chapter 31 Summary – Troubled Blood – Joan’s Confessions and Strike’s Emotional Legacy

During a storm that isolates Cornwall, Strike arrives at his aunt and uncle’s house after weeks of illness, visibly thinner. He devotes himself to caring for Joan, who, weakened and too tired to continue chemotherapy, confides deeply about her life and her wish to be cremated and scattered at sea. In the middle of an intimate conversation, she asks why he never married, and he, evasive, avoids mentioning Charlotte. Joan expresses her desire to have met Robin, whom she senses is a good person. Meanwhile, Strike receives an unexpected message from his half‑sister Prudence, inviting him to a party hosted by their father, Jonny Rokeby. Joan encourages him to go and reconcile with his past, though Strike insists Ted was his true father. The conversation unearths buried emotions and allows Strike to see Joan in a new light—pragmatic and brave in the face of imminent death.

Chapter 32 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Discovers New Leads and Tracks Down Gloria Conti

Robin, in a long day of surveillance under the rain, receives a call from Strike in Cornwall. He informs her that he won’t be able to interview Dennis Creed, as the Ministry of Justice has denied the request. Despite the setback, Robin shares promising findings: Cynthia, Anna’s stepmother, has agreed to speak in secret; Amanda Laws, a potential witness, is considering cooperating; and most importantly, Robin believes she has located Gloria Conti, the last person to see Margot. She now lives in France under the name Mary Jaubert. Robin also reveals she has identified the van seen on the day of the disappearance: it belonged to a macrobiotic shop in Clerkenwell and is unrelated to Creed. Meanwhile, Strike tries to hide the real contents of a discovered snuff film, which he has already handed over to the police. Both detectives feel the weight of the case but also a renewed sense of purpose, aware that the puzzle pieces are starting to come together.

Chapter 33 Summary – Troubled Blood – New Revelations, Internal Tensions, and an Unexpected Twist

With Strike still in Cornwall, Robin manages the agency and juggles multiple cases while reflecting on her tense dynamic with Morris and the growing emotional toll of the Bamborough case. She speaks with Barclay about the possibility that their main suspect, “Postcards,” may have vanished, and feels uneasy knowing Strike spent Christmas alone. A call from the daughter of Dave Underwood, former driver of the macrobiotic shop’s van, confirms he was in Clerkenwell the day Margot disappeared, ruling him out. Later, a disturbing woman recognizes Robin as “the girl stabbed by the Ripper,” leaving her deeply shaken. Back at home, Robin immerses herself in The Demon of Paradise Park, and is horrified by the extended captivity and murder of Gail Wrightman by Dennis Creed. That night, while listening to Joni Mitchell, a bold idea forms: Robin will attempt to contact Creed directly, without Strike’s knowledge.

Chapter 34 Summary – Troubled Blood – Prudence’s Message and the Call That Ignites Strike’s Fury

After saying goodbye to Joan, Strike travels alone by train to London, worn down by her slow decline. He declines invitations and buries himself in work to avoid vulnerability. He receives a message from his half‑sister Prudence, revealing that Rokeby’s party has a confidential purpose. Though wary, Strike replies politely, postponing the meeting. Shortly after, Al calls, urging him to attend the family photo, and when he mentions Rokeby, Strike’s rage erupts: he accuses him of using him to improve his public image. Amid his fury, Strike painfully recalls Joan and Ted, wishing it were Rokeby who was dying. Upon reuniting with Robin, both conceal their tension. While driving toward Hampton Court, they discuss new developments in the Bamborough case. Strike shares a lead about a woman picked up by a van—possibly Theo, Margot’s last patient. The information revives theories about the disappearance, though it raises new doubts.

Chapter 35 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Nanny Cynthia and the Secrets of the Phipps Household

Robin and Strike meet with Cynthia Phipps, Anna’s former nanny, in Hampton Court. Still dressed as Anne Boleyn, Cynthia is nervous and talkative. She claims to see Anna as a daughter, though her testimony is full of contradictions. She insists she had no relationship with Roy before Margot’s disappearance, yet admits she lived above the garage and later formed a family with him. She states that Margot would never have abandoned her daughter and recalls an anonymous call two years later, from a woman claiming to be Margot. Though she believes it was fake, the call coincided with the discovery of a Creed victim, raising doubts. Cynthia breaks down in tears, admitting she’s hidden her anguish for decades. She speaks about the emotional weight of living with Margot’s absence, of raising Anna as her own, and how silence became her refuge. Just as the interview seems to be ending, Roy calls furiously: he’s found out and demands they come to his house.

Chapter 36 Summary – Troubled Blood – Margot’s Past Revealed by the Phipps Family

Strike and Robin visit Cynthia, now Roy Phipps’s wife, hoping to uncover new information about Margot’s disappearance. At the family home, tensions explode when Anna reveals she hired the detectives. Enraged, Roy ends up confessing that Margot had resumed contact with Paul Satchwell before vanishing. He mentions a strange clock with a figure of Pallas Athena where they used to leave notes—a symbol of their cold marriage. In an emotional breakdown, Roy admits he was cruel to Margot, that she wanted to leave him, and likely went out alone that night after a fight. Ashamed, he suggests she might have encountered Dennis Creed. Roy’s tearful collapse in Anna’s arms moves everyone. The scene is revealing for Strike and Robin, who now face a new layer of the mystery that forces them to rethink everything they thought they knew about Margot.

