The Calling Card Murders

A prestigious department store, a fatal stabbing, and four calling cards.

Eliza Thomson Investigates…

September 1905: In need of an outfit for Connie’s special day, Eliza treats them to a day’s shopping at her favourite London store. After a successful morning, tragedy strikes.

Connie is knocked to the ground as two men push past them, but there is no help at hand. Feet away, a man lies dying, a knife protruding from his side.

With no witnesses, and the identity of the victim a mystery, the only clue is the four calling cards found in the man’s jacket pocket. Can they shed any light on who he is? And why anyone would want him dead?

Once Inspector Adams is assigned to the case, he instructs Eliza to return to Moreton and leave the investigation to him. But when a second body is found in the village, Eliza refuses to do nothing.

With Connie’s big day approaching, time is of the essence. Can Eliza help the police find the killer before they strike again?

Eliza Thomson accepted her father’s hand as she stepped down from his carriage and onto the driveway of his large detached house in Richmond, London. She waited as her friend Connie Appleton joined them and they bid the coachman good evening before Mr Bell escorted them to the front door. Mrs Wood, the housekeeper, was waiting for them. 


“Welcome home, Mr Bell. Have you had a pleasant break?”


“Very nice, thank you, but it’s good to be home. I can’t hide away forever.”


Eliza stared at him. “I hope that doesn’t mean you’re not travelling back with us on Sunday? What if Lord Lowton turns up?”


“What if he doesn’t? We’ve no idea what his plans are, and he’s unlikely to do anything rash when the police are watching him.”


“I still don’t like it.” Eliza handed her coat to the waiting Mrs Wood. 


“You should know your father by now. He doesn’t like to be told what to do.” She grinned at him. “You go through to the drawing room and I’ll bring a tea tray for you.”


“That’s just what we need. Thank you.” Eliza wandered to the large comfortable room at the back of the house and took a seat on the settee facing the newly lit fire. Connie shuddered as she sat beside her.


“Winter’s certainly on its way now. I need to get some more coal next week.”


“At least you’ll have Sergeant Cooper to keep you warm before long.”


“Eliza!” Connie’s cheeks reddened as she checked the room for Mr Bell’s presence. “You can’t say things like that, especially not when your father’s around.”


“What’s that?” Mr Bell blustered into the room and took a chair next to the hearth. “Have I missed something?”


Eliza giggled. “I was teasing Connie, and she was worried you’d overhear.”


“You can leave me out of it, if it’s made Connie’s cheeks go so red. You really shouldn’t, Eliza.”


“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it. Anyway, going back to Lord Lowton…”


“Listen, I’m not worried about him. What’s he going to do? Come to the house and attack me? You’re letting your imagination run away with you. You should be more concerned about Henry’s wedding. We won’t be able to avoid him there.”


“Don’t think I’ve not been worrying about that, too.”


“If you want my opinion, you should extend an olive branch to them before the big day. Break the ice, so to speak.”


Eliza groaned. “How do I do that? I can hardly turn up at Lowton Hall without an invitation.”