Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 44
Overview
The group gathers at Joyce’s to debrief the Hove shootings. Elizabeth shares crime scene photos, prompting Donna to question whether the male victim is really Douglas. While Chris and Patrice’s new relationship is revealed, Elizabeth focuses the team on securing CCTV. The chapter ends with a doorbell interruption.
Summary
At Joyce’s flat, the Thursday Murder Club discusses the Hove shootings, debating murder-suicide versus double murder. Ron insists it was a professional double murder, and Joyce notes changing patterns in killers. Donna, uneasy watching her mum Patrice and Chris act affectionate, reflects on keeping their mother-daughter link secret from Elizabeth.
Elizabeth confirms someone had previously tried to kill Douglas at Coopers Chase and that MI5’s Sue and Lance handled the Hove scene instead of Chris and Donna. Joyce compares Sue unfavorably to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth lightly cautions against naming MI5 officers.
Elizabeth offers to show the crime scene photos in exchange for personal details about Chris and Patrice’s relationship. Patrice confirms they have been dating six weeks and are taking things day by day. The group shares small talk, including Ibrahim’s supportive comment from an earlier visit and teasing about Joyce’s visitor, Gordon Playfair.
Elizabeth hands her recovered phone to Chris and Patrice, who agree the scene looks professional. Donna studies the images closely, recalling how appearances can deceive. After scrutinizing the bodies, Donna questions whether the male victim is truly Douglas.
Elizabeth acknowledges she has considered the possibility and pivots to the importance of obtaining CCTV footage. Before Chris can respond, the doorbell rings, abruptly interrupting the meeting.
Who Appears
- Donna De FreitasDetective and Patrice’s daughter; scrutinizes photos and voices suspicion the male victim may not be Douglas.
- Elizabeth BestLeads discussion, shares Hove crime scene photos, and pushes the group to secure CCTV footage.
- Joyce MeadowcroftHosts the meeting, steers conversation, and offers observations about the case and the group’s dynamics.
- Chris HudsonDetective attending with Patrice; reviews photos, concurs it looks professional, and fields Elizabeth’s questions.
- Patrice De FreitasDonna’s mother and Chris’s partner; reviews photos, confirms relationship timeline, and lightens the mood.
- Ron RitchieDeclares the shootings a double murder and adds blunt, supportive commentary during the meeting.