Chapter 37 Summary – Troubled Blood – Nighttime Suspicions and New Connections

A heavy storm falls over London as Strike conducts surveillance from his car outside Elinor Dean’s house. He watches a man leave at dawn covering his face—a suspicious detail. Soon after, he receives a message from his half‑brother Al: Jonny Rokeby wants to speak with him. Strike ignores it with deep contempt. At a café, Robin informs him that Gloria Conti has refused to talk, but she has managed to contact Wilma Bayliss’s daughter, who seems willing to cooperate. Another troubling clue emerges: Julie Wilkes, a woman who once mentioned Steve Douthwaite, drowned in a hotel pool where he worked. Every new piece seems to bring them closer to a hidden truth. As the network of names and events grows, Robin’s intuition sharpens. Both detectives realize that what once seemed scattered is now linking together with a dangerous and unexpected logic.

Chapter 38 Summary – Troubled Blood – Wilma Bayliss’s Daughter and Hidden Secrets

Robin meets with Oonagh Kennedy, reverend and former friend of Margot Bamborough. During the conversation, she learns that Margot was planning to leave Roy Phipps and start a new life. Kennedy also reveals that Margot felt watched and had begun keeping a private diary. Later, Robin visits Wilma Bayliss’s daughter, who tells her that her mother, the clinic’s cleaning woman, overheard many important conversations. According to her, Wilma suspected someone at the practice, though she never revealed who. Robin senses that the daughter still carries the burden of what was left unsaid and detects a latent fear in her words. This meeting offers an intimate and revealing perspective on the clinic’s atmosphere and reinforces the idea that Margot had triggered alarm bells among people who now remain silent. Each new testimony brings Robin closer to solving the puzzle.

Chapter 39 Summary – Troubled Blood – A Bloodstained Page and an Unexpected Father

Robin wakes from a nightmare about Matthew and reluctantly prepares for a meeting with Strike but loses her wallet and arrives late. Meanwhile, Strike receives a devastating call from his uncle Ted: Joan is dying. He decides to travel to Cornwall on Sunday, though roads are blocked. When Robin reaches the agency, Strike shows her a bloodstained page found in a book, which they might test against Margot’s blood type. He also reveals he has found C. B. Oakden, now known as Carl O. Brice, a misogynistic self‑published author. As they talk, team members arrive and the meeting begins. They discuss surveillance at Elinor Dean’s house, the Postcards case, and other developments. The chapter ends with an unexpected call from Jonny Rokeby, Strike’s father, which escalates into a violent argument. Strike yells, storms out in fury, and leaves the office in shock.

Chapter 40 Summary – Troubled Blood – A Disastrous Dinner and Open Wounds

Robin, exhausted after a tense day, tries to avoid Morris, who insists on walking her to the tube and continues with suggestive remarks. At home, Max has prepared a special dinner. Still hurt by Strike’s behavior, Robin researches Paul Satchwell without success and receives encouraging news about Creed: there’s hope of questioning him thanks to pressure from another affected family. As she gets ready for dinner, Ilsa calls in tears—she’s had a miscarriage and Nick blamed her for working too much. Robin comforts her as best she can. Later, Strike shows up drunk at the dinner, which also includes Robin’s brother and two friends. The evening turns into a heated debate about pornography and feminism, where Strike reveals disturbing details from a Kosovo case. Tension rises until Kyle and Courtney make a direct reference to Robin’s rape, triggering a deathly silence. Strike stumbles away and Robin follows him, deeply shaken.

Chapter 41 Summary – Troubled Blood – Shouting in the Rain and Painful Truths

On a rainy London night, completely drunk, Strike stumbles through the streets trying to find the Tube but ends up vomiting between two cars. Robin shows up and confronts him furiously, unleashing years of pent-up frustration. She reproaches him for his lateness, his drunkenness, his rudeness, and for forcing a conversation about her personal trauma in front of strangers. The argument escalates, revealing the deep emotional strain both are under and the unequal burden in their working and personal relationship. Robin explodes, tired of always covering for Strike’s mistakes without receiving any recognition, while he, wounded and defensive, tries to justify himself but fails to calm her. They hurl accusations over responsibilities, sacrifices, and past wounds until Strike decides to leave, frustrated and exhausted. Robin yells at him never to buy her flowers again, and he replies sarcastically as he walks away down the wet street. The scene ends with both overwhelmed, their emotions at breaking point, and their bond more fragile than ever.

Chapter 42 Summary – Troubled Blood – Unexpected Calls and Buried Memories

Strike wakes up hungover, aching and remembering fragments of the previous night. He reflects on his behaviour during dinner and Robin’s anger, confronting the hidden motives behind his actions. He thinks about his mother, Leda, and how her lifestyle still affects him. He decides not to call Robin, expecting her to take the first step, just like he learned to do in toxic arguments with Charlotte. Then, he receives a call from Clare Spencer, the Athorns’ social worker, who confirms that Deborah and Samhain suffer from fragile X syndrome, and reveals dark details from the past: Gwilherm, the father, may have acted as Deborah’s pimp. Clare mentions Nico Ricci, a gangster tied to the past, and Uncle Tudor’s theory about Margot. Later, Strike receives disturbing messages from Charlotte from a psychiatric clinic, where she confesses her love and desperation. Overwhelmed, he feels like all his problems are crashing down on him at once, with no relief in sight.

