Thursday Murder Club, #1
The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 12
Overview
PC Donna De Freitas tries to gather information while serving tea during DCI Chris Hudson’s briefing on Tony Curran’s murder. The investigation identifies a tight time window, key camera footage, and a mysterious photograph left by the killer showing three familiar men with money in a pub.
Donna’s curiosity and ambition are emphasized, and her recognition of one man in the photograph suggests the murder may connect to an older, wider story than Tony’s recent conflicts at Coopers Chase.
Summary
PC Donna De Freitas brings tea into the police incident room while DCI Chris Hudson briefs the murder team about Tony Curran’s death. Donna is supposed to leave, but because the case involves Coopers Chase and appears important, she deliberately lingers by pretending to tie a shoelace.
Chris tells the team that Tony left Coopers Chase at 2 p.m. and died at 3.32 p.m., according to Tony’s Fitbit. Because the window is narrow, Chris orders officers to collect camera footage from Tony’s property and from road cameras on the A214 north and south of Tony’s home.
Chris notices Donna crouching and politely challenges her. Donna claims she is tying her shoelaces, though Chris likely realizes her shoes have no laces, and he dismisses Donna from the room.
As Donna leaves, Chris mentions the investigation’s biggest current lead: a photograph left by the killer beside Tony’s body. Donna turns back long enough to see an old image of three men laughing and drinking in a pub, with banknotes covering their table, and Donna immediately recognizes one of the men.
Donna reflects on her frustration with routine police work and her desire to join a murder squad. Before Donna can hear more, Chris again prompts her to leave, and the door closes just as Chris begins to discuss the three men in the photograph, all apparently well known to the police team.
Who Appears
- PC Donna De FreitasCurious constable serving tea; secretly listens to the murder briefing and recognizes someone in the photograph.
- DCI Chris HudsonSenior detective leading Tony Curran’s murder briefing and directing the search for camera evidence.
- Tony CurranMurder victim; his time of death, movements, and the killer’s photograph shape the investigation.