Hello...
I understand you’re a reader of the Goldsboro Crime Collective newsletter... a most erudite and well-respected publication. Come in, come in... welcome to The Case Is Altered, a charming country pub down a little lane off the A416, just after St Luke’s church and before the Morrison’s turn-off. As you can see from the poster, faded and peeling from the wall, your hospitable landlords Sue and Mal Eastwood invite you to stop by for a drink, especially on Monday nights when you can also take part in their weekly pub quiz.
Sit yourself down and get comfy. Are you alright there, by the fire? Sorry it’s not lit, only The Case is Altered hasn’t been open for a while. You can see how dark, damp and near-derelict it is, well it’s been like this for five years. Why? Hmm, that’s a long story full of unexpected twists and curious turns. I tell anyone who’ll listen what a fabulous true crime documentary it’ll make one day... because what really happened at The Case is Altered in 2019 is a killer question indeed!
What’s that you’ve found, blowing around the deserted bar...? Show me.
Ah, it’s just a publicity flyer for a crime novel. You don’t want to know about that. Its author is one of those modern types who write in text messages and emails instead of using proper paragraphs and descriptions. Every single reader becomes a detective. There’s no hiding place with so many sharp, enquiring minds on the case. Give the flyer to me. I said GIVE IT TO ME!
Keep it then, but wait! Before you rush out of the door and leave me on my own in the silent bar, with these four dark, ominous walls, answer these killer questions:
What happened at The Case is Altered in 2019? Where are the landlords now and why is their nephew so determined that their story will make a thrilling true crime documentary?
The Killer Question by Janice Hallett is published on 4 September 2025 by Viper.
