Thursday Murder Club, #1
The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
Donna is brought into CID as Chris Hudson’s shadow on the Tony Curran case, giving her the police work she has wanted and showing Elizabeth’s influence behind the scenes. After reviewing Tony’s file and finding no easy breakthrough, Donna joins Chris in preparing to interview Ian Ventham about his argument with Tony.
The chapter shifts the investigation from background evidence toward Ian’s possible motive, while also establishing a more respectful working relationship between Donna and Chris.
Summary
PC Donna De Freitas learns that she has been moved onto the Tony Curran murder investigation as DCI Chris Hudson’s shadow, the result of a new Kent Police initiative and, Donna realizes, Elizabeth’s quick intervention.
While sitting with Chris on a bench overlooking the English Channel, Donna reads the Tony Curran case file. At first Donna hopes the file will contain a hidden clue that lets her impress Chris and solve an old mystery, but it offers only the known story: Tony had escaped justice for past crimes and has now been murdered himself.
Chris treats Donna kindly and professionally, and Donna notices both his competence and his unfashionable appearance. Chris proposes that they visit Ian Ventham to question him about his argument with Tony Curran, details of which Elizabeth has passed to Donna after Ron, Joyce, and Jason witnessed it.
Donna asks whether they are looking for motive, and Chris confirms they are. Chris explains that Ian is unlikely to admit anything directly, so they must watch and listen carefully. Chris asks to lead the questioning, though Donna warns that she will probably want to ask at least one question herself before they set off.
Who Appears
- Donna De FreitasPC newly assigned to shadow Chris on the Tony Curran murder investigation.
- Chris HudsonDCI leading the case; mentors Donna and plans to question Ian Ventham.
- ElizabethInfluential club member whose call helps move Donna into the CID investigation.
- Ian VenthamDeveloper to be questioned about his argument with murder victim Tony Curran.
- Tony CurranMurder victim whose file Donna reviews for clues and investigative leads.