(Article is in Novels universe)
“”We got us a situation here, Mr. Reacher... A real situation.
—Captain Finlay to Reacher
Captain Finlay is a character appearing in the novel Killing Floor. He is the Chief of Detectives for the Margrave Police Department.
Physical Appearance[]
Captain Finlay is a tall Black man, not old but greying and balding just enough to give him a distinguished air. He carries himself with confidence and brisk efficiency. His attire is always impeccable, favoring an old-fashioned tweed suit, a moleskin vest, and polished shoes—even in the sweltering heat of the American South.
Reacher perceives him as someone who could be the Chief of Police. His deep, rumbling voice and authoritative demeanor give the impression of a man with an Ivy League education, possibly from Harvard.
Personality[]
“”Two things, Reacher... First, if necessary I’ll take care of Chief Morrison on Monday. Second, I am not a coward. You don’t know me at all. Nothing about me.
—Captain FInlay
Finlay is a detailed character who changes a lot as the story moves forward. At first, he comes across as stubborn and very determined to do his job the right way. Even when Reacher isn’t being helpful, Finlay sticks to his plans and keeps searching for the truth, which shows how seriously he takes justice. He starts out by following all the police rules carefully—making sure suspects know their rights and following proper steps during investigations.
Finlay is smart and pays attention to small things. Reacher quickly figures out he went to Harvard, and it's easy to see why. Finlay notices small clues, like how Reacher doesn’t have ID or uses mysterious language, and uses those to understand the situation better. Even though he’s usually careful and tries to follow the chain of command—especially with his boss, Chief Morrison—Finlay still has strong morals. He struggles with decisions that don’t feel right, like lying to Hubble or dealing with pressure from corrupt people in power. He even feels bad about sending Reacher to jail and later considers standing up to Chief Morrison.
Even though Finlay worked in law enforcement in Boston for years, the level of violence he sees in Margrave surprises him. Still, he learns to adjust and doesn’t mind bending the rules when needed. Over time, he begins to trust Reacher more, and the two start to work well together.
As the story continues, Finlay starts to show his emotional side. The murders of Chief Morrison and his wife really shake him, and he begins to question if he should even stay in Margrave. He talks openly about his personal struggles, like feeling that he was hired just to meet a quota.
Even with all these challenges, Finlay proves that he’s loyal and willing to trust the people around him. He works closely with Reacher and Roscoe to bring justice, showing that, deep down, he’s someone who wants to do the right thing—even when it’s hard.
Synopsis[]
“”I myself was born in Boston, was educated in Boston and subsequently worked for twenty years in Boston, so I would say, and I think you would agree, that I come from Boston.
—Captain Finlay
Captain Finlay was born and raised in Boston, where he was educated. Initially, the narrator perceives his background as that of a Boston banker but quickly corrects himself, describing him as more of a “Harvard guy.” This suggests that Finlay is highly educated, likely from a prestigious institution in Boston, setting the stage for a character with a refined academic background.
Finlay worked for twenty years in Boston, a period that suggests a significant career in law enforcement or a related field. His tenure in Boston likely involved navigating the pressures of gritty, nineteenth-century precincts, with overloaded facilities and the constant stress of handling a wide variety of cases. Despite these challenges, Finlay managed to thrive in such a demanding environment, a testament to his resilience and skill.
Personal Life and Struggles[]
During these twenty years, Finlay was married. However, approximately six months before his planned retirement from the Boston Police Department, his wife began to show signs of distress. She revealed that she no longer loved him, no longer wanted him around, and didn’t even like him. Despite having been content with their long marriage while he worked long hours, the idea of retiring and spending more time together in a secluded cabin was unbearable to her. The thought made her “flesh crawl,” which ultimately led to the collapse of their relationship. This revelation left Finlay deeply affected, marking a significant turning point in his personal life.
A Job Taken Out of Desperation[]
Following his divorce and in the final month with the Boston Police Department, Finlay started looking at union vacancy lists. It was then that he came across the job opening for chief of detectives in Margrave. Despite a warning from an FBI contact in Atlanta, who dismissed the position as a “Mickey Mouse department in a town that wasn’t even on the map,” Finlay decided to apply. The job was appealing not only because of the money but also due to his personal turmoil—he felt “screwed up” and saw taking the job as a form of penance, a way to bury himself in a remote town as punishment for his failed marriage.
