Midsomer Murders Wiki
Advertisement
Midsomer Murders Wiki
Midsomer Murders Wiki
2,429
pages
in: Series Twenty Four episodes

Book of the Dead

Sign in to edit
Spoiler warning!
This article contains plot details about an upcoming episode.

Book of the Dead is the second episode of the twenty fourth series of the popular ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders.

Synopsis[]

When the author of a book that sparked a nationwide treasure hunt is found dead, Barnaby and Winter must unravel the cryptic clues to find the killer among a group of dedicated seekers.

Plot, Part 1[]

Bertram Jewel has come to Mods Mire to discuss his book. Seeker. A table is set up outside the church selling books, tee shirts and other items. Ava Butts is manning the sales table and her mother-in-law, Venetia Butts is with her. Inside the church, Bertram Jewel is signing books. Rev. Sebastian Butts approaches and requests the payment for the hiring of the church. Bertram tells him his publisher is handling expenses.  Sebastian says that his publisher said Bertram was paying expenses. Bertram tells the Rev that he must have misheard and walks off.  Sebastian takes a drink from his flask.  Eli Trask and Danica Trask are providing snacks at a table at the entrance.  Scarlett Myhill asks them if they are ready for quiz night at the Red Lions Pub and then goes to join Ludo Trask, who is seated front and center. Bertram's publisher Jane tells him she wants the "full wattage...Charming, funny, brilliant. Let's put your book back on the map." Billie Bernard asks Bertram if they can take his photo.

Venetia finds a seat in the pews and tells the woman in front of her to take off her silly hat. Billie Bernard starts the interview and everyone claps. It's been a decade since his book was first published and no one has found the treasure. Bertram says, "It was never meant to be easy." He goes on to say his book is being republished and the new edition will come with a new page. Everyone claps and Ludo cheers. Billie asks if there is going to be a new version of the book, why he is selling the old version. Bertram claims that the original books still contains the solution if you look hard enough. Then she mentions how Bertram was in prison 24 years ago. His name then was Robert Grimes. She asks, "Is your book another con and the only reason no one has found the treasure is because it doesn't exist?"

Jane leaves the church with Bertram following her. Jane says, "You need to sort this and quickly. Any deal we had is on hold until you do." Ludo comes out of the church and Bertram tells him it's not true. Ludo says, "Are you talking about your past or your book?" Ludo knocks down the Seeker sign.

At the Trask home, Danica is packing up Bertram 's stuff. She tells Eli she wants Bertram out of their house. Eli says he is broke and has nowhere to go. Danica wants him out of their lives and doesn't care how it is done.

Bertram has been hiding in the church. Sebastian comes up to tell him everyone is gone. "Any forgiveness begins with honesty." "Great talk, Rev. Truly. Inspirational," says Bertram. Ava tells him he should listen to Sebastian. "Prove you're the real deal."   Bertram says, "You first, Ava. Ready when you are." Sebastian watches them from a distance. Outside, Venetia confronts Bertram. "10 years I have been looking for that treasure!" Bertram claims he wouldn't have created a new page if it weren't true. The treasure is out there waiting for the best and the brightest. Ava walks out and says to Venetia she wonders if he will "dig it up." Seb thinks it's his best chance at redemption."

Bertram goes to Othello Kahn's place. He accuses Kahn of raking up his past. Eli comes by and tells Bertram that Danica wants him out of the house. Bertram goes by Ludo Trask's garage, which is covered in pages from Seeker. "All this time I've spent trying to work your book out and you encouraged me the whole time, knowing it was a lie!" Ludo threatens to go online and tell everyone. Bertram pulls out a "New Page." He says he is not a con man and promises to prove himself.

In the Red Lion Pub, Scarlett is drilling something and hurts herself. Bertram walks in and Scarlett yells at him. Bertram asks for a "large one."

MURDER 1: Later, in the evening, Bertram is walking into the woods. He digs a hole and places the treasure under a glass globe. He takes a photo of it with his phone. Someone comes up and bashes him on the head with a shovel. Bertram is buried with the glass globe over his head, suffocating him. Bertram, "What are you doing? What are you doing?" Coughs.

