A timeline

Spoiler-free. Only what the case file tells you before you begin.

Year
1929	Thomas Penhallow born in Porthgrey.
1931	Silas Penhallow becomes Harbor Master.
1953	Lantern Night. Shortly after midnight, Silas is found dead at the foot of the Customs House stairs. His ledger is missing. Verdict: accidental death.
1954	Thomas leaves Porthgrey. He never returns.
1955	Edmund Hale born in Kent.
1962	The Wychley fire.
1976	Hale joins the Metropolitan Police.
1981	Hale marries Clare.
1998	Hale takes over the unit that reopens old files.
2007	Hale retires as Detective Chief Inspector.
2019	Clare Hale dies. The letters begin.
March 2026	Thomas Penhallow dies, aged 96.
Summer 2026	Clearing her father’s house, Morwenna finds the ledger.
September 2026	Morwenna writes to Hale.
October 2026	Hale reopens the case.