The position offered “top dollar,” which was also a crucial factor in his decision, as he was facing significant alimony and legal bills. Finlay’s job application was, in his own words, disastrous, yet he was still hired by Mayor Teale and Chief Morrison. His hiring was not without controversy—Finlay suspected that part of the reason he was selected was because they “needed a black guy to look good,” given that he was the first black officer to serve in Margrave’s history.
Finlay's New Life in Margrave[]
After the breakdown of his marriage, Captain Finlay moved to Margrave, where he is now the chief of the detective bureau. He has held this position for about six months at the start of the story. At around forty-five years old, Finlay finds himself in a new, quieter town, trying to leave his personal turmoil behind him.
Reacher, the narrator, deduces that Finlay is a Harvard post-graduate who is also recently divorced. It’s mentioned that he quit smoking in April, adding another layer to his complex character. Finlay’s predecessor in Margrave was a man named Gray, who had held the position for many years before tragically taking his own life in February. It is implied that Finlay was hired as Gray's replacement.
Professional Reputation and Motivations[]
Despite being new to Margrave, Finlay is already described as “even smarter and even more stubborn than Gray was” by Roscoe, indicating that his reputation as a capable and driven individual precedes him. It’s clear that Finlay’s abilities have made an impact in his short time in Margrave.
The mayor of Margrave, Teale, is the one who hired Finlay, though his motivations are somewhat murky. Finlay himself suspects that his hiring may have been partly for the optics—he believes the town needed a black chief to look good, as he is the first black police officer in Margrave’s history.
Present[]
Captain Finlay is introduced as the Captain and Chief of the Detective Bureau of the local police department. Reacher observes him as a tall, graying, and balding black man with a brisk and confident demeanor, dressed in an old-fashioned tweed suit. Reacher makes a mental note that Finlay is likely stubborn to have achieved his position as chief of detectives in a Georgia jurisdiction, especially as a black man.
The narrative progresses with Finlay questioning Jack Reacher after Reacher is brought in on a murder charge. In a calm manner, reminiscent of someone whose moment of danger has passed, Finlay advises Reacher to get a lawyer and begins the interrogation by asking for his name, address, and date of birth. Reacher provides his name as Jack Reacher, states he has no middle name and no address, and gives his date of birth.
Reacher then provides his account of his recent activities, stating that he arrived by Greyhound bus and got off at the county road around eight o'clock in the morning before walking into town to a diner. Finlay, along with Roscoe, later investigates Reacher's alibi, intending to check with the bus company, the ticket, the driver, and the passengers to verify Reacher's timeline and his claim of being in Tampa the previous night.
During their initial interaction, Finlay mentions that Chief Morrison claims to have seen Reacher before, which directly contradicts Reacher's statement about just arriving in town. This creates a point of contention and potential doubt in Finlay's initial assessment of Reacher's involvement.
Despite Chief Morrison's assertion, Finlay appears to harbor doubts about Reacher's guilt but seems constrained by Morrison's alleged eyewitness account and his own position as a newer subordinate within the department. Nevertheless, he decides to follow up on Reacher's alibi to ascertain the truth.
Finlay subsequently informs Reacher about Paul Hubble's confession to the murder and the discovery of a phone number in the victim's shoe with the word "Pluribus" printed above it. He describes Hubble's state during questioning, noting that Hubble was shaking all over, went rigid with shock, and remained silent for a significant period, appearing gray in the face and his mouth opening and closing like a fish.
However, the case takes a turn when Finlay later reveals that Hubble has a solid alibi for the time of the murder, as he was at a family anniversary party with around two dozen witnesses who saw him arrive at eight the previous night and leave after two o'clock in the morning, even getting a ride home due to the rain.
Following this revelation, Finlay explains Chief Morrison's theory that Hubble might have conspired with Reacher to commit the murder, suggesting that Hubble's confession was exaggerated because he might be afraid of Reacher and was hesitant to implicate him directly. Morrison theorizes that Reacher was on his way to Hubble's to get paid when he was apprehended.
Faced with these conflicting pieces of information and under Chief Morrison's directive to consider the case a "done deal," Finlay apologizes to Reacher for the situation and informs him that both will be held in jail until Monday while he and Officer Roscoe continue their investigation. He mentions that the holding pens in Warburton are unpleasant.