The next morning, at the Barnaby's home, Sarah wants John to quiz her for the Pub Quiz. He hasn't had breakfast yet. The doorbell rings and Winter comes in. A body has been found. Sarah is disgusted. Sarah is through to the semifinal round of "THE Pub Quiz. The biggest one in Midsummer" Winter says, "Congratulations, Mrs. B. I've always thought that you were the real brains of the family." Sarah grins and Barnaby says, "You mentioned a body, Winter?"

Winter tells Barnaby that the victim is Bertram Jewel. "THE Bertram Jewel of Seeker fame. The puzzle book- Everyone was obsessed with it." Barnaby has never heard of him. Winter explains, "He's a super genius. He created a picture book full of cryptic clues that lead to hidden treasure. I got the book when it first came out, but I could never crack it." Barnaby says, "And the biggest puzzle now is who killed him." Winter says, "That was gonna be my line, sir. Building up to that."

At the crime scene, Fleur says, "I hope you brought a book to read. He's packed tighter than a sardine.” Barnaby asks if she has a time of death? Fleur says, “Early estimate puts it at late yesterday evening, probably around 8:00 p.m.”

Winter says, “Sir. Sir, I've seen this before...this scene... this picture.  It's from his book.”

Barnaby says, “Are you sure?”  Winter replies, “Positive. I studied those pages so hard I started to see them in my dreams.”

Fleur, “When exactly was the last time you had a psych evaluation, Winter?”  Winter considers this…

Fleur continues, “Anyway. That's a pretty severe blow to the head, but not a fatal one. Judging from the cyanosis and hints of petechia”… she looks at Winter…”tiny hemorrhages" for the intellectually stunted among us… he was suffocated under a glass bowl. “ Fleur shows the detectives Bertram’s phone. “This is the last picture the victim took.”  Barnaby asks, “Is that an angel?”  Winter pipes up, “Must be the treasure, sir.  After all these years. You know, it was worth a fortune.”

Fleur says, “Which is probably why it's gone AWOL...alongside whatever he was bludgeoned with. I'm guessing at a spade, because a hole that deep wasn't dug with bare hands.”

Barnaby says, “We need to establish his last known movements... any calls he made, who he spoke to.”   Winter sighs, “I can't believe it was buried in Mods Mire all along. I would have bet my life savings on it being in Edinburgh.”

Plot, Part 2[]

At the Farm Shop, Danica Trask is grilling her husband, Eli. “£5,000 on building supplies?” Eli says, “The repairs to Sebastian's church are mounting up.”

Barnaby and Winter come to them to ask questions. Bertram Jewel had been living with them recently. Danica tells them that Bertram was celebrating 10 years since his book was published in the church yesterday. A reporter told everyone he’d been imprisoned for a scam. She accused him of conning everyone with his book, that there isn't any treasure. People were furious and Ludo pushed over his photograph. Danica says Ludo is their son. “He's, um, slightly obsessed by the book.”  Eli adds, “He's not the only one, Dani.  I've never seen Venetia that angry before. She was incandescent.”  Dani chimes in, “Venetia Butts. She has spent a small fortune trying to find that treasure.” Bertram came to Mods Mire a couple of months before his book was published, looking up an old friend. Dani says Bertram has lived with the Trask’s “6 months and 5 days, not that I’m counting.”

Venetia Butts pushes aside overdue bills and looks admiringly at the Angel statue which Bertram had photographed before he was killed.  

Barnaby arrives at Ludo’s garage. He notices boots on the floor, covered in mud. He looks at the wall covered in pages from Seeker. Ludo comes in and says, “This is private property.” He explains that the pictures on the wall are pages from Bertram Jewel’s book. “I print copies out, then enlarge them. Sometimes the clues are tiny. I've done it with the whole book. Why are you asking?”  Barnaby tells him that Mr. Bertram’s body was found in the woods this morning. Barnaby asks about the photo of the treasure. Ludo says he hasn’t looked at my phone- it had been charging. Ludo is excited to see the treasure. In explaining his dirty boots, Ludo says he goes in the woods all the time. Barnaby asks, “What would finding the treasure mean to you?” Ludo says,  “Everything. It would be a life-changer.”