Chapter 43 Summary – Troubled Blood – Confessions, Reconciliation, and a Revealing Lead

Emotionally drained after the dinner, Robin takes refuge in work and avoids her houseguests. Locked in her room all day, she tries to focus on the Margot investigation but her thoughts keep drifting to Strike. Despite her anger, she feels pain and disappointment over their damaged connection. Later, in the kitchen, Max shares his story of medical negligence, the breakup with Matthew, and how he ended up keeping the duplex. Tenderly, he expresses solidarity upon learning of Robin’s wounds. Their conversation is sincere and human, bringing them closer than ever. Shortly after, Strike calls to apologize, admitting his mistake at dinner and telling her she’s the best thing he has. Robin, tearful, forgives him and feels relieved. After the call, she returns to her computer and, unexpectedly, finds a key clue about Paul Satchwell on a gallery website: a recent photo of the painter confirms his identity. Robin has finally found him.

Chapter 44 Summary – Troubled Blood – Against Wind, Water, and Death

Cormoran Strike and his sister Lucy embark on a difficult journey to Saint Mawes in the midst of a storm that has flooded roads and toppled trees. Aware that Joan, their aunt, is about to die, Strike knows this journey will end in death. Lucy surprises him with her determination, and they are eventually rescued by Polworth and other local volunteers who guide them through flooded fields and boats to the family home. Joan holds on for a few more days, mostly asleep, comforted by her loved ones. Strike endures the physical pain of the journey and the emotional pain of waiting, trying to stay strong for Ted and Lucy. In an emotional early morning, Joan briefly wakes, tells him she’s proud of him, and drifts back to sleep. Strike tells her he loves her, knowing those will be his last words to her.

Chapter 45 Summary – Troubled Blood – Grief, Work, and Revelations

Joan has died, and a devastated Strike remains in Saint Mawes to help Ted prepare the funeral. Robin, in London, keeps the agency running smoothly, taking on new investigations. Despite her exhaustion, she travels to Leamington Spa to investigate Paul Satchwell and looks for connections to Talbot’s astrological notes. While examining a church linked to the case, she discovers that the cemetery mentioned by Ramage no longer existed in 1974, casting doubt on that testimony. Later, in her hotel, Robin delves into Talbot’s horoscopes and discovers that the mysterious Schmidt did exist: he wrote about a zodiac with fourteen signs, explaining the inspector’s confusion. Excited, she calls Strike, who appreciates the finding but doesn’t see its full significance. Robin ends the day exhausted, reflecting on symbols and shuffling tarot cards, seeking meaning between the mystical and the rational.

Chapter 46 Summary – Troubled Blood – Encounter with the Past and Personal Certainties

Robin wakes restless after distressing dreams, heads early to the gallery where Paul Satchwell’s works are displayed, and immediately recognizes his paintings—full of eroticism and mythological violence. Learning that the artist is in town, she leaves her contact details in hopes of meeting him. While she waits, her thoughts drift to her feelings for Strike. In a moment of deep introspection, she admits she’s been in love with him for some time, though she knows confessing it could ruin their bond. She recognizes the deep trust and respect she has for her partner, and how her relationship with Matthew began to erode from the moment she met Strike. Later, exploring the gallery, Robin comes face to face with Paul Satchwell, now elderly and visibly aged. He invites her to lunch, agreeing to talk about Margot Bamborough, and Robin, heart racing, prepares for the long-awaited interrogation.

Chapter 47 Summary – Troubled Blood – Satchwell’s Secret and the Rage Beneath the Mask

Robin accompanies Paul Satchwell to Warwick to interview him, feigning interest in his art while hiding her true motives. He speaks nostalgically of Margot, revealing details of their relationship, but soon shows signs of aggression when Robin mentions Janice. Satchwell denies any link to a print shop near Margot’s clinic and reacts sharply when the Leamington Spa cemetery sighting is brought up. Robin skillfully confronts him with a dark memory Margot might have known: the death of Blanche, his disabled sister. He insists it was a childhood dream, but his rage and fear betray something deeper. He calls Robin a “disgusting bitch” before storming off, unable to control his anger. Instead of being shaken, Robin feels euphoric for having extracted so much. She eats the chips he left behind, convinced she’s hit a nerve that could solve the mystery of Margot Bamborough.

Chapter 48 Summary – Troubled Blood – A Farewell Among Friends and the Promise to Return

In Saint Mawes, Strike carries Joan’s coffin alongside Polworth and other coastguards, surrounded by villagers who fill the church and cemetery with flowers. The farewell is solemn and simple, just as Joan would have wanted. Lucy, Ted, and Strike find comfort in kind gestures and shared memories. At the Ship and Castle, the hotel where the wake continues, Strike feels overwhelmed by unwanted attention from acquaintances drawn by his fame, but the bouquet sent by Robin and the team comforts him more than expected. Outside the hotel, he calls to thank her, and Robin tells him about her revealing meeting with Satchwell. They reflect on Janice’s involvement and Satchwell’s potential motive to silence Margot. Back with Polworth, Strike jokes with him about his absent father and is moved by his friends’ generosity. A seagull in the bay symbolizes his wish to fly again, after the pain and loss.

