Best The Amateur Detective Books

O homem que morreu duas vezes

Thursday Murder Club • Book 2

by Richard Osman, Jaime Biaggio

Elizabeth and her fellow retirement home detectives encounter stolen diamonds, Cold War espionage, and a corpse that seems to have died twice. Osman's second mystery deepens his characters while delivering another perfectly plotted puzzle filled with wit and unexpected twists.

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Elizabeth and her fellow retirement home detectives encounter stolen diamonds, Cold War espionage, and a corpse that seems to have died twice. Osman's second mystery deepens his characters while delivering another perfectly plotted puzzle filled with wit and unexpected twists.

The Delicate Things We Make

by Milena McKay

Failed Manhattan journalist gets one last shot: find the art world's most elusive artist who's managed to stay completely anonymous for decades.

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Failed Manhattan journalist gets one last shot: find the art world's most elusive artist who's managed to stay completely anonymous for decades.

Betraying Trust

Sam Mason Mysteries • Book 4

by L.A. Dobbs

Mayor Dupont promises evidence against elusive drug dealer Thorne, then turns up dead before he can deliver. Sam Mason finds himself caught between the FBI and criminals with only his K-9 partner Lucy to trust.

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Mayor Dupont promises evidence against elusive drug dealer Thorne, then turns up dead before he can deliver. Sam Mason finds himself caught between the FBI and criminals with only his K-9 partner Lucy to trust.

One for the Money

Stephanie Plum (abridged) • Book 1

by Janet Evanovich

Unemployed and facing eviction, Stephanie Plum blackmails her way into a bounty hunter job—then discovers her first target is her high school flame, wanted for cop killing. Evanovich created the template for funny, fierce amateur sleuths.

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Unemployed and facing eviction, Stephanie Plum blackmails her way into a bounty hunter job—then discovers her first target is her high school flame, wanted for cop killing. Evanovich created the template for funny, fierce amateur sleuths.

Glimmer of the Other

The Other Realm • Book 1

by Heather G. Harris

Being a human lie detector should make private investigation simple, but Jinx still hasn't solved her parents' murder. Harris uses this compelling premise to explore how special abilities don't automatically solve life's biggest problems or deepest pain.

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Being a human lie detector should make private investigation simple, but Jinx still hasn't solved her parents' murder. Harris uses this compelling premise to explore how special abilities don't automatically solve life's biggest problems or deepest pain.

Where Serpents Sleep

Sebastian St. Cyr • Book 4

by C.S. Harris

Harris uses the brutal slaughter of eight young women to explore 1812 London's social reform movements and political corruption. Hero Jarvis proves as compelling an investigator as St. Cyr himself.

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Harris uses the brutal slaughter of eight young women to explore 1812 London's social reform movements and political corruption. Hero Jarvis proves as compelling an investigator as St. Cyr himself.

The List of Suspicious Things

by Jennie Godfrey

Against the backdrop of Yorkshire Ripper hysteria, twelve-year-old Miv and her best friend create their own investigation, capturing the fear and determination of childhood in dangerous times.

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Against the backdrop of Yorkshire Ripper hysteria, twelve-year-old Miv and her best friend create their own investigation, capturing the fear and determination of childhood in dangerous times.

Play Dead

Andy Carpenter • Book 6

by David Rosenfelt

Rosenfelt's legal mystery hinges on an unusual witness—a golden retriever who saw a murder years ago and might hold the key to freeing an innocent man. The premise could be silly, but Carpenter's dog obsession and legal maneuvering make it surprisingly compelling.

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Rosenfelt's legal mystery hinges on an unusual witness—a golden retriever who saw a murder years ago and might hold the key to freeing an innocent man. The premise could be silly, but Carpenter's dog obsession and legal maneuvering make it surprisingly compelling.

Dogged Pursuit

Andy Carpenter • Book 31

by David Rosenfelt

Rosenfelt takes us back to Andy's origin story as he leaves the prosecutor's office to defend the little guy in his first solo case. See how the beloved defense attorney got his start fighting the system.

