We Chase Shadows

Richard Osman
60 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2026

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, graphic violence, and physical abuse.

Steve Wheeler

Steve, a retired Metropolitan police officer, is a co-protagonist and the grounded, moral center of the We Solve Murders agency. His character is defined by a steadfast loyalty to his friends, a methodical approach to investigation rooted in his police background, and a quiet resistance to the chaotic, high-flying world that his partner Rosie D’Antonio inhabits. Steve’s preference for simple comforts, such as pub lunches with his friends and the company of his cat, Trouble, provides a contrast to the international intrigue of the case. His gradual acclimation to Rosie’s world, symbolized by his acceptance of travel on her private jet, shows his adaptability, yet he never loses the practical, down-to-earth perspective that makes him an effective investigator. He’s a round character who, while largely static in his core values, undergoes emotional development as the case forces him to navigate new relationships and reaffirm his past loyalties.


Steve’s primary motivation is a sense of duty, both to the pursuit of justice and to the people he cares for. His protective instincts toward his daughter-in-law, Amy, and his best friend, Tony Taylor, emphasize his protective instincts and underscore