FIFTH PART

Chapter 49 Summary – Troubled Blood – Astrology, New Clues, and an Uncomfortable Truth

Robin arrives early at the office after her mediation with Matthew is abruptly canceled. Morris, relaxed, boasts about catching Mr. Smith cheating on his wife, while Robin remains professional. Strike invites her for breakfast and they discuss the Bamborough case at Bar Italia. They talk about the failed blood test from the book, the uselessness of interviewing Mucky Ricci, and Carl Oakden’s evasive behaviour. Robin shows her progress with Talbot’s notebook, linking astrological signs to possible suspects, and reveals she has identified Blanche Satchwell as a Scorpio—Paul’s deceased sister. She also discovers the symbolic use of asteroids in the inspector’s notes, such as Pallas Athena for Margot. Though Strike is sceptical, he concedes that some connections might make sense. Amanda White, the teenage witness, calls to reaffirm her story and shares an odd anecdote about Violet Cooper, further deepening the mystery around Dennis Creed.

Chapter 50 Summary – Troubled Blood – An Unexpected Visit and Revealed Secrets

Strike pays a surprise visit to Janice Beattie and finds her at home watching TV. Though annoyed at first, she invites him in and serves tea while they chat. He asks about Niccolo Ricci, and Janice replies she only knew unfounded rumours. They then talk about Joseph Brenner, and Janice is shaken to hear he may have sexually harassed Deborah Athorn. She also reveals that Carl Oakden visited her, likely to dig into Brenner’s past, and suspects he stole an obituary. She recalls suspecting Carl of thefts at the clinic that were unfairly blamed on Wilma. When Strike asks about Joanna Hammond and Margot, Janice shares a delicate story: Margot believed Maud, Dorothy’s mother, may have been pushed by either her daughter or grandson. Finally, under pressure from Strike, Janice reveals that Irene had a brief relationship with Satchwell, whom she met at a pub. This previously unknown story completely shifts the case’s connections.

Chapter 51 Summary – Troubled Blood – Creed, Tucker, and the Monsters of the Past

Robin meets secretly with Brian Tucker, father of Louise, a presumed victim of Dennis Creed. The interview takes place in a café, where Tucker gives her unpublished documents written by Creed during his imprisonment. In them, with twisted and cruel language, he appears to allude to Margot Bamborough, describing her chained and abused, suggesting she was one of his victims. Additionally, one letter contains a hidden message revealing the phrase “Your daughter is dead,” as if Creed is mocking Tucker. Robin tries to remain calm as she reads these fragments, horrified by the implied violence. Tucker also offers maps of two possible locations where bodies could be buried: a hidden well under a greenhouse and a forest near an old Creed family property. As she leaves, Robin, emotionally impacted, promises Tucker they will do everything possible. As she walks, she feels the weight of absence and the brutality of the past.

Chapter 52 Summary – Troubled Blood – Suspicions, Jealousy, and Shadows Within the Team

Strike relieves Robin on the surveillance of Elinor Dean, while JP continues his secret visits. On the phone, Barclay comments that the man could have a sexual addiction or a fetish that keeps him attached to that house, despite the risk of being blackmailed. On the way, Strike reflects on his personal problems: Joan’s funeral, his tensions with Lucy, his half‑siblings’ attempts to contact him, and the pressure to solve the Bamborough case. Robin, for her part, shows him more discoveries from Talbot’s notebook, with astrological symbols related to Carl Oakden and Dorothy. They suggest that Talbot believed Carl might have pushed his grandmother. While they talk, Strike notices frequent messages from Morris on Robin’s mobile and begins to suspect a possible relationship between them. Although he tries to rationalize his discomfort, he can’t help feeling annoyed, aware that such emotion comes from a very personal place he does not want to explore.

Chapter 53 Summary – Troubled Blood – Confessions of the Bayliss Sisters and the Hidden Anonymous Note

Robin arrives early in Wanstead to meet the Bayliss sisters and visits Alexandra Lake, where Dennis Creed threw Susan Meyer’s body. She observes the green water and recalls the killer’s maneuvers, imagining the victims’ terror. She then meets Strike at the Belgique café to interview Eden, Maya, and Porschia. The sisters reveal that their mother Wilma did not clean the Phipps house, but that their aunt Carmen secretly did so in exchange for Margot paying for Wilma’s divorce. When talking about the mysterious anonymous note Margot received, they show the paper with clumsy and offensive handwriting, which had been thrown in the clinic trash. Wilma kept it out of fear. The sisters explain the weight of the scandal, police racism, and family conflict. Porschia adds that a woman named Betty Fuller claimed to know who wrote the note and that it was the same person who killed Margot.

