Thursday Murder Club, #1
The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
Donna and Elizabeth’s friendship deepens through a comic text exchange that also moves the investigation forward. Donna gives Elizabeth Tony Curran’s exact time of death, 3:32, based on Tony’s broken Fitbit.
The timing matters because it provides a concrete point against which the club can compare alibis and sightings, including the recent claim about Ian Ventham leaving Coopers Chase at 3 p.m.
Summary
Donna is getting ready to go out when Elizabeth texts her asking for Tony Curran’s time of death. Donna recognizes that Elizabeth is likely bringing trouble, but Donna is pleased to hear from her.
Donna teases Elizabeth for asking for a favor without small talk, gossip, or a kiss. Elizabeth adapts by sending a deliberately chatty message about Mary Lennox’s family gossip before asking the same question again.
Donna initially refuses, saying that she cannot tell Elizabeth because Donna is a professional. Their exchange turns playful as Elizabeth uses “LOL,” Donna responds with “WTF,” and Elizabeth admits Joyce only recently taught her “LOL” while misinterpreting “WTF” through an old intelligence-related reference.
After more joking over emojis and Elizabeth’s ignorance of Fitbits, Donna decides there is little harm in sharing the information. Donna tells Elizabeth that Tony Curran died at 3:32 because his Fitbit broke when he fell, giving the Thursday Murder Club a precise time that can be tested against John’s claim about Ian Ventham’s car.
Who Appears
- Donna De FreitasDetective constable who playfully withholds, then shares Tony Curran’s exact time of death.
- ElizabethThursday Murder Club member who texts Donna for crucial timing information.