How to use this list
Readers arriving from the first book can use the returning trio as their bearings. A client, an agency colleague and a personal friend have different relationships to the investigation; being listed here does not make any of them a suspect. The descriptions below are checked against named reviews, with more revealing opening-case information kept in the expandable section.
The main characters
Steve Wheeler
A retired London police officer, now part of the We Solve Murders agency. His preference for village life sits alongside the investigative experience he brings to the trio.
Source: Kirkus Reviews: We Chase Shadows.
Amy Wheeler
Steve’s daughter-in-law and a security specialist. She returns as a central member of the team, with a professional background different from Steve’s police work.
Source: Kirkus Reviews: We Chase Shadows.
Rosie D’Antonio
A bestselling novelist and the third member of the team. Her public profile helps connect the agency with its new client.
Source: Kirkus Reviews: We Chase Shadows.
Supporting characters
Vern Blackwood
The client whose Tuscan villa brings the agency its new case. The details of his business are left for the spoiler section below.
Source: Kirkus Reviews: We Chase Shadows.
Jakob Eriksson
A mysterious name connected with the case. This guide does not reveal who is behind that name or resolve the questions surrounding it.
Source: Kirkus Reviews: We Chase Shadows.
Tony Taylor
Steve’s friend from his pub circle. He belongs to the personal side of Steve’s life as well as the wider cast surrounding the agency.
Source: Cozying Up: advance-copy review.
Felicity
A former theatrical agent who now works as the agency’s office manager. She is also Tony’s partner; her role is distinct from the three investigators.
Source: Cozying Up: advance-copy review.
Elspeth
Rosie’s literary agent, connecting the story with the novelist’s professional life. Janet Webb’s review identifies her in that role.
Source: Janet Webb, Criminal Element: We Chase Shadows review.
Where to go next
This is a companion to the second novel, rather than a replacement for its story. If you have not read We Solve Murders, use the first book’s character list and begin there to follow how the central relationships develop. Our separate review guide covers the second book’s appeal and reading position without giving away its resolution.
Open the other book’s character list · We Chase Shadows review guide
Sources and scope
Names and roles are checked against the sources linked beside each entry, as of 17 October 2026. This is a guide to the principal and supporting cast we can verify, rather than a claim to list every passing name. Linked reviews can contain spoilers beyond those shown here.
Spoilers: opening-case details
Reveal opening-case spoilers
Opening-case spoilers: Vern hires the agency after one of his bodyguards is killed. Kirkus describes his business as counterfeit vitamins and links the name Jakob Eriksson with a rival trade in fake prescription drugs. Those are case-setup details; the killer, concealed identities and final outcome are not disclosed here.