Chapter 1
* Summary: The novel opens in 2009, introducing retired detective Bill Hodges. He is haunted by the unsolved Mercedes Murders case, where 16 people were killed when a Mercedes plowed through a job fair crowd. Bill has received retirement cards and beer money from Brady Hartsfield, the chief person of interest, which torments him.
* Real Example: Bill finds Brady's note: "You're a fat, useless alcoholic, but you were also a cop once. That must count for something."
Chapter 2
* Summary: Bill receives a letter from a stranger, Jerome Robinson, who claims to have information about the Mercedes Murders. Intrigued but skeptical, Bill agrees to meet Jerome. Jerome reveals that Brady Hartsfield sent him a package containing a videotape of a murder.
* Real Example: Jerome describes the videotape: "It was a blonde, I think. Young... maybe, what, nineteen, twenty? And he was torturing her. It was horrible."
Chapter 3
* Summary: Bill teams up with his neighbor, Holly Gibney, a young woman with an uncanny ability to uncover information. Together, they investigate the videotape and discover that Brady is targeting young women. They race against time to find and apprehend him before he claims more victims.
* Real Example: Holly's insight: "I think he's trying to get to you, Bill. I think he wants you to find him."
Chapter 4
* Summary: The investigation leads Bill and Holly to Lou Linklatter, a former detective who was Brady's first victim. They learn that Brady is psychologically disturbed and has a history of violence.
* Real Example: Lou's account: "He [Brady] was just a kid, but he had a look in his eyes... like he was already dead inside."
Chapter 5
* Summary: As they delve deeper into the case, Bill and Holly encounter Detective Peter Saubers, the original lead detective on the Mercedes Murders. Saubers initially dismisses Bill's suspicions, but eventually joins forces with them.
* Real Example: Saubers' admission: "I've always thought there was more to this case than met the eye. I just never could prove it."
Chapter 6
* Summary: Bill and Holly confront Brady at the abandoned city morgue where he is hiding. A tense standoff ensues, culminating in a violent confrontation.
* Real Example: Bill's confrontation with Brady: "I'm going to kill you, Brady. I swear I am."
Chapter 7
* Summary: Brady is apprehended and faces trial. However, his mental illness complicates the proceedings. Bill and Holly are forced to grapple with the complexities of guilt and justice.
* Real Example: Brady's plea: "I'm not guilty. I'm sick. I need help."
Chapter 8
* Summary: The novel concludes with Bill and Holly continuing to investigate cold cases, haunted by the events that have transpired. The past and present intertwine as they confront their own mortality and the enduring legacy of evil.
* Real Example: Holly's reflection: "There are always monsters out there, Bill. Always."
