Ashton-Kirk, Criminologist

In the opening scene, the brilliant criminologist Ashton‑Kirk finds himself in the bustling gymnasium of his longtime companion, the hulking ex‑wrestler Bat Scanlon. As they trade wry observations about the “artistry” of crime, a tense moment unfolds when Kirk fixes his gaze on a lone girl, hinting at a mystery that will test his keen eye for detail. Their banter, steeped in literary references and a shared love of puzzles, sets the tone for a case that is as much about motive and method as it is about the human psyche.

The story quickly introduces a web of intrigue: a seemingly ordinary murder with hidden layers, a cast of colorful characters, and a backdrop of early‑20th‑century society that feels both familiar and unsettling. With Scanlon’s brawn complementing Kirk’s razor‑sharp intellect, listeners are drawn into a cerebral chase that balances suspense, humor, and a touch of the macabre—promising a compelling first act that begs to be followed.