Chapter 54 Summary – Troubled Blood – Ashes at Sea and a Scream from Hell

During the train journey to Cornwall, Strike, exhausted, reflects on the interview with the Bayliss sisters and rereads passages from the book about Creed, while unintentionally provoking laughter with his clumsiness. Upon arriving in Truro, Polworth picks him up and he meets his family to bid farewell to Joan. At the ceremony, the soluble urn with the ashes floats over the sea as they throw roses, and Strike experiences a mix of pain and relief watching it drift away. Amid the mourning, he receives disturbing messages from Charlotte from an unknown number, hinting at suicide. Each message increases his anguish until he decides to act. After the ceremony, he separates from the group, enters a phone booth, and calls the Symonds House clinic. He insists desperately until the staff find Charlotte unconscious in the garden. The call cuts off and Strike hears screams, knowing he may have prevented a tragedy.

Chapter 55 Summary – Troubled Blood – Charlotte, the Divorce, and an Unexpected Closure

Charlotte’s hospitalization reaches the press, and her story appears in all the media, but Strike does not mention anything to Robin. She, though intrigued, avoids bringing it up out of respect. While searching for Betty Fuller, Robin faces her final mediation with Matthew. The meeting, tense but brief, reveals that he will pay the £10,000 she requested, which surprises Robin until she understands the reason: Sarah is pregnant. On the street, after signing the papers, Robin says goodbye to Matthew kindly, thanking him for how he supported her when she needed it most. He, emotional, wishes her luck. Still affected, Robin decides she will not spend the next Christmas in Masham, anticipating the pain of seeing her ex with a new family. Freed but nostalgic, she realizes she has definitively closed that chapter of her life, ready to face what comes next, without resentment but with scars.

Chapter 56 Summary – Troubled Blood – Confessions, Perversions, and an Echo from the Past

While Strike surveils Elinor Dean, he receives an unexpected visit from his brother Al, who informs him that their father, Jonny Rokeby, has cancer. Although Al expects empathy, Strike, resentful, rejects any attempt at reconciliation. Soon after, he meets Robin to visit Betty Fuller, an elderly woman who, despite her worn appearance, is lucid and direct. Betty reveals she had paid sexual encounters with Dr. Brenner, who regularly came to her house to practice his paraphilia: somnophilia. She also recounts stories of violence in the world of prostitution, including one about a young woman murdered on Mucky Ricci’s orders for being an informant. Upon leaving, Robin connects that case to Kara Wolfson, who disappeared under similar circumstances. Affected, she researches somnophilia, and they both reflect on Brenner. Strike concludes that, with time running out, they might have to confront Mucky Ricci directly.

Chapter 57 Summary – Troubled Blood – Oakden’s Ambush and Robin’s Suspicion

During surveillance at the St. Peter’s residence, Robin sees Mucky Ricci for the first time—the elderly gangster in a wheelchair. Aware that the residence is heavily monitored, Robin laments not being able to get closer, especially since she’s wearing a dress and heels for a professional appointment later with Strike. While Morris relieves her, his attitude and comments make Robin uncomfortable, and she begins to suspect that he has misinterpreted her cordiality. Inspired by a reflection from Morris, Robin identifies a possible paraphilia connected to the case and contacts Barclay to check it. Later, arriving late at the Stafford Hotel for an interview, she finds a crowd and paparazzi gathered for an event of the famous Jonny Rokeby, Strike’s father. Robin deduces that Carl Oakden has planned a media trap. The interview turns hostile when Oakden launches provocations until Strike loses control, hits him, and accidentally injures Robin, triggering a chaotic and embarrassing public scene in the bar.

Chapter 58 Summary – Troubled Blood – Confessions Over Whisky and Curry

After the unintentional assault in the bar, Robin and Strike leave the place amid confusion. She, with a bloody nose and in pain, demands food and alcohol instead of comfort. At the office, while eating curry and drinking whisky, Robin applies ice to her bruises. Strike, affected by guilt, opens up about his stormy relationship with his father, Jonny Rokeby, and reveals details of his childhood marked by rejection, wounded pride, and a history full of disappointments. Robin listens attentively and reaffirms her loyalty. They explore personal topics such as motherhood, loneliness, and their respective breakups. In a moment charged with emotional tension, Strike confesses that Robin is his best friend. She, moved, reciprocates the sentiment. The atmosphere becomes intimate, close to a point of no return—but Barclay’s sudden arrival interrupts the moment, abruptly returning them to reality with a mix of surprise, warmth, and frustrated opportunity.

Chapter 59 Summary – Troubled Blood – JP’s Secret Scandal and Morris’s Downfall

When Barclay turns on the office lights, he sees Robin’s condition and the dinner mess. He brings key news: thanks to Robin’s intuition, he discovers that JP pays Elinor Dean to treat him like a baby in a padded environment with talc and diapers. The paraphilia, called autonepiophilia, explains the strange behavior observed. Perla, upon seeing JP enter Elinor’s house, misinterprets it as a conventional sexual encounter and begins blackmailing him. Robin, Strike, and Barclay debate how to protect JP without ruining lives. They need to contact Perla’s secretary, but Morris refuses to cooperate, and his evasive attitude triggers Robin’s suspicion. Later, Morris sneaks in and hugs Robin from behind—and she reacts violently. The confrontation reveals that he had sent her unsolicited sexual photos. Furious, Robin demands his dismissal, and Strike expels him from the agency.