Winter arrives at Venetia Butts home. She pushes overdue bills out of sight. Regarding Bertram Jewel, Venetia tells Winter that “I met him coming out of church not long after the debacle of his anniversary party. He was super keen to reassure me that everything was right and proper. I'm not just a fan, he was a very dear and long-standing friend. He was a setter and I'm a solver. We were the perfect intellectual match.” Venetia goes on to tell Winter that Ludo Trask openly confronted Mr. Jewel.  He is utterly obsessed with the book.  She says, “the poor lad would have been driven mad having the author of his manic quest living in the same house.”

Ludo tells Barnaby that Bertram was like an uncle to him.  He even showed Ludo the new page. His publishers are going to print a new edition of  Seeker with new clues. Winter walks in and is enthralled by Ludo’s layout of pages. “Wow.” says Winter, “this is 100 times better than anything I ever managed.”  Winter is a Seeker- a fan of the book. “Now, I was convinced that the treasure was buried in Scotland. Page 23 unequivocally implies Edinburgh. The outline of the castle…” Ludo claims that is a red herring.  Ludo says, “You thought the one rose in the middle of the field of lilies…” Winter says, “is the rose for Rose Street.” Ludo says, “Epic mistake.” Ludo says the treasure is in Mods Mire. He just doesn’t know where.

Barnaby tells Winter to look into Ludo.  He has muddy boots and may have gone searching after seeing Bertram’s new page. Winter tells Barnaby Venetia Butts claimed that everything was amicable between herself and Bertram, but she was a little too keen to pin it all on Ludo.”

Winter sidetracks..”I can't believe that I ruled out Mods Mire. I could have been rich.” Barnaby replies, “Working alongside me makes you wealthy in other ways, Winter.” While waiting for Bertram’s prison record to come in, Barnaby says “We have time for a coffee then.” Winter says, “Maybe some cake.”  Barnaby says, “No I really mustn’t.”

The detectives go to get coffee and some cake. Winter gets a text. Meanwhile Barnaby eats the cake.  Winter reports that Bertram served nine years under his real name...Robert Grimes got out of jail 15 years ago. There was a gas leak in an estate in Causton, so Bertram went to the estate, and sold gas alarms to hundreds of worried households. He designed and built the gas alarms himself...trouble being that they didn't work. They were just for show. Apparently he had plans to take the product nationwide, but then one of his fake alarms failed to detect another gas leak, and there was an explosion and someone died. He pleaded guilty the second he was arrested. It didn't even go to trial.

Barnaby finishes up the cake and licks his fingers. “That is a delicious cake. You should have got one for yourself.” A chagrined Winter looks at his empty cake plate.  He continues his report- Bertram was cautioned as a teenager for illegally trying to influence the stock market.  Barnaby remarks, “Beautiful cake.” Winter tries to drink his coffee, but Barnaby tells him to come on.

At the church, Barnaby talks to the Sebastian. He says he suggested to Bertram that honesty would pave the way to forgiveness, and perhaps he should set the record straight. There was a savage atmosphere after the revelation of Bertram’s past.  At the alter, Eli Trask is repairing the cross. He gives Sebastian an invoice who says he will see to it immediately. Barnaby asks Eli if he is missing a spade as he noticed that Ludo had muddy boots. Eli says no but will check in his lock-up. Ava confirms that Sebastian told Bertram to prove himself by being honest. She also tells Barnaby that both she and her husband were home all night. After they leave, Sebastian crumples the invoice.

At the pub, Winter asks about Bertram’s mental state and Joel and Scarlett Myhill tell him that Bertram was upbeat. He had one drink and then left soon after.  Bertram was a good friend so they promoted his book, Seeker. Scarlett says he helped her with her application to Oxford. He persuaded her that it would be a crime to waste her life with a high IQ like hers. Winter mentions that he knows someone in the semifinal of the quiz. Joel says they have a great chance since they have banned the reigning champion for life-  Othello Khan. Nobody likes a cheat.

Outside, Winter meets up with Barnaby and says, “The pub landlord just told me that he banned  Othello from his quiz after Bertram outed him for cheating.”   Also, SOCO (Scenes of Crime Officer)  just texted Winter that the last person Bertram called was.... Barnaby says, “I think I can fill in the rest.”

