Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Siobhan is escorted to Godalming to identify Poppy’s body, supported by Sue Reardon and Lance James. She confirms the identification through distinguishing marks, while declining further time with the body. A second body is confirmed as Douglas, to be identified via records, underscoring the investigation’s grim turn.
Summary
Siobhan is collected by officers and driven to Godalming late at night to identify her daughter, Poppy. Exhausted and numb, she notes a van leaving the driveway on arrival before being met by Sue Reardon and Lance James, who lead her to a cold viewing room.
Inside, Doctor Carter prepares Siobhan for traumatic injuries. When the sheet is lifted and Poppy’s blonde hair spills out, Siobhan shuts down part of herself to cope and confirms the body is her daughter.
Sue carefully requests corroboration. Siobhan lists Poppy’s identifying marks: a long scar on the back of the left calf from barbed wire on the Isle of Wight, a lump on the left wrist from a hockey break, and a tattoo. Doctor Carter nods, and Siobhan, declining more time, gently strokes Poppy’s hair before agreeing to leave.
Noticing the second shrouded body, Siobhan asks about it and learns it is Douglas. Sue explains there is no next of kin, so identification will rely on fingerprints or dental records. Siobhan offers a brief blessing, and Sue leads her out.
Who Appears
- SiobhanPoppy’s mother; travels to Godalming and formally identifies her daughter’s body.
- Sue ReardonMI5 officer; supports Siobhan through identification and confirms Douglas lacks next of kin.
- Lance JamesPolice officer; facilitates access to the mortuary and observes the procedure.
- Doctor CarterMortuary doctor; presents Poppy’s body and confirms distinguishing marks.
- PoppyDeceased; identified by her mother via scars, wrist lump, and a tattoo.
- DouglasDeceased; body present in the mortuary, to be identified by records due to no next of kin.