SIXTH PART

Chapter 60 Summary – Troubled Blood – Suspicions About Gloria and Ricci’s Secret

During the weekend, Robin and Strike reflect on the intimate conversation they shared before being interrupted, silently wondering what might have happened. Robin relives insecurities when remembering Charlotte Campbell, whose memory still seems to weigh on Strike’s life. On Monday, Robin faces Pat’s disapproval over Morris’s dismissal until she reveals that he sent her an explicit photograph. Later, she focuses on a new line of investigation: Gloria’s vomiting at Margot’s barbecue. She proposes to Strike that Gloria might have been pregnant and Margot helped her with a clandestine abortion, which would explain Gloria’s persistent silence and discomfort. Strike is convinced by this new possibility. He then attempts to approach Mucky Ricci at the residence but is forced to retreat when he runs into an old colleague. Robin, unhesitating, decides to take the risk and takes the initiative to enter the residence disguised.

Chapter 61 Summary – Troubled Blood – Robin Confronts Luca Ricci at the Residence

Robin manages to infiltrate St. Peter’s residence disguised as Vanessa Jones, an alleged niece of an inmate. With skillful makeup and simple clothing, she quietly enters Mucky Ricci’s room, where he greets her with a distrustful look. She claims to be a journalist and mentions Leda Strike, piquing Ricci’s interest. Although she tries to extract information about Margot Bamborough’s murder, Ricci avoids direct answers but mentions that he knows what it is like to lose a mother. His tone becomes threatening as he insinuates that some people should be careful what they’re looking for. Despite feeling intimidated, Robin stays in character and does not let herself be cowed. As she leaves the room, Ricci makes a cutting remark about Strike. Robin departs convinced that Ricci knows far more than he says and that his connection to Margot’s disappearance is far from coincidental.

Chapter 62 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Link Between Gloria and the Abortion Secret

After her visit to the residence, Robin recounts to Strike the details of the encounter with Ricci, who reacted with unease upon hearing Leda’s name. They both agree that the old man is hiding important secrets. Then Robin calls Gloria to confront her with a new hypothesis: the possibility that she was pregnant in 1974 and that Margot helped her with an abortion. Gloria’s reaction is revealing; she appears visibly affected, subtly confirms the suspicion, and acknowledges that Margot helped her with compassion. However, she also mentions that Margot was receiving threatening letters and was worried about someone close to the clinic. Strike and Robin deduce that the clandestine abortion may have set off a chain of blackmail or revenge. The chapter ends with both detectives analyzing how Gloria’s secret could connect to Margot’s disappearance, and Robin, more determined than ever, charts the next steps of the investigation.

Chapter 63 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Perla’s Deception and Getting Close to Gemma

For two weeks, Robin notices that the Astrology 14 book changes places and that case documents for Bamborough appear and disappear, indicating that Strike continues to study the mystery. The agency takes on new clients, including a swindled soccer player and Miss Jones’s obsessive partner, while JP, freed after revealing his secret to his wife, hires the agency to sink the Perla. With three active cases, Robin meets Strike in the office and sees his exhaustion. He admits that the Margot case seems like a maze with no exit and expresses distrust toward Douthwaite. Later, Robin goes to the Vintry bar to approach Gemma, the Perla’s secretary, posing as a potential candidate from her company. After drinking together, Gemma confesses unwanted advances from her boss, the pressure of the financial environment, and Morris’s toxic advice, whom Robin sees fleeing.

Chapter 64 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Fake Diamond and Donna’s Breakdown

Robin and Strike travel to Skegness to locate Douthwaite, now called Diamond, who works at the Allardice bed and breakfast with his wife Donna. Pretending to be an acquaintance named Barry, Strike confirms by phone that the man is nearby and they wait outside the establishment until they see him come in with supplies. After introducing themselves as detectives, Donna discovers that her husband had hidden his real name and reacts furiously, convinced that he has deceived several women. In an upstairs room, Douthwaite reviews his statement and insists that he had no romantic relationship with Margot nor responsibility for the deaths of other women linked to his life. Donna continually accuses him, while he maintains that he was only seeking work and opportunities. Robin tries to calm Donna, and Strike decides to end the interview, convinced that Douthwaite is hiding something he will not reveal in front of his wife anytime soon.

Chapter 65 Summary – Troubled Blood – Fish and Chips, Revelations, and an Unexpected Letter

After the tense encounter with Douthwaite, Strike and Robin seek comfort in a seaside restaurant in Skegness. While sharing fish and chips and an intimate conversation, they analyze Douthwaite’s contradictions, convinced he hides a secret linked to Margot’s disappearance. They reflect on the desire to reinvent oneself and the impact of past mistakes, mixing personal memories with observations about life. Robin reveals her upcoming birthday, and Strike, in an unexpected gesture, mentions for the first time the real extent of his war wounds. In a relaxed atmosphere, Robin receives an email from Gloria Conti, who, after months of silence, agrees to speak. Excited, they plan to have a video call together from the office. Later, on a walk to the beach, they share memories, humor, and reflections on mortality, change, and the importance of the sea. The chapter closes with the promise of a key interview with the last person who saw Margot alive.