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Rosenfelt takes us back to Andy's origin story as he leaves the prosecutor's office to defend the little guy in his first solo case. See how the beloved defense attorney got his start fighting the system.

The Camel Club

The Camel Club • Book 1

by David Baldacci

Four Washington D.C. outsiders studying government conspiracies discover their theories pale beside the actual corruption when they witness a political assassination firsthand.

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Four Washington D.C. outsiders studying government conspiracies discover their theories pale beside the actual corruption when they witness a political assassination firsthand.

New Tricks

Andy Carpenter • Book 7

by David Rosenfelt

Andy Carpenter's adoption of a murdered owner's Bernese puppy draws him into violent conflict with people who want the dog. Rosenfelt proves that even the most innocent creatures can spark deadly consequences.

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Andy Carpenter's adoption of a murdered owner's Bernese puppy draws him into violent conflict with people who want the dog. Rosenfelt proves that even the most innocent creatures can spark deadly consequences.

The Rainmaker

by John Grisham

Fresh out of law school and desperate, Rudy Baylor stumbles into a multibillion-dollar insurance scam that pits him against one of America's most ruthless corporations.

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Fresh out of law school and desperate, Rudy Baylor stumbles into a multibillion-dollar insurance scam that pits him against one of America's most ruthless corporations.

Relic

Pendergast • Book 1

by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

An inhuman killer stalks the Natural History Museum's corridors, leaving behind mutilated bodies just days before a massive exhibition opening. The horror lies not just in the murders but in the forensic evidence suggesting the perpetrator cannot possibly be human—yet clearly is.

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An inhuman killer stalks the Natural History Museum's corridors, leaving behind mutilated bodies just days before a massive exhibition opening. The horror lies not just in the murders but in the forensic evidence suggesting the perpetrator cannot possibly be human—yet clearly is.

Holy Chow

Andy Carpenter • Book 25

by David Rosenfelt

Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter thought running a dog rescue was safer than criminal defense until his placement records become crucial evidence in a murder case. Rosenfelt weaves genuine heart for animals into sharp legal plotting.

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Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter thought running a dog rescue was safer than criminal defense until his placement records become crucial evidence in a murder case. Rosenfelt weaves genuine heart for animals into sharp legal plotting.

Dying Games

Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery • Book 6

by Steve Robinson

Twin brothers found drowned in a Perspex box kicks off a serial killer case where every victim connects to genealogist Jefferson Tayte.

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Twin brothers found drowned in a Perspex box kicks off a serial killer case where every victim connects to genealogist Jefferson Tayte.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

by Mark Haddon

Haddon crafts an unconventional detective story where fifteen-year-old Christopher's autism shapes both his methodical investigation and his profound misunderstanding of human relationships.

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Haddon crafts an unconventional detective story where fifteen-year-old Christopher's autism shapes both his methodical investigation and his profound misunderstanding of human relationships.

Letters from the Dead

Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery • Book 7

by Steve Robinson

Genealogist Jefferson Tayte investigates a family black sheep using only a century-old letter and connection to a legendary missing ruby. Historical research becomes modern murder investigation.

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Genealogist Jefferson Tayte investigates a family black sheep using only a century-old letter and connection to a legendary missing ruby. Historical research becomes modern murder investigation.

Dog Tags

Andy Carpenter • Book 8

by David Rosenfelt

Defense attorney Andy Carpenter takes his most unusual case: defending a German Shepherd police dog whose Iraq veteran owner has been charged with murder.

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Defense attorney Andy Carpenter takes his most unusual case: defending a German Shepherd police dog whose Iraq veteran owner has been charged with murder.

The Whistler

The Whistler • Book 1

by John Grisham

What happens when judges themselves break the law? Lacy Stoltz investigates judicial corruption tied to Native American casinos, discovering how deep the rot goes in America's court system.

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What happens when judges themselves break the law? Lacy Stoltz investigates judicial corruption tied to Native American casinos, discovering how deep the rot goes in America's court system.

Santa's Little Yelpers

Andy Carpenter • Book 26

by David Rosenfelt

Holiday mysteries don't get more charming than this Andy Carpenter adventure, where a lawyer and his golden retriever investigate Christmas chaos at their dog rescue foundation.