The detectives go to Kahn’s shop. Kahn says that Bertram called to apologize for accusing him of calling the press about his criminal past.  Kahn also says, “Joel is a cretin! The only proof Bertram had was I clearly knew too much. I must have looked at the quiz questions beforehand. See, Bertram entered the quiz this year, and in the quarterfinal,  I beat him hands down. He was absolutely humiliated.  Couldn't stand it. So he made up a lie, and everyone believed it... which, judging by his past now is de rigueur for him.”  Bertram’s accusations against Kahn have not helped his business. Barnaby says, “You said that you're cleverer than Bertram. Does that mean that you could solve his book, if you had all the clues, old and new? Kahn, “Wouldn't waste one brain cell on it.”

At the police station, Winter has pages of Seeker sprawled across his desk. Barnaby says, “Bringing your hobbies into the workplace?”  Winter explains to Barnaby that he is looking back at the clues of the book.  “When I said I was into Bertram's book, I was, like, really into it. For instance, this is how I started to think that the treasure was buried in Scotland. The page is titled "Stoned at Henge, e.g. Spaced Out," which is a crossword clue. So the answer is an anagram of the words "at Henge" with the "e.g." taken out. So you get "Thane."  As in the most famous Thane of all, Macbeth...which immediately made me think of Scotland. And if you add that information to the Edinburgh clue that I worked out on page 23, then…”

Barnaby says, “Exactly how long did you spend on this book? Did you have a life?” Winter says, “Yeah, all I'm saying, sir, is that I don't believe that it can be in Mods Mire.”  Barnaby points to the photo on the bulletin board and says, “So what's this a photo of? Bertram probably came to the village to bury the angel not long before his book was published.”  Winter says, “Yeah, I should probably stick to naughts and crosses.” Winter goes off to interview the reporter.

At the church, Sebastian drinks from his flask. He tells his mother that Synod are threatening to look into the church funds. Venetia tells him to say that he is helping one of his flock. Sebastian yells, “Paying for the charlatans and the puzzle solvers that you've hired over the years is probably not what they think of as a deserving cause, mother.” Venetia promises to pay him back every penny.

At the pub, the quiz is going on. Sarah Barnaby is in the chair. Joel says, “Welcome, Sarah. Make yourself comfortable. Can I remind you all to keep your phones off, please? And no matter how tempting, please do not call out the answers.” Barnaby sits at the bar munching snacks and gives Sarah a thumbs up.  

Joel continues, “You have 90 seconds to answer as many questions as possible. The score to beat is 11. Could we start the timer, please?

  • "Now, how many keyboard sonatas did Scarlatti compose?”
  • Sarah: “555”
  • Joel: “Where would I find a mashie?”
  • Sarah: “A golf course.”
  • Joel: “Stresemann's Bristlefront is a type of what?”   

Barnaby’s phone rings, interrupting proceedings. He answers and goes outside. Winter says, “I just spoke to that reporter. She was tipped off about Bertram. And...you're not going to believe by who.”  Barnaby tells him they will go around first thing. Joel says inside the pub, “Congratulations, Sarah, you are through to the finals.”  Barnaby gives her a congratulatory wave from outside the pub. She gives him a dirty look.

At Venetia’s home she is typing on her laptop about the angel statue and slams the lid down when Ava walks in. Ava asks if she followed Bertram last night? Venetia says indignantly, “Wash your mouth out. What a thing to say.” Ava says, “Only I told you he might dig up the treasure.” Venetia says, “You, of all people, accusing me?” Ava replies, “That's a bit rich. No, Ava, dear. You're the only sinner here.” Othello Kahn receives an email from Venetia about the gold angel statue.

At the Farm Shop, Dani tells Ava that the police think that Bertram used one of Eli's spades to dig up the treasure. Dani says, “I mean, is there anything that leech wouldn't take from us?” Ava tells Dani that she lied to the police. She was praying in the church and asked for help. Her prayers were answered as Bertram ended up dead.  Dani says, “I wouldn’t worry. The two we spoke to are more interested in tea and cake.”

The detectives enter the Farm Shop. They ask to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Trask in private. Winter asks, “We'd like to know how you found out about Bertram's past.” Barnaby says, “And more importantly, why you chose to tell the reporter.