Chapter 66 Summary – Troubled Blood – Gloria Conti’s Truth and the Shadow of the Riccis

Strike and Robin call Gloria Conti via videoconference, and she reveals a long, emotional, heartbreaking story. Raised by her grandparents after her parents’ death, Gloria fell into a mafioso fantasy influenced by The Godfather, which led her to link up with Luca Ricci, a violent young man who controlled her with threats and assaults. Her life changed when she met Margot, who helped her get a secret abortion when Gloria became pregnant, fearing being trapped forever. Margot gave her emotional support and sought to pull her out of the Ricci circle. The account confirms that Margot received threatening letters before she disappeared, likely sent by Luca. Gloria describes the day of the disappearance in detail, mentions a patient named Theo, and reaffirms that Margot left the office alone. Despite her fear, Gloria finally left Luca and took refuge in France. With tears, she states that telling this truth was her way of paying tribute to the woman who saved her life.

Chapter 67 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Phone Booth Lead and Ruby’s Deception

After saying goodbye to Gloria Conti, Robin and Strike eat in the office while reviewing the case with more clarity than ever. Strike insists that Margot’s disappearance reveals an unusual efficiency: someone made her disappear without a trace. Robin objects to blaming those who did not suspect Creed at the time and reminds him that people usually judge based on previous experiences. That comment inspires Strike to review documents, especially Ruby Elliot’s statement. Together they examine the versions and find a crucial detail: Ruby could not have seen the Fleury women struggling because the description of their heights is incompatible with the newspaper photo. The tall woman was the one staggering, the opposite of what was later declared. Ruby would have accepted that confused mix after losing confidence because of Talbot. Additionally, Strike deduces that someone occupied the phone booth, that Theo likely waited there in the rain for that reason, and connects the location to the Athorns. Then he remembers the box of chocolates Margot kept and, after a sudden revelation, is convinced he has discovered the key.

Chapter 68 Summary – Troubled Blood – Strike Facing Creed in Broadmoor

Strike travels to Broadmoor to interview Dennis Creed, aware that the killer only agreed to the visit to feed his ego. He goes through strict security checks before meeting psychiatrist Bijral, who warns that Creed is a sociopath incapable of remorse, manipulates to gain power, and yearns to be transferred to a common prison where he can write again. When they finally sit face to face, Creed tries to dominate the conversation with intellectual provocations, comparisons to the war, and pseudo‑philosophical speeches, claiming that violence is a natural way to eliminate the weak. He then boasts of his methods for drugging victims, explaining doses and tactics. Seeking to manipulate Strike, he pretends to confess to Louise Tucker’s murder and offers proof in exchange for being transferred. But Strike unmasks him: he asserts that Creed never met Margot Bamborough and confronts him by calling him crazy, declaring that he must rot in Broadmoor.

Chapter 69 Summary – Troubled Blood – Douthwaite’s Confession and the Meaning of M54

After leaving Broadmoor, Strike stops at a pub in Crowthorne to smoke, eat, and talk with Robin. While analyzing Creed’s cryptic clue about Louise Tucker’s body location, Robin reveals that she has identified Joanna Hammond, a woman with a distinctive mole who would fit Talbot’s notes. That connection leads them to reconsider Douthwaite’s role, whom Strike calls to confront him with their reconstruction of what happened in Margot’s consultation. Overwhelmed by pressure, Douthwaite confirms the detectives’ version. Right after, Robin reveals to Strike that “M54” is not a motorway but a star cluster in the constellation Sagittarius, symbolically related to “the Archer.” The fact connects to the Archer hotel, where Creed worked and which had a well in the garden. Strike deduces that Louise’s body might be there. Before parting, he assigns Robin and Barclay an urgent mission: to find Margot’s body.

Chapter 70 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Discovery of Margot Bamborough’s Body

On the morning of September 20, Robin and Barclay wait outside the building where the Athorn family lives, convinced that Margot’s body could be hidden there. They enter the flat using complaints from the downstairs neighbor about ceiling cracks as a pretext. With a tin of cookies as a bribe, they win Samhain’s trust, who lets them in. While distracting Deborah and her son, the detectives investigate the living room, where a large ottoman covered by a purple cloth draws their attention. Robin and Barclay suspect something is hidden inside, but the lid is completely sealed. They use a lever to force it open, and after great effort they manage to do so. Inside, they find poorly mixed cement. Amid the fragments appears a tooth, a blackened ivory sphere, and finally a lock of blonde hair stuck to the lid. Distressed, Robin confirms that they have found Margot Bamborough’s body after more than forty years missing.

Chapter 71 Summary – Troubled Blood – Janice Beattie’s Confession and Margot’s Fate

Strike receives a call from Robin confirming the discovery of Margot’s body in the Athorn flat and heads to Janice Beattie’s house, where he realizes she is trying to poison him with a drink. After stopping her, he searches the kitchen and finds an arsenal of hidden poisons, syringes, and pills, revealing years of murders disguised as fake treatments. Cornered, Janice agrees to talk off the record and admits to killing several people, including Larry’s mistress, her own suitor, and cheerleader Julie Wilkes, all driven by jealousy, resentment, and an obsessive need for control. She confesses to poisoning Margot with Nembutal, suffocating her, and hiding her inside an ottoman sealed with cement, with the unwitting help of Gwilherm Athorn. She also explains that she kept the false identity of Clare to watch over the body for years. Unremorseful, she awaits arrest, convinced that after appearing in newspapers and in court, she will finally receive the attention she always felt she deserved.

