Twelve Sharp characters

Appears from the start

A Trenton apprehension agent whose work still depends on persistence, local knowledge, and help from better-equipped allies. Her relationships with police officer Joe Morelli and security specialist Ranger remain unresolved. A routine fugitive recovery becomes secondary when a woman claiming to be Ranger's wife enters the bond office and Ranger's private life turns into the center of a kidnapping investigation.

Appears from the start

A Trenton police officer and Stephanie's intermittent partner. Morelli brings official investigative resources to the danger surrounding Ranger, while his concern for Stephanie is complicated by his distrust of Ranger and by the continuing romantic triangle.

Appears from the start

Stephanie's mentor and the head of a highly capable private-security operation. Ranger reveals little about his past or family, but the appearance of a woman claiming to be his wife places that secrecy under immediate pressure.

Appears from the start

Stephanie's assertive field partner from Vinnie's bail-bond office. Lula assists with fugitive recoveries and the search surrounding Ranger, and also pursues an opportunity to perform with Sally Sweet's band.

Appears from the start

The manager of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, responsible for the case files and for keeping the office operating while Stephanie and Lula move between routine recoveries and Ranger's emergency.

Appears from the start

Stephanie's cousin and employer, the owner of the bail-bond agency. He expects his agents to recover clients who miss court even when a much more personal and dangerous investigation is consuming their attention.

Appears from the start

Stephanie's uninhibited grandmother, always ready to take part in neighborhood investigations and performances. Her enthusiasm makes her a willing participant in the musical activity surrounding Sally Sweet.

Appears from the start

A musician and drag performer who has helped Stephanie on earlier cases. Sally is organizing a band, giving Lula and Grandma Mazur a separate project while Stephanie's investigation becomes increasingly serious.

Appears from the start

A senior member of Ranger's security team. Tank helps maintain Rangeman's operations and supports the search when Ranger must avoid ordinary channels.

Appears from the start

A fugitive wanted in connection with grave robbery. Recovering him gives Stephanie and Lula their immediate bond assignment before Ranger's family crisis overtakes the routine work.

First appears in chapter 2

A confrontational woman who arrives at the bond office claiming to be Ranger's wife. She treats Stephanie as a romantic rival and insists on a connection to Ranger that Stephanie cannot immediately verify.

First appears in chapter 10

Ranger's young daughter, whose existence has not been part of the life he ordinarily shows Stephanie. Her abduction makes Ranger's guarded family history the center of an urgent search.

First appears in chapter 10

Ranger's former wife and Julie's mother. She must rely on police and on Ranger's private network after Julie is taken, despite the complications created by Ranger's secrecy and his status in the investigation.

First appears in chapter 20

A man whose fixation on Ranger has led him to copy Ranger's identity and construct a false version of Ranger's family life. He is responsible for the impersonation, the killing connected to it, and Julie's abduction, and he draws Stephanie into the role he has imagined for her.