Ralph Sholto's 'And That's How It Was, Officer' locks you in a room with two men and a story that won't stay still. Detective Miller thinks he's about to wrap up a simple case when Arthur walks in and confesses. But as Arthur begins talking, his explanation of events keeps shifting. A minor theft becomes something darker. A chance encounter feels planned. Every time Miller thinks he has the facts straight, Arthur adds a new layer that changes everything.

The Story

The book unfolds entirely through the conversation between Arthur and Detective Miller. Arthur claims he's there to clear things up, but his story about a missing neighbor, a suspicious package, and a late-night drive gets more tangled with every sentence. Miller tries to pin down the truth, but Arthur is either the world's most confusing witness or a master at hiding something big. The tension builds not with action scenes, but with every 'actually, let me rephrase that' from Arthur. You're constantly deciding who to believe—the frustrated cop or the man who can't seem to tell a straight story.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in suspense through conversation. Sholto makes you feel the weight of the interrogation room—the stale coffee, the ticking clock, the growing doubt. Arthur is frustrating, sympathetic, and suspicious all at once. You'll find yourself flipping back pages, wondering if you missed a clue in his rambling. It's not about shocking twists; it's about the slow, unsettling realization that truth might be messier than any lie. The real theme here is how we all shape our stories to make sense of our choices.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven mysteries where the puzzle is human nature itself. If you enjoyed the tense conversations in 'The Silent Patient' or the unreliable storytelling in 'Gone Girl,' you'll be hooked. It's also a great pick for people who think they don't like crime novels—there's no graphic violence, just brilliant psychological cat-and-mouse. Clear your afternoon, because once you start listening to Arthur's story, you won't want to leave that interrogation room until you know how it ends.