Ralph Sholto's And That's How It Was, Officer throws you right into the worn-out shoes of Sergeant Mike Evers. Mike's world is his quiet, predictable precinct, where paperwork outweighs peril. That all ends with the death of reclusive octogenarian Arthur Coyle.

The Story

Arthur's death is ruled natural, but Mike can't shake the feeling something's off. While cataloging the man's possessions, he discovers a trove of wartime memorabilia that doesn't add up. Official records show Arthur served in a non-combat role, but the artifacts—a foreign medal, coded letters, a photo of a unit that officially never existed—tell a different story. Mike's casual curiosity becomes an obsession. His investigation pits him against town elders who want the past left alone, a widow who may know more than she's saying, and his own superiors who warn him off. The deeper he goes, the more the line blurs between a historical mystery and a present-day cover-up. Is he uncovering a forgotten act of heroism, or stumbling toward a shameful secret someone is still willing to protect?

Why You Should Read It

This book grabbed me because Mike isn't a superhero detective. He's frustrated, in over his head, and makes mistakes. His journey feels real. Sholto does something brilliant with the mystery—it's less about a 'clue trail' and more about the weight of memory. The town itself, with its parades for old heroes and its quiet forgetting of uncomfortable truths, becomes a key player. The heart of the story isn't really 'who killed Arthur?' but 'what did Arthur live with?' It's a slow, character-driven burn that asks how we build our shared stories, and what gets left out of the official version.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who prefer their mysteries thoughtful rather than frantic. If you enjoy the small-town atmosphere of Jane Harper's books or the historical unraveling of Kate Morton's stories, but want a grittier, grounded protagonist, you'll love this. It's a satisfying puzzle, but it's the exploration of legacy, guilt, and the stories we tell ourselves that will stick with you after the last page.