Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 46
Overview
Joyce hosts Poppy’s mother, Siobhan, who has just identified Poppy’s body and seeks refuge and answers. The group also meets Chris’s new girlfriend, Donna’s mum, and debates whether Douglas’s corpse was genuine, reinforcing suspicions about a staged death. Plans are deferred until morning as Siobhan rests. Meanwhile, Ron welcomes his grandson Kendrick for a short stay.
Summary
Joyce writes late at night, noting someone is sleeping in her spare room. She recalls recent visits from her daughter, Joanna, and a heartfelt argument that ended in mutual reassurance and affection.
Earlier, the group met Chris’s new girlfriend, who is also Donna’s mother and a teacher on half-term. Conversation turned to the recent shootings of Douglas and Poppy. Donna agreed with Elizabeth’s suspicion that the body identified as Douglas might not truly be his, keeping alive the theory of a faked death.
The doorbell interrupted them: Poppy’s mother, Siobhan, arrived after two difficult days in Godalming identifying Poppy’s body and dealing with formalities. She chose to come to Joyce, sensing trust through Poppy’s connection. Siobhan had spent time with Sue Reardon and Lance James but still had unanswered or unconvincing explanations.
Exhausted, Siobhan accepted a place to sleep, and the group agreed to reconvene in the morning. Joyce prepares to shop for breakfast to accommodate her guest. Separately, Ron looks forward to several days with his grandson, Kendrick, while Kendrick’s parents attend a Caribbean work trip.
Who Appears
- JoyceNarrator; hosts Siobhan for the night, reflects on Joanna, and observes group doubts about Douglas’s body.
- SiobhanPoppy’s mother; arrives after identifying Poppy’s body, seeking support and clearer answers.
- ElizabethHer suspicion that Douglas’s death may be faked shapes the group’s discussion.
- DonnaAgrees with Elizabeth that Douglas’s body might not be genuine.
- ChrisIntroduces his new girlfriend to the group.
- Chris’s girlfriend (Donna’s mum)A teacher on half-term; meets the group and joins the evening.
- RonWelcomes grandson Kendrick for a visit; part of the evening discussion.
- Sue ReardonMI5 contact; met with Siobhan in Godalming, but left questions unanswered.
- Lance JamesOfficial who spoke with Siobhan during formalities after Poppy’s death.
- JoannaJoyce’s daughter; recalled in a candid, healing argument and reconciliation.
- KendrickRon’s grandson; arrives to stay for a few days.