This excerpt is from the book entitled The Black Hill Hotel Mystery an English Murder Mystery book set in the winter countryside, starring two policemen who have been working together for a few years and get along well.

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“Dr Crabtree, why wouldn’t the assailant have dragged him into the snowbank and hidden him more completely?” asked Knowles.

“Perhaps the attacker didn’t have gloves,” said Crabtree, “which suggests this was not pre-meditated. I am guessing the attacker didn’t want to touch the Body as they obviously know we can pick up many clues from clothing these days.”

Knowles nodded and then beckoned over Andrew and Annette to look at the body.

“Bob, do you have a picture of the escaped prisoner?” asked Barnes.

Street took a picture out of his pocket and handed it to Barnes. He also took out his phone. “This is what I was sent Detective on my email, and it looks nothing like him.”

Barnes looked at the body and then at the picture – the body was too short and had the wrong coloured hair.

“It’s not Wooster, and it’s not the escaped prisoner,” Barnes said to Knowles, who was looking at Andrew and Annette.

“I think Andrew recognised the body or perhaps thought he did, judging by his body language,” said Knowles, “but let’s see what he says.”

Knowles and Barnes waited patiently as Annette and Andrew looked a bit longer before trudging back towards them.

“I think I recognise him,” said Andrew, “and I think Annette does now, don’t you?”

Annette nodded sadly.

“So, who is it?” asked Knowles.

“I presume you require a confirmed identification?” asked Andrew.

“I do and the sooner the better, so that the Forensics team can take the body away and perform an autopsy.”

“Right, well we should go and get them then,” said Annette.

“Them?” asked Barnes.

“Yes, Mathilde and Angelique, that body is her ex-husband, Christian. I didn’t recognise him at first, but when Andrew reminded me then I did. I am almost 100% sure, but Mathilde will definitely be able to tell you.”

“Right, well please go and do whatever you have to do,” said Knowles.