Returning to the Scene of the Crime
Writing a Killer’s Evolution in a Long-Running Crime Series
First published in Crime Time Magazine – April 2025
Crime fiction thrives on mystery, suspense, and the chase between detective and killer. But what happens when the past refuses to stay buried? In my latest novel—Book 8 of the DI Rob Miller series—I found myself returning to the case that started it all in The Thames Path Killer. Revisiting a killer’s legacy in a long-running series presents unique challenges, but also thrilling opportunities.
A Killer’s Evolution
Serial killers—both fictional and real—rarely act on impulse. Their motives are often deeply personal, rooted in trauma, obsession, or revenge. In The Thames Path Killer, the murderer was driven by a fixation on brides-to-be, reliving his first, most devastating loss. His killings weren’t just random acts of violence; they were a ritual.
Fast-forward several books, and the shadow of that case still looms large over the now DCI Rob Miller. Crime fiction readers are sharp—they remember the details, the clues, and the psychological depth of past killers. So, when crafting a follow-up story closely linked to that original case, I had to ensure the killer’s evolution made sense. Had he been caught, only for his crimes to inspire a copycat? Had an overlooked clue from the past set something new in motion? The key was making the connection feel organic, not contrived.
The Challenge of Writing a Crime Series
Unlike standalone novels, crime series must balance continuity with accessibility. Each book needs to satisfy loyal readers who have followed Rob Miller’s journey from the beginning while also welcoming newcomers who may be diving in for the first time. That’s especially tricky when revisiting a past case—how much do you reveal without rehashing too much?
For me, the solution lay in perspective. Rob Miller is no longer the same detective he was in The Thames Path Killer. He’s more experienced, definitely more cynical, but also more personally invested. Bringing back echoes of his first major case allows readers to see his growth while also deepening the emotional stakes.
London: The Perfect Hunting Ground
Setting plays a crucial role in crime fiction, and West London—with its Victorian alleyways, narrow streets, and shadowy riverbanks—provides the perfect backdrop for a returning killer. The Thames towpath, where the original murders took place, is steeped in atmosphere. Revisiting it in a later book allowed me to explore how a location can change—both physically and psychologically. A crime scene isn’t just a place; it’s a scar on the city, and for Rob, a ghost that refuses to fade.
Why We Love Unfinished Business
Readers (and detectives) love the idea of unfinished business. There’s something deeply unsettling about the notion that a killer might strike again, years later, that justice was never truly served. That’s why crime fiction continues to return to past cases, whether in the form of copycat killers, new evidence, or the realization that the wrong person was caught. In my latest book, The Putney Bridge Killer, I wanted to explore not just a killer’s return, but what it means for the detective who first hunted him.
Because in crime fiction, the past is never really dead—it’s just waiting for the right moment to resurface.
About the Author: Biba Pearce is the author of The Putney Bridge Killer, a gripping detective crime thriller set in west London, available for preorder now. Visit her at www.bibapearce.com.