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The Documents in the Case


Synopsis


An epistolary crime novel from Dorothy L Sayers, creator of the classic Lord Peter Wimsey series - a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie's Poirot and Margery Allingham's Campion Mysteries, and introduced by author and journalist Libby Purves.

The bed was broken and tilted grotesquely sideways. Harrison was sprawled over in a huddle of soiled blankets. His mouth was twisted . . .

Harrison had been an expert on deadly mushrooms. How was it then that he had eaten a large quantity of death-dealing muscarine? Was it an accident? Suicide? Or murder?

The documents in the case seemed to be a simple collection of love notes and letters home. But they concealed a clue to the brilliant murderer who baffled the best minds in London.

'She combined literary prose with powerful suspense, and it takes a rare talent to achieve that. A truly great storyteller' Minette Walters

Dorothy L. Sayers

Summary

Chapter 1: The Paper Chase

* This chapter introduces the main character, Evan Hunter, a lawyer who is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a key witness in a major case.
* Evan begins by reviewing the case files, which include a series of documents that provide clues about the witness's movements and relationships.
* Real example: An email from the witness's supervisor indicating that he had taken sick leave on the day he disappeared.

Chapter 2: The Missing Witness

* Evan continues his investigation by reaching out to people who knew the witness.
* He interviews the witness's family, friends, and colleagues, trying to gather information about his activities and possible motives for disappearing.
* Real example: A phone call to the witness's best friend, who reveals that the witness had been experiencing financial problems and was considering moving away.

Chapter 3: The Hidden Motive

* Evan's research leads him to uncover some disturbing details about the witness's past.
* He discovers that the witness had been involved in a previous legal case and was potentially a target for retaliation.
* Real example: A court document showing that the witness had testified against a known criminal organization.

Chapter 4: The Suspects

* Evan develops a list of suspects who could have been involved in the witness's disappearance.
* He investigates their backgrounds, movements, and possible connections to the case.
* Real example: An interview with a former associate of the witness, who admits to having a grudge against him.

Chapter 5: The Digital Footprint

* Evan uses digital analysis to track the witness's online activity.
* He reviews social media accounts, emails, and financial transactions to find any evidence of unusual behavior.
* Real example: A text message from the witness's phone to an unknown number shortly before his disappearance.

Chapter 6: The Smoking Gun

* Evan eventually discovers a crucial piece of evidence that links one of the suspects to the witness's disappearance.
* This evidence is contained in a document that the suspect had been trying to conceal.
* Real example: A surveillance video showing the suspect meeting the witness at a secluded location on the night he disappeared.

Chapter 7: The Confrontation

* Evan confronts the suspect with the evidence that he has gathered.
* The suspect initially denies involvement, but eventually confesses to the witness's murder.
* Real example: An interrogation room transcript where the suspect provides a detailed account of the crime.

Chapter 8: The Resolution

* Evan's investigation leads to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.
* The case is closed, and the witness's disappearance and murder are finally solved.
* Real example: A newspaper article announcing the suspect's guilty verdict and sentencing.