Reacher then surprises Finlay by revealing personal details about Finlay's life, including his education in Boston, his divorce, and the fact that he had quit smoking. This unexpected knowledge unsettles Finlay.
Following this unusual exchange, Finlay conveys to Reacher that the situation has become more complicated, stating, "We got us a situation here, Mr. Reacher".
The complexity of the situation escalates dramatically when Finlay is visibly shaken by the news of Chief Morrison's and his wife's brutal murder. He appears reluctant to deliver the devastating news to Hubble's wife, Charlie.
Amidst the unfolding tragedy, Reacher questions Finlay about whether he will become the new chief following Morrison's death, but Finlay states definitively that he will not.
Later, Finlay confides in Reacher about the reasons he won't be appointed chief, explaining his difficult divorce after dedicating twenty years to the Boston Police Department. He reveals that his wife was going through a difficult time, and his commitment to his demanding job led to the breakdown of their marriage, impacting his standing.
As part of their investigation into Morrison's murder, Finlay accompanies Reacher to Chief Morrison's house, where they find the property ransacked. Finlay notes that he was the first one at the scene that morning.
At the crime scene, Reacher informs Finlay about the identical, threatening messages found at the initial murder scene and the information Hubble had previously shared about being terrorized with the same threat: "Nailed to the wall, balls cut off, the wife forced to eat the balls, then they get their throats cut. Word-for-word".
In response to these developments, Finlay states his intention to actively investigate the case by making calls.
The investigation suffers a setback when Finlay expresses frustration over Hubble's death, recognizing that Hubble was a crucial link to understanding what was happening.
Finlay expresses concern about who the next chief of police will be, suspecting that they might be involved in the criminal activities plaguing the town.
His concerns are realized when Mayor Teale is appointed as the temporary chief, and he directs the investigation in a way that Finlay recognizes as misleading.
During their efforts to uncover the truth, Officer Roscoe suggests that Reacher question Assistant Warden Spivey about who ordered the attack on Hubble, but Finlay is doubtful Spivey will cooperate.
Recognizing the danger Charlie Hubble and her children might be in, Reacher instructs Finlay to contact Picard to ensure their safety in a safe house in Atlanta, which Finlay promptly does. Later, Picard confirms receiving all the necessary information from Finlay regarding the situation.
As they delve deeper, Finlay shares information he has gathered about Joe Reacher, including his high-ranking position in the Treasury Department and a confidential project possibly related to counterfeiting.
Finlay provides Reacher with a lead to contact Molly Beth Gordon, an assistant of Joe Reacher, and informs him about Joe Reacher's scheduled debriefing meeting for the following Monday morning, suggesting something significant was planned around that time.
Finlay assists in tracing a rental car that might be connected to Joe Reacher's presence in the town, tasking the DMV to trace the registration and relay the information to Picard.
Further indicating potential obstruction, Mayor Teale summons Finlay to his office, likely to exert control over the investigation.
Understanding the escalating danger Reacher is in, Finlay facilitates Roscoe giving Reacher a gun for protection.
Finlay is present in the office during the confrontation between Reacher, Kliner, and Teale, where Picard disarms him.
Under duress from Kliner, Finlay is handcuffed and placed in a jail cell, facing a dire threat if their demands are not met by a specific time.
After escaping his cell, Finlay's immediate action was to retrieve a weapon. He did this by going to the big office in back of the station house after the Bentley crashed through the entrance. Upon returning, he had a stainless-steel revolver and a book of matches, and he had a grin on his face. He then waved Reacher and Hubble out to the car and threw a lit match under the rear of the wrecked green Bentley as they left. This act shows Finlay's willingness to take decisive action and even engage in some level of destruction to facilitate their escape.
During the journey to the warehouse, Finlay continued to prepare. He checked the revolver he had taken from the office. When they arrived at the warehouse, and after Baker was dealt with, Finlay came up behind Reacher as Reacher was struggling with Baker. He caught Baker by the throat and swiftly dealt with him, described as looking like "a country boy wringing a chicken's neck". This demonstrates Finlay's capability in physical confrontation and his direct involvement in neutralizing threats.