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Holiday mysteries don't get more charming than this Andy Carpenter adventure, where a lawyer and his golden retriever investigate Christmas chaos at their dog rescue foundation.

Trial By Jury

Rain City Legal • Book 2

by Stephen Penner

Cash-strapped attorney Daniel Raine goes to an art gallery fundraiser looking for wealthy clients and gets one when a young artist is murdered in the women's restroom. Penner crafts a tight legal thriller in Seattle's art world.

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Cash-strapped attorney Daniel Raine goes to an art gallery fundraiser looking for wealthy clients and gets one when a young artist is murdered in the women's restroom. Penner crafts a tight legal thriller in Seattle's art world.

The Man in the Brown Suit

Colonel Race • Book 1

by Agatha Christie

Young Anne's hunger for adventure leads her from a London tube station death to international conspiracy across two continents. Christie trades cozy villages for exotic locations in this early thriller.

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Young Anne's hunger for adventure leads her from a London tube station death to international conspiracy across two continents. Christie trades cozy villages for exotic locations in this early thriller.

The Boy from the Woods

Wilde • Book 1

by Harlan Coben

Coben's protagonist grew up wild in the forest with no memory of his past, and when another child disappears, his outsider's view of civilization becomes crucial to solving the case.

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Coben's protagonist grew up wild in the forest with no memory of his past, and when another child disappears, his outsider's view of civilization becomes crucial to solving the case.

A Young Lawyer's Story

Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers

by John Ellsworth

Fresh from Georgetown Law with $200 to his name, Thaddeus Murfee accepts a government position so secret there's no job description — and his first assignment is surveilling his supervisor.

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Fresh from Georgetown Law with $200 to his name, Thaddeus Murfee accepts a government position so secret there's no job description — and his first assignment is surveilling his supervisor.

Banker (A Dick Francis Novel)

Sid Halley Mystery

by Dick Francis

Banker Tim Ekaterin discovers something's wrong with the champion horse he financed—and people start dying. Francis explores the money behind horse racing with deadly results.

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Banker Tim Ekaterin discovers something's wrong with the champion horse he financed—and people start dying. Francis explores the money behind horse racing with deadly results.

Chasing the Dime

Harry Bosch Universe • Book 12

by Michael Connelly

Scientist Henry Pierce gets phone calls meant for vanished escort Lilly, pulling him from his million-dollar research into a search through Los Angeles's seedy underbelly.

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Scientist Henry Pierce gets phone calls meant for vanished escort Lilly, pulling him from his million-dollar research into a search through Los Angeles's seedy underbelly.

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line

Finlay Donovan • Book 6

by Elle Cosimano

Single mom turned accidental hitwoman faces her biggest challenge when her partner gets arrested and threatening messages start arriving.

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Single mom turned accidental hitwoman faces her biggest challenge when her partner gets arrested and threatening messages start arriving.

The Hidden Staircase

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories • Book 2

by Carolyn Keene

Emma Nossal brings youthful energy to this classic mystery where Nancy must distinguish between supernatural haunting and very human deception.

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Emma Nossal brings youthful energy to this classic mystery where Nancy must distinguish between supernatural haunting and very human deception.

Truly, Devious

Truly Devious • Book 1

by Maureen Johnson

True crime obsessed Stevie Bell enrolls at Vermont's elite Ellingham Academy to solve a decades-old kidnapping, but a contemporary death threatens students and faculty. Johnson blends past and present mysteries with boarding school intrigue.

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True crime obsessed Stevie Bell enrolls at Vermont's elite Ellingham Academy to solve a decades-old kidnapping, but a contemporary death threatens students and faculty. Johnson blends past and present mysteries with boarding school intrigue.

True Fiction

Ian Ludlow Thrillers • Book 1

by Lee Goldberg

Goldberg blurs the line between fiction and reality when a thriller writer's imagined terrorist plot becomes horrifyingly real, forcing him into his own adventure.

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Goldberg blurs the line between fiction and reality when a thriller writer's imagined terrorist plot becomes horrifyingly real, forcing him into his own adventure.

