Work Text:
Excerpt from the diary of Sam Jones, dated 17th December 1955
Dear Diary,
I don't think I've written in a diary since I was ten? It feels odd, but I need to get this down somewhere.
"What is 'this'?" you may be thinking.
*Deep breath*
I met a girl last night. (I know I do that a lot, it's not the important part)
She was different from all the other girls I've met before. ( I know I also say that a lot, but I but it's really true this time) (I probably say that a lot too…)
I met her in the park. It was snowing, and I was walking to the bus stop, and she was just sitting there on the bench. All she had on was a cardigan and dress, but she didn't seem cold at all. And it was freezing. I had my coat on (not my scarf —I stupidly left it at home this morning), and I was still a little chilled. And the snow was pristine around her. Like she had sat there on the bench all the while the snow was falling.
She didn't even blink as I walked up to her. When she looked at me… I understand now what writers mean when they say 'piercing gaze'. It felt like she looked into my soul.
Aaaand now I'm reading that back, it sounds dumb. But it really did feel like that.
She had a beautiful smile. I've forgotten most of what we talked about. She's like that, making you forget about the world when you're with her. She was cold when we kissed. I haven't kissed anyone it so long.
I'm going to meet her again tonight.
(She's called Allison, by the way.)
Newspaper clipping, dated 19th December 1955
SNOWDROP KILLER STRIKES AGAIN
Police were called to the scene yesterday morning, after a body was reported. It is the third murder this month, and police say one person is likely responsible.
The body of an unknown woman was discovered in an alley yesterday morning by a local resident. The body had been severely mutilated and had sustained great blood loss.
The victim so far has been unidentifiable due to the nature her injuries. Police have confirmed the same person is responsible for all three of these murders, who has been dubbed the 'Snowdrop Killer' by locals, after the location the bodies were found, Snowdrop Park.
DI James Court, the detective leading the investigation, said, "These murderers are a tragedy, and I assure that we are working hard to catch the perpetrator before they can kill again. In the mean time, I advise everyone to stay inside their homes after dark, and not to go out alone."
The police say they are close to a breakthrough, and are urging anyone with any information to come forward.
Transcript of police interrogation with suspect, dated 23rd December 1955
DI James Court: Will you state your name for the record?
Allison Williams: Allison Williams.
JC: Do you know why you're here?
AW: You think I killed that poor girl last week.
JC:[coughs] No, not exactly. You're only a suspect. The victim mentioned you by name in her diary. She was planning to meet you on the night she was murdered. Can you see why we might suspect you?
AW: Yes, I understand perfectly.
JC: Where were you on the night of the 17th?
AW: I was with Sam, of course. We were — I —
[suspect starts crying]
AW: I didn't kill her, really! I shouldn't have been out without Mother's permission, but I saw her the day before and she was so sweet to me and I just wanted to see her again…
JC: Your mother? Are you worried she will hurt you?
AW: [laughs quietly] She's not really my mother, she just likes it when I call her that.
JC: Uh…
AW: She won't like that I'm here, James. Will you protect me?
JC: I can't…
AW: No one else has to know, all you have to do is —
[unintelligible]
Transcript ends
From the notebook of Sarah Jane Smith, dated 26th December 1955
Victim
Sam Jones — 17, studying in next town. lived on her own. only known associate is 'the doctor' (alias?)
scratches on face and neck, lost most of her blood, chest torn open. wolf prints found nearby (big dog? check with residents)
killed between midnight and 3am. residents heard nothing. other victims killed in the same way.
Suspects
Allison Williams — young, physics student, met with victim before death. child of rachel jensen? (calls her 'mother') (possible abusive situation?)
Rachel Jensen — professor. worked at three universities previously. why did she leave? found a photo of her from 1912 at cambridge. age in photo doesn't match??
a wolf (???)
to do
-
break into the police station -
talk to both suspects. individually.
-
find the doctor.
-
write to prof. jensen's previous universities
-
check authenticity of photo
-
interview residents to confirm if they have a dog or not
Hotel room bill, dated 27th December 1955
Snowdrop Hotel, Yorkshire
Name of occupant (s): Rachel Jensen, Allison Williams
Room Number: 3
Charge: 100/6/-
Number of persons: 2
Date of check in: 2/12/55
Date of check out: 27/12/55
The above charge includes breakfast.
Signed………………………………………
Novel pitch submitted to William Collins, Sons & Co., dated 3rd February 1959
The Snowdrop Killer
A thrilling new novel based on the true story of four murders that shocked a small town.
By James Court
Genre: Murder Mystery/Thriller
Audience: Older men, fans of gritty spy thrillers.
Synopsis:
It's Christmas 1955, and the residents of a quiet town in the north of England are expecting a peaceful holiday. Little do they know, a killer is in their mists, waiting…
Who are the two strange women staying in the local hotel, all alone? And what do they have to with the wolf prints found all over the bodies? Can DI Carter solve the mystery and catch the killer before this fragile community is torn apart forever?
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