How to use this list
If you are early in the book, start with the three central characters and return to the supporting list when a name appears. The descriptions use relationships and occupations from Penguin’s authorised opening sample. They do not reveal the person behind a concealed identity or explain how the case is resolved.
The main characters
Steve Wheeler
A retired Metropolitan Police officer who now handles small local investigations. He is Amy’s father-in-law, and his quiet routines provide a very different starting point from her international protection work.
Amy Wheeler
A close-protection specialist and Steve’s daughter-in-law. Her work involves keeping clients safe; her professional security experience is a central part of the new trio.
Rosie D’Antonio
A bestselling novelist and Amy’s client. Rosie’s fame, confidence and resources make her an unusual companion for a bodyguard and a retired police officer.
Supporting characters
Jeff Nolan
Chief executive of Maximum Impact Solutions, the security company connected with Amy’s professional world.
Henk van Veen
Jeff’s former business partner and now a rival. His business history matters to understanding the security-company relationships.
Susan Knox
Head of human resources at Maximum Impact Solutions. Her role places her within the same organisation as Jeff and Amy.
Max Highfield
An actor associated with the fictional Rampage film franchise. The opening sample introduces his celebrity persona without requiring knowledge of any real film series.
Kevin
A former Navy SEAL helping with Rosie’s security on her island. He also handles practical tasks around the household.
Adam
Steve’s son and Amy’s husband, who works in finance. His family connection helps distinguish Steve’s domestic life from Amy’s working life.
Debbie
Steve’s wife, a painter, whose place in his personal history is important to understanding him. This list leaves the emotional detail to the novel.
Trouble
Steve’s cat and part of his life at home. Not every name worth remembering belongs to an investigator or a suspect.
Andrew Fairbanks
A fitness influencer connected with the opening investigation. The expandable section below gives the opening-case detail, if you want it.
François Loubet
The name associated with a secretive international money-smuggling operation. The identity behind it is part of the mystery and is not disclosed here.
Where to go next
For continuing relationships, read this novel before We Chase Shadows. The second book has its own supporting cast, so use its separate list rather than assuming that everybody introduced here returns in the same role.
Open the other book’s character list
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 spoiler: Andrew Fairbanks is found dead. This is part of the investigation’s setup, not the solution. We do not identify his killer or reveal who is behind François Loubet.