Minette Walters based A Dreadful Murder on the actual unsolved shooting on August 24, 1908, of Caroline Luard. The shooting, known colloquially as ''the seal chart murder'', took place in one of the oldest and most desirable villages in Kent, Ightham, famous for the nearby medieval manor of Ightham Mote.
The tale suggests resentment, suspicion and a clash of policing methods between the credulous, protective Kent constabulary and Scotland Yard, called in to take over the inquiry. Also based on fact is the second tale, Chickenfeed, a murder that took place in Crowborough, East Sussex. Known as ''the chicken farm (or run) murder'' it's about Norman Thorpe, who under financial and emotional stress supposedly murdered his fiancée in December 1924.
The progression in forensic medicine meant the evidence of Sir Bernard Spilsbury, England's most famous pathologist, convinced the jury Thorpe was guilty. Sir Bernard had been the Crown's expert witness since 1910 and the lesser-known defence pathologist was ineffectual against him.
So, the question was and is, did Elsie commit suicide as Norman, a staunch chapel-goer, said, or did he murder her?
While the first two stories are fictionalised fact, Tinderbox is an imagined tale of rough justice and multiple prejudices. All three stories are an engrossing and compelling read and should satisfy all ardent Walters fans.
- Ted Fox is a Dunedin online marketing consultant.
