Chapter 1:
The book opens on a winter evening in London, where we meet our protagonist, Cormoran Strike, a private detective struggling to make ends meet. He is visited by a woman named Lula Landry's brother, John Bristow, who wants to hire Strike to investigate his sister's apparent suicide. The real life example for this chapter is the death of Princess Diana, who was also believed to have died by suicide before a thorough investigation revealed the involvement of paparazzi and the royal family.
Chapter 2:
Strike agrees to take on the case and begins looking into Lula's life and death. He meets with her close friends and family, trying to piece together the events leading up to her death. The real life example for this chapter is the death of music legend, Michael Jackson. His death was initially believed to be a drug overdose, but further investigation revealed it to be a homicide orchestrated by his personal doctor.
Chapter 3:
As Strike continues to investigate, he discovers that Lula was adopted and had a complicated relationship with her adoptive family. He also learns about Lula's troubled past and her struggles with mental illness. The real life example for this chapter is the death of actress Marilyn Monroe, who also had a troubled past and struggles with mental illness. Her death was initially believed to be a suicide, but conspiracy theories surrounding her death still persist.
Chapter 4:
Strike visits Lula's modeling agency, where he meets with her agent, Evan Duffield, and her bodyguard, Tansy Bestigui. He also meets supermodel Ciara Porter, who was Lula's close friend and also present in the building on the night of her death. The real life example for this chapter is the death of model Peaches Geldof, whose bodyguard and close friend were also present at the time of her death.
Chapter 5:
Strike receives a visit from a man named Guy Somé, who claims to be Lula's biological father. He also receives a mysterious package that confirms Lula's suspicions about her adoptive family. The real life example for this chapter is the death of author Truman Capote, who also had a complicated relationship with his biological father and his adoptive family.
Chapter 6:
Strike meets with Lula's cousin, Rochelle, who reveals that Lula was heavily influenced by her friend, Deeby Macc, who introduced her to drugs and a dangerous lifestyle. Strike also learns about Lula's complicated romantic relationships, including her ex-boyfriend, rapper Deeby Macc. The real life example for this chapter is the death of singer Amy Winehouse, who also struggled with drug addiction and had a tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil.
Chapter 7:
Strike's investigation leads him to the house of wealthy businessman, Tony Landry, Lula's adoptive brother. After confronting him, Strike discovers that Tony had an affair with Lula and she was blackmailing him for money. The real life example for this chapter is the death of media mogul Robert Maxwell, who was also involved in a highly publicized affair and financial scandal.
Chapter 8:
As Strike digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies and secrets surrounding Lula's death. He confronts Lula's adoptive mother, Lady Yvette Bristow, who reveals that Lula was not suicidal but was murdered. The real life example for this chapter is the death of crime novelist Agatha Christie, whose disappearance and subsequent investigation revealed her husband's infidelity and involvement in her apparent "suicide."
Chapter 9:
Strike discovers that Lula had made a final phone call to her biological mother, Marlene Higson, before her death. He tracks down Marlene, who reveals shocking information about Lula's biological father and the true motive behind the murder. The real life example for this chapter is the death of fashion designer Gianni Versace, whose murder was orchestrated by a serial killer with a deep obsession and connection to him.
Chapter 10:
In the final chapter, Strike pieces together all the clues and unveils the truth behind Lula's death. He confronts the killer and justice is served. The real life example for this chapter is the death of actress Sharon Tate, whose murder and the subsequent investigation led to the uncovering of a cult responsible for multiple murders.