Outfoxed

Andy Carpenter • Book 14

by David Rosenfelt, Grover Gardner

Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter must defend a prison inmate from his dog-training program, where rescued dogs get second chances but humans might not.

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Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter must defend a prison inmate from his dog-training program, where rescued dogs get second chances but humans might not.

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas

Andy Carpenter • Book 15

by David Rosenfelt

Andy Carpenter actually wants this case—defending his friend Martha 'Pups' Boyer, who rescues stray puppies until they find permanent homes. Rosenfelt mixes legal procedural with heartwarming dog rescue operations.

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Andy Carpenter actually wants this case—defending his friend Martha 'Pups' Boyer, who rescues stray puppies until they find permanent homes. Rosenfelt mixes legal procedural with heartwarming dog rescue operations.

Iron Sunrise

Eschaton • Book 2

by Charles Stross

Someone destroyed New Moscow, but the survivors' revenge missiles are heading for innocent New Dresden—Rachel must find the real culprits before the wrong world dies.

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Someone destroyed New Moscow, but the survivors' revenge missiles are heading for innocent New Dresden—Rachel must find the real culprits before the wrong world dies.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Flavia de Luce • Book 1

by Alan Bradley

Chemistry-obsessed eleven-year-old Flavia must clear her father's name in a murder case involving rare stamps, schoolboy rivalries, and family secrets from the British Empire.

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Chemistry-obsessed eleven-year-old Flavia must clear her father's name in a murder case involving rare stamps, schoolboy rivalries, and family secrets from the British Empire.

Tracking the Truth (Security Hounds Investigations Book 1)

Security Hounds Investigations • Book 1

by Dana Mentink

Surviving an icy lake dumping is just the beginning when Emery's search for truth about her father's confession puts her baby nephew in danger. Mentink blends K-9 investigation skills with family secrets in this series opener.

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Surviving an icy lake dumping is just the beginning when Emery's search for truth about her father's confession puts her baby nephew in danger. Mentink blends K-9 investigation skills with family secrets in this series opener.

Wild Horses (A Dick Francis Novel)

Sid Halley Mystery

by Dick Francis

Filmmaker Thomas Lyon investigates a 26-year-old racing world murder for his new movie. Francis weaves Hollywood illusion with horse country reality.

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Filmmaker Thomas Lyon investigates a 26-year-old racing world murder for his new movie. Francis weaves Hollywood illusion with horse country reality.

Repo Madness

Ruddy McCann • Book 2

by W. Bruce Cameron

Repo man Ruddy McCann's life is finally stabilizing with a new relationship when fresh complications threaten his hard-won progress. Cameron balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine character development in this follow-up to his breakout series.

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Repo man Ruddy McCann's life is finally stabilizing with a new relationship when fresh complications threaten his hard-won progress. Cameron balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine character development in this follow-up to his breakout series.

The Spellman Files

The Spellmans • Book 1

by Lisa Lutz

Isabel Spellman works for her family's detective agency where surveillance targets include each other—imagine Nancy Drew if she had commitment issues and a vandalism habit.

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Isabel Spellman works for her family's detective agency where surveillance targets include each other—imagine Nancy Drew if she had commitment issues and a vandalism habit.

Watch Me Die

by Lee Goldberg

Harvey trades his guard shack boredom for real detective work when a rich resident asks him to follow his beautiful wife, finally giving the wannabe gumshoe his shot.

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Harvey trades his guard shack boredom for real detective work when a rich resident asks him to follow his beautiful wife, finally giving the wannabe gumshoe his shot.

Who Let the Dog Out?

Andy Carpenter • Book 13

by David Rosenfelt

A break-in at Andy Carpenter's dog rescue foundation targets one specific animal, pulling the reluctant lawyer into a case involving more than stolen pets.

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A break-in at Andy Carpenter's dog rescue foundation targets one specific animal, pulling the reluctant lawyer into a case involving more than stolen pets.

Night Film

by Marisha Pessl

When reclusive horror director Cordova's daughter dies mysteriously, journalist McGrath's investigation uncovers a shadowy world of underground films and devoted cultists willing to kill for their master.

