Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 48
Overview
Chris Hudson feels bereft after Patrice leaves, reflecting on a transformative week that made him realize he has fallen in love. He recalls cooking together and confronting lifelong habits, then worries he will slip back without her. Determined to re-engage with work—Ryan’s hearing and Connie Johnson—he’s interrupted by a late-night buzzer, hinting at new developments.
Summary
Patrice departs by cab, leaving Chris Hudson alone and low. He recalls how Elizabeth’s friends had approved of Patrice, and how normal life had briefly felt with her around. The empty flat sharpens his hunger and the temptation of old comforts.
Chris remembers learning to cook a stir fry with Patrice after admitting he had none of the basics. Buying a wok, knives, and ingredients becomes an emotional milestone. While cooking, he unexpectedly cries, then realizes he has fallen in love with Patrice, a revelation masked when a stray chilli stings his eye.
With Patrice gone back to teaching, Chris worries he will revert to takeaway habits and late-night snacking. He debates small compromises—walnuts, herbal tea, dark chocolate—while acknowledging how easily deliveries could undo his progress.
Determined to redirect his thoughts, Chris turns to work: Ryan Baird’s upcoming hearing and pressure to nail Connie Johnson, now flaunting her Range Rover around Fairhaven. As he steels himself, his entryphone rings at 9:45 p.m., signaling an unexpected visitor and likely shift in events.
Who Appears
- Chris HudsonDCI left lonely after Patrice departs; realizes he loves her, struggles with old eating habits, refocuses on Ryan Baird and Connie Johnson.
- PatriceChris’s girlfriend; shares a week of normality and cooking that triggers his realization he’s in love before she returns to London.
- Joyce MeadowcroftApproves of Patrice in passing, reinforcing Chris’s sense of belonging and hope.
- Ron RitchieGives Chris a thumbs-up about Patrice; a brief, supportive presence.
- Connie JohnsonLocal crime boss on Chris’s radar; he plans renewed efforts to catch her.
- Ryan BairdAwaiting a hearing after mugging Ibrahim; an imminent, straightforward case for Chris.