Episode 11 - Cautions and Precautions

Friday

Cleo and Gary’s reactions to Dorothy’s account of her talks to Rita’s neighbours were predictable. Gary pointed out that if the witnesses had seen something suspicious and had not already come forward, they were unlikely to. Only one of the dwellers at house No 7 had been questioned so the information was too scanty. Frank had indeed used a key to get into Rita’s salon although he was supposed to have moved out. The only other useful information was that Rita had received frequent visits from men.

Episode 10 - Arson, addiction and other delights

Thursday cont.

“Have you finished with your drug addict, Cleo?”

“Yes. I referred him to a doctor and he’ll no doubt join a methadone programme. It makes me so angry to see young guys ruining their lives with drug abuse.”

Episode 9 - Robert and the Green Monster

Wednesday cont. into Thursday

By the time Gary got home, everyone else was assembled and Dorothy was expected to come along with a report of what she had found out that day. When she had delivered her report, it was clear that Gary could not defer or even refrain from interrogating Robert Jones. One reason was Cleo’s oft quoted theory about what makes a killer. If Robert Jones had killed Kelly, he might decide to wipe out the other men with whom he thought Edith Parsnip had seen fit to have sex. That was enough reason to haul him in as soon as possible.

Episode 8 - Cops Corner

Wednesday cont.

Joe had slept late, so he was in a rush when he did get up. He had an appointment at eleven to discuss editing the Police Gazette. The prospect was inviting. His concept was promising thanks to an almost sleepless night. He dashed round the block with Dog, who had been given a welcome by all, and told the animal that he would take him to the Common later that day.

Episode 7 - Rita's salon

Wednesday

It was not part of the wedded-bliss package to have to take a phone-call from anyone before breakfast. The twins had already needed a feed at 5 and Gary had remarked then that the nights were getting perilously short since he usually gave PeggySue her breakfast at 7. Phone-calls before 8 a.m. were at the very least inconsiderate.

***

Episode 6 - Tittle-tattle +

Tuesday cont.

“How are you this afternoon?” was Cleo’s way into the phone call with Dorothy.

“Fine, Cleo. How are you? Why the formality?”

“Are you serious about not retiring?”

“Yes. I’ll keep going for a bit. It seems like the sensible thing to do with you in the family way again.”

“That sounds like a reproach,” said Cleo.

“It isn’t. I’m happy for you, but where are you going to put them all?”

Episode 5 - Hilda joins the team

Tuesday

Hilda Bone is never late. She is one of those people who never have enough time for anything, so running late would be borrowing time from the task designated to follow the one being tackled now. It’s a bit like living in the future, but since living in the past is not an option, Hilda makes the best of things.  

Episode 4 - A murder is announced

Monday cont.

Gary’s mobile rang again. It was Chris Winter, whose forensic team was already on the job.

Chris Winter was a workaholic. He had taken over from his laid-back predecessor, who had been headhunted to Scotland. It had been hard taking over, but being indispensable and a keen researcher, he had found his niche in Middlethumpton HQ . Having the same first name as his predecessor had been complicated. At HQ there was no standing on ceremony.

Episode 3 - Toes

Monday cont.

The drive to Upper Grumpsfield took long enough for Joe to explain that he had moved to Upper Grumpsfield the previous Saturday.

“Where are you living, Joe?”

“I’m lodging at Mrs Barker’s.”

Episode 2 - Look-alikes

Monday 

The Gazette always arrived together with the national Daily Chronicle in Upper Grumpsfield. The newspaper boy, usually a pensioner earning a few bob for the job, would roll the two newspapers together and push them noisily though letter flaps. If you wanted to get up early, it was convenient. If you wanted to sleep longer, it wasn’t.

The loud clatter woke Chief Detective Inspector Gary Hurley.

“Can’t that stupid boy be a bit quieter?” he protested.

Episode 1 - Overture and Beginners

Seting the scene

Joe Butler was going to take his landlady’s dog for a walk every morning. It was part of his living arrangements in the village of Upper Grumpsfield. Mrs Jane Barker had only one lodger. She had recently lost her husband and was trying to make ends meet. But her next door neighbour, a retired pianist by the name of Miss Dorothy Price, said that Jane Barker was lonely rather than poor and missing the heated arguments and scrapping. Jim Barker was always right, he thought. Jane suffered, but not in silence. Dorothy thought that Jane missed the invigorating air of disagreement.