PART SEVEN

Chapter 72 Summary – Troubled Blood – The Media Storm and Janice Beattie’s Downfall

Following the resolution of the case, the Strike-Ellacott agency becomes a media target. Robin, harassed by paparazzi, hides out with Vanessa and works in disguise, while Strike takes refuge at Nick and Ilsa’s, leaving Pat alone at the office. Public attention skyrockets after the remains of Margot and Louise are found, exposing Janice Beattie’s dark history. The press becomes obsessed with the image of the killer nurse, even overshadowing Dennis Creed. More suspicions arise about deaths linked to Janice, including a testimony from Irene Hickson. Strike reflects on how he was deceived by Janice’s maternal appearance, leading him to harsh self-criticism. Anna Phipps gathers her family to personally thank the detectives. In an emotional moment, they reveal that Margot was wearing a locket with a photo of her daughter and intact medical notes—evidence that brings meaning and closure to decades of uncertainty and pain.

Chapter 73 Summary – Troubled Blood – Birthday, Perfume, and an Unexpected Gesture

On October 9, Robin wakes up late and remembers it’s her birthday. She believes Strike has forgotten, but discovers a handwritten card and a surprise balloon, delivered in advance. Cheerful again, she responds with gratitude. In the afternoon, she meets Strike, who takes her to choose an exclusive perfume at Liberty as a gift. He then surprises her with a visit to the Ritz for a champagne toast. Amid jokes and shared affection, Robin picks a fragrance that Strike deems perfect. The gesture, unexpected and full of tenderness, deeply moves her. They recall past hugs, this time with a different closeness. The intimate evening ends with a kiss on the cheek and a heartfelt thank-you from Robin. As they walk together, Strike silently recalls names linked to another case, but keeps them to himself, savoring the rare moment of peace shared between them.

Conclusion – Troubled Blood

Margot Bamborough wasn’t simply lost—she was silenced by ego, hatred and the cold certainty of a killer who believed he’d never be caught. Strike and Robin uncover the truth with relentless precision, but not without confronting personal doubts, professional strains and emotional fractures along the way.

Solving the case brings a form of justice, but not peace. The consequences ripple through every aspect of their lives, revealing what remains unspoken between them and how fragile even their strongest bond can be.

If you want to follow this evolving relationship into its next turning point, move on to the full chapter summary of The Ink Black Heart ➤

FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – Troubled Blood

Who really killed Margot Bamborough in “Troubled Blood,” and how is the truth uncovered?

Margot Bamborough was murdered by Janice Beattie, a nurse who spent decades hiding behind a façade of kindness and competence. The truth comes to light through Strike and Robin’s meticulous investigation, which exposes layers of lies, suppressed evidence, and missed clues. The key element is Janice’s use of poison—a method requiring patience, control, and deep resentment. When Strike is nearly killed by her, the pattern becomes clear. Janice’s downfall is the result of forensic breakthroughs, witness contradictions, and the detectives’ unrelenting pursuit of truth.

Why did Margot’s disappearance remain unsolved for over four decades?

Margot’s case was left cold due to a mix of investigative failures, institutional sexism, and cultural silence. Inspector Talbot’s descent into obsession and occult symbolism compromised the original inquiry. Witnesses lied or withheld information, and crucial evidence was ignored. The shadow of serial killer Dennis Creed further diverted attention, as many clung to the theory that he was responsible. In reality, the true killer was hiding in plain sight, protected by a toxic combination of class, profession, and social blind spots that took decades to dismantle.

What role does Dennis Creed play if he didn’t kill Margot?

Dennis Creed looms large as a notorious serial killer and red herring. His history of abducting and murdering women parallels Margot’s disappearance, making him a convenient suspect for years. Inspector Talbot fixated on Creed, and this obsession derailed the investigation. While Creed is guilty of many crimes, he’s not Margot’s killer—his role in the story is thematic, representing distraction, fear, and society’s desire to pin blame on monsters rather than confront everyday evil. His presence ultimately delays, rather than delivers, justice.

How does the relationship between Strike and Robin develop in “Troubled Blood”?

In “Troubled Blood,” Strike and Robin’s partnership deepens emotionally, moving closer to an unspoken but undeniable intimacy. As they navigate grief, illness, and personal struggles, their connection becomes more trusting and profound. There’s a quiet emotional undercurrent to their banter and shared silence, marked by loyalty and understanding. Small gestures—like Robin’s birthday gift or Strike’s careful observation of her moods—speak volumes. Though neither openly addresses their feelings, the final embrace hints at a future where words may finally catch up with emotion.

What is the symbolic meaning of poison in the novel, and how does it reflect Janice’s character?

Poison in “Troubled Blood” is a metaphor for hidden malice, calculated cruelty, and the kind of violence that simmers quietly beneath the surface. Janice Beattie’s use of poison reflects her methodical nature and deep-seated resentment. She doesn’t kill in rage—she kills with intent and patience. This method allowed her to evade suspicion for decades. Symbolically, the poison mirrors the long-lasting emotional damage left by unresolved trauma, secrets, and neglect, both in the case of Margot’s disappearance and the personal wounds carried by the protagonists.