At the warehouse itself, Finlay's involvement was crucial. After Reacher had gone up the fire escape, Finlay followed. Later, Reacher saw Finlay standing there shooting Picard with the handgun he’d gotten from the station house. He fired six shots into Picard’s back. Even after his gun clicked empty, Finlay's attempt to stop Picard was significant.
The source material also indicates that Finlay was with Reacher and Hubble during the overall confrontation at the warehouse as they worked to dismantle Kliner's operation and rescue Hubble's children. The narrative describes them as a group of three against Kliner and his men. While the text doesn't explicitly detail every action Finlay took during the entirety of the "ultimate confrontation," his presence and previous actions clearly place him as an active participant in the effort to resolve the situation at the warehouse and secure the safety of Roscoe and Charlie Hubble's children. His willingness to engage in physical confrontation and use a weapon highlights his commitment to assisting Reacher in this dangerous situation.
Relationships[]
“”"You?"
—Captain Finlay to Picard
Jack Reacher
Their relationship begins as adversarial, with Finlay, as Chief of the detective bureau, investigating Reacher for murder. Finlay is initially suspicious of Reacher due to his lack of address and ID. However, as the investigation progresses and Reacher presents his perspective, Finlay starts to doubt Reacher's guilt. Despite Finlay's initial skepticism, Reacher offers unsolicited advice on the case.
Their relationship gradually shifts towards a reluctant partnership or at least a level of mutual respect and cooperation. Finlay acknowledges the possibility that Reacher is not the perpetrator. Reacher, in turn, helps Finlay by pointing out inconsistencies in the evidence and suggesting the involvement of three individuals. Finlay eventually confides in Reacher about the pressure he is under from Chief Morrison. They discuss the case as "colleagues on a knotty case".
Finlay expresses concern about Reacher taking independent action. By the end, they are working together to uncover the truth, sharing information and theories. Reacher trusts Finlay enough to involve him in his investigation after his brother's murder. Finlay, in turn, relies on Reacher's insights. Their dynamic includes moments of tension and disagreement, but they ultimately operate as allies against a larger conspiracy. Picard even notes that they have both been "very helpful".
Chief Morrison
Finlay is subordinate to Chief Morrison. The text suggests that Finlay does not have a high opinion of Morrison, referring to him as a "useless fat bastard" in his internal thoughts. Finlay is clearly under pressure from Morrison to close the case quickly, even when the evidence is weak. He seems to be somewhat afraid of Morrison. When Morrison becomes a victim himself, Finlay is shaken, but it is implied this is due to the brutality of the crime rather than deep respect for Morrison.
Baker
Baker is another police man in Finlay's department. Baker initially seems to follow Finlay's lead in questioning Reacher. However, later in the narrative, it is revealed that Baker is involved in the criminal conspiracy and is secretly working against Finlay and Reacher, reporting their findings to Mayor Teale.
Officer Roscoe
Roscoe is a police officer who works with Finlay. Finlay considers her to be "the best we got". He trusts her judgment and involves her in their investigation. There is a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between them. Finlay asks her to assist Picard in the safe house, indicating his high regard for her capabilities and trustworthiness. Roscoe, in turn, seems to respect Finlay and is willing to help.
Mayor Teale
Teale is the town mayor and has authority over the police department. Finlay describes Teale as a "southern asshole" who is concerned with avoiding "mess". Teale does not seem inclined to promote Finlay to Chief. When Chief Morrison is killed, Teale takes a direct role in running the department, and it is revealed that Teale is part of the criminal conspiracy. This places Finlay in a difficult position, working under a corrupt superior.
FBI Special Agent Picard
Picard is an FBI agent based in Atlanta and a "buddy" of Finlay's from when Picard was stationed in Boston. Finlay contacts Picard for off-the-record assistance in protecting Charlie Hubble and her children. Finlay trusts Picard and relies on his help due to the corruption within the local police department. However, this trust is ultimately betrayed when Picard is revealed to be a key player in the criminal enterprise.
Paul Hubble
Finlay's initial interaction with Hubble is as an investigator after Hubble's phone number is found on the murder victim. Finlay is suspicious of Hubble's confession. While in custody together, Reacher learns more about Hubble than Finlay does initially. Finlay is later tasked with investigating Hubble's disappearance after Morrison's death. Finlay's relationship with Hubble is primarily professional and investigative, aimed at uncovering Hubble's involvement in the unfolding events. Finlay does not appear to have a personal relationship with Hubble.