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When reclusive horror director Cordova's daughter dies mysteriously, journalist McGrath's investigation uncovers a shadowy world of underground films and devoted cultists willing to kill for their master.

The Mark

Henry Parker • Book 1

by Jason Pinter

Fresh out of college with his dream job at the New York Gazette, Henry Parker watches his first assignment turn deadly, leaving him accused of murder and running for his life.

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Fresh out of college with his dream job at the New York Gazette, Henry Parker watches his first assignment turn deadly, leaving him accused of murder and running for his life.

Mortal Sin

Jake Lassiter • Book 4

by Paul Levine

What happens when your lawyer is bedding your wife and you're connected to the mob? This Everglades-set legal thriller throws Jake Lassiter into a corruption scheme where one wrong move means becoming alligator food.

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What happens when your lawyer is bedding your wife and you're connected to the mob? This Everglades-set legal thriller throws Jake Lassiter into a corruption scheme where one wrong move means becoming alligator food.

Sweet, Thoughtful Valentine

Isabel Dalhousie #10.7 • Book 10

by Alexander McCall Smith

Isabel Dalhousie's commitment to keeping promises gets tested when an old classmate's confession about marital and financial troubles becomes harder to keep secret.

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Isabel Dalhousie's commitment to keeping promises gets tested when an old classmate's confession about marital and financial troubles becomes harder to keep secret.

Friday the Rabbi Slept Late

The Rabbi Small Mysteries • Book 1

by Harry Kemelman

A rabbi framed for murder in his own temple parking lot makes for an unexpectedly engaging detective story. Kemelman balances Jewish community dynamics with solid mystery plotting, creating something both thoughtful and entertaining.

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A rabbi framed for murder in his own temple parking lot makes for an unexpectedly engaging detective story. Kemelman balances Jewish community dynamics with solid mystery plotting, creating something both thoughtful and entertaining.

Lost Tomorrows

Rick Cahill • Book 6

by Matt Coyle

When former police partner Krista dies in what looks like an accident, Rick Cahill must return to the city where everyone believes he murdered his wife. Coyle weaves past trauma with present danger as Rick discovers Krista's death may be murder.

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When former police partner Krista dies in what looks like an accident, Rick Cahill must return to the city where everyone believes he murdered his wife. Coyle weaves past trauma with present danger as Rick discovers Krista's death may be murder.

The Novel Habits of Happiness

Isabel Dalhousie • Book 10

by Alexander McCall Smith

Isabel Dalhousie faces her strangest case yet: a six-year-old boy experiencing detailed memories of a previous life, challenging her philosophical approach to mystery-solving.

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Isabel Dalhousie faces her strangest case yet: a six-year-old boy experiencing detailed memories of a previous life, challenging her philosophical approach to mystery-solving.

The Lost Art of Gratitude

Isabel Dalhousie • Book 6

by Alexander McCall Smith

Isabel Dalhousie applies philosophical rigor to both murder cases and ethical dilemmas in McCall Smith's gentle Edinburgh-set mystery.

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Isabel Dalhousie applies philosophical rigor to both murder cases and ethical dilemmas in McCall Smith's gentle Edinburgh-set mystery.

Glory Daze

Glory Broussard Mystery • Book 2

by Danielle Arceneaux

After solving her best friend's murder, Glory Broussard just wanted quiet Sunday mornings—until her ex-husband's death pulls her into a new investigation. Murder follows this amateur sleuth whether she wants it or not.

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After solving her best friend's murder, Glory Broussard just wanted quiet Sunday mornings—until her ex-husband's death pulls her into a new investigation. Murder follows this amateur sleuth whether she wants it or not.

Red Leech

Young Sherlock Holmes • Book 2

by Macmillan

Sherlock's investigation into tutor Amyus Crow's secrets reveals a hanged killer walking free in Surrey, launching the young detective on a truth-seeking journey across the Atlantic.

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Sherlock's investigation into tutor Amyus Crow's secrets reveals a hanged killer walking free in Surrey, launching the young detective on a truth-seeking journey across the Atlantic.