Who Is The Killer In 'Murder Of Innocence'?

In ‘Murder of Innocence’ the killer is Detective Harris’s own wife, Elena Harris. For the majority of the novel Detective Harris is searching for a killer while unable to suspect the woman who shares his home and his bed. Elena Harris is cold and calculating, venered by all who know her as a devoted wife and philanthropist. In reality she is driven to murder to protect the biggest secret of her life – her illegitimate child fathered by her latest victim. And in the end the closed book of secrets is reveled as Elena confesses to Harris that she would kill again in order to continue her deception to him.

Throughout the novel the author has created Elena as a multi-layered character that is deceitful. The author shows how she has set up airtight alibis, which include her husband. She even manages to manipulate the time and the people around her to fit her story. The murder weapon is an antique dagger that is on display in their home. This is another arrogant move by Elena. In the beginning of the novel it is clear that Elena is very concerned with the victim. But by the end of the novel it is clear that she was even more obsessed with him than Harris could have ever imagined. Throughout the novel Elena manages to control Harris’s investigation, and once the truth is revealed it is clear how Elena managed to do this.

The killer in 'Murder of Innocence' is revealed to be quiet librarian Martha Greer. Throughout the book she is portrayed as harmless and so kind that she helps organize charity events for a local children’s hospital. However the twisted true identity of Martha Greer is that of a man consumed by hate and revenge. Her motive for the murder stems from her sister’s suicide some years previously which she blamed on the sister’s bullying by the family of the murder victim, particularly the father who had been merciless to her sister. It took Martha Greer years to come up with a plan for revenge, meticulously planning every detail and even planting evidence to make sure that the husband of the murder victim was accused of the crime. This twist is all the more shocking because it was so hidden in plain sight. The novel is its greatest strength.

The true killer in ‘Murder of Innocence’ is none other than the town’s beloved mayor, Richard Boone. He had the journalist murdered as he had discovered that Boone was embezzling funds and Boone silenced him to keep his secrets. Richard Boone is the type of character who is so loved by all as he is so charismatic. However, upon reading of his murder of the journalist, you are left feeling shocked and will see him in a different light as you read the rest of the novel. You will also see his Narcissistic personality in full force as he even delivers the eulogy for the journalist’s funeral. His unraveling is slow and at times you will see only a small crack in his seemingly perfect exterior such as the way he accidentally drops his cufflink at the scene of the crime.

Richard uses his power to stifle justice. He bribes a key witness to change his story and doctoring up crucial evidence to make it disappear. Finally, in a climactic showdown, Richard is exposed in front of all and sundry at a press conference, which he tries to use as a platform, but ends up having a crushing, exposing collapse. The novel presents a scathing indictment of corruption, and just how far those in power will go to preserve their secret.