Abilities and Weakness[]
Abilities[]
- Intelligence: Finlay is highly intelligent and quick on his feet. Often referred to as a “Harvard guy” with a refined way of speaking, Finlay is shown to have a strong analytical mind. Even Jack Reacher acknowledges his intelligence, noting that he’s “a smart guy, right? Educated in Boston.” Despite sometimes second-guessing himself under pressure, Finlay consistently shows that he can keep up with Reacher’s deductive leaps and is capable of putting pieces together on his own.
- Experienced Detective: Finlay spent twenty years on the Boston police force before transferring to Margrave, Georgia, where he became Chief of Detectives. His experience shows in how he handles suspects, crime scenes, and procedures. He’s familiar with standard law enforcement protocol and approaches investigations with a methodical mindset, always trying to stay within legal bounds — even if that sometimes clashes with Reacher’s more off-the-books methods.
- Perceptive and Observant: Though initially dismissive of Reacher’s instincts, Finlay proves that he has sharp observation skills of his own. He pays close attention to detail and, once his doubts fade, quickly catches on to the larger criminal conspiracy in Margrave. He follows Roscoe and Reacher’s theories with ease, and is able to spot red flags and inconsistencies in the case once his confidence returns.
- Determined and Thorough: Finlay is nothing if not persistent. He’s described as “cautious” and “stubborn,” which sometimes slows him down, but also makes him dependable. He refuses to give up on the case, even when political pressure, fear, or corruption threatens to shut things down. He continues pushing for the truth, despite his initial fear of stepping on the toes of his corrupt superiors.
- Leadership (Within Limits): As the Chief of Detectives, Finlay is in charge of coordinating officers like Roscoe and Baker. While he’s not a flashy or commanding leader, he knows how to delegate and organize when the situation calls for it. He also gradually learns to trust his team, especially Reacher and Roscoe, and is able to work collaboratively toward solving the case.
- Moral Code and Integrity: Even though Finlay is initially intimidated by his superiors, he ultimately sticks to his moral compass. He tries to follow the law as best he can, reads suspects their rights, and expresses guilt over any lapses in judgment. In the end, he owns up to the corruption in the department and does what he can to make things right — including helping take down the people above him.
Weakness[]
- Fear of Authority: Finlay is clearly intimidated by higher-ups like Chief Morrison and Mayor Teale. Early in the story, this fear causes him to ignore clear signs of corruption and even consider unethical actions (like keeping an innocent person locked up). He struggles to stand up to Morrison and avoids direct confrontation, showing how much his fear of stepping out of line affects his decisions.
- Emotionally Strained: At the time of the investigation, Finlay is going through a rough patch in his personal life. He’s recently divorced and constantly fidgeting for cigarettes after quitting, suggesting high levels of stress. These emotional burdens often make him second-guess himself and occasionally cloud his judgment in key moments.
- Conservative Thinking: Finlay is very by-the-book and slow to accept unconventional ideas. While Reacher is quick to jump to bold conclusions, Finlay needs hard evidence and tends to resist theories that fall outside standard procedure. His skepticism, while understandable, sometimes holds the team back in the early stages of the investigation.
- Lacks Physical Prowess: Unlike Reacher, Finlay doesn’t have a strong physical presence. He’s not a fighter and is quickly disarmed in physical confrontations, such as when Picard easily takes him down. His lack of combat ability makes him vulnerable in situations that turn violent.
- Naïveté Toward Corruption: Despite being experienced, Finlay is surprisingly naïve when it comes to spotting deep-rooted corruption. He initially trusts people like Picard, who later turns out to be a traitor. He also underestimates just how compromised the Margrave police department truly is. It takes time — and some serious wake-up calls — for him to adjust to the true scale of the problem he’s facing.
TV Series Appearance[]
Captain Finlay is portrayed by Malcolm Goodwin in the first season of the Reacher Amazon Prime television series.
Behind the Scenes[]
- There is no mention of Captain Finlay's first name in the novel. However, he is known as Oscar Finlay in the Amazon Prime TV series.