Elsewhere, Venetia check her laptop. There are no new emails. Venetia starts typing.

Dani says, “She promised she'd keep it confidential.  His stuff was everywhere. I got angry, and I kicked a few boxes about. And the next thing I knew, there's an old bank statement on the floor. But it didn't have Bertram's name on it.” Barnaby says, “A bank statement?”  Winter says, “In the name of Robert Grimes, by any chance?” Dani says, “I thought it was odd, so I looked up his name online.” Eli says, “What? Why would you do that?” Dani says, “Because I was sick of him ordering you about, taking what he wanted from us. I thought if enough people knew what he was, it would shame him into leaving Mods Mire.” Barnaby says, “Mrs. Trask, where were you when Bertram Bertram was killed?” Dani says, “I was in here, prepping the buffet for Joel's quiz night.” Eli says he can’t listen to anymore and walks out. Dani continues, “Look, all I wanted was for Bertram to move on, to leave us alone. I promise you.”

The detectives leave and Barnaby tells Winter to dig into Danica Trask and find out if there was more to her vendetta against Bertram.  The detectives ask Eli if he has checked his lock-up. He tells them he will take them there.

Othello Kahn is getting into his car when Venetia Butts comes up and knocks on his window. She asks if he read her email. He says he was just trying to work out a fair price. He offers her £1,000. Venetia tells him she wants more and he offers £2,000. She threatens to go to other dealers and he offers £3,000. Venetia says, “I want more...- much more, Othello. A life-changing amount, to be precise.” Othello says, “Venetia, you're living in dreamland. It's gold plate. Now, trust me, I promise you, £3,000 is me being more a friend than a dealer.” Venetia looks flummoxed.

At Eli’s lock-up, The spade is gone. He admits that he rarely locks it.  Barnaby tells Winter to go over the pub’s CCTV. It may just cover Mr. Trask's lock-up.

Venetia goes to Ludo’s shack and starts going through his pages. Ludo walks in and asks her what she is doing. She says she needs to see the new page...the one that Bertram made. Ludo tells her that the last he saw of it was when Bertram walked out of there with it.  Whoever killed Bertram probably has the treasure now, says Ludo. He tells her Bertram sent him a photo of it and shows her the photo.  Ludo says, “Whichever way you look at it, the hunt is over, Venetia.” Venetia says, “Assuming that that is the treasure. Use your brain, Ludo. When was anything Bertram did that obvious?” Ludo says, “You think it might be another one of Bertram's tricks? Venetia says, “You said that Bertram had the new page on him. Draw it for me. Draw it by the time I get back. Do it, Ludo, or I will take away all of this... Your home, your family, everything. Get drawing, boy. The hunt is still on.”

At the church Ava tries to get her husband to rouse himself. Ava, “Seb, you got to snap out of this. Be the man I married. You can't just let everything crumble away.”  Seb says, “She's ruined us, Ava. Mother, I mean. I've been such a fool. The money that I spent on her traveling up and down the country, hiring so-called experts. As for those clairvoyants...I owe the church thousands. Why couldn't I just say "no" to her? I'm starting to hate her, Ava. And I hate myself even more for saying it. But this mess is her fault.”

Ludo is in the pub and tells Scarlett that Venetia broke in, and was ransacking his garage. She ranted about taking everything away from him. Eli is in the pub fixing something and overhears them. “What, she threatened you?” He says. Ludo says, “She was saying all kinds of mad stuff...like how the treasure's still out there.”  Scarlett tells him to forget the book and forget Bertram. Ludo promises her that he is done with it.

Ava goes in to look for Venetia and looks at items on her shelf. Then she opens a file on Venetia’s computer which has photos of Bertram and Ava. She moves it to the bin and shuts the laptop.

Plot, Part 3[]

MURDER 2: In the woods, Venetia is looking for someone when a sheet is thrust over her head. Next she is strung up between two trees with the sheet over her.

Barnaby and Winter look at CCTV and see Bertram carrying a full rucksack. They think he was going to the woods to bury something. Winter gets a call- another body has been found in the woods.

At the crime scene, Fleur says, “I can confirm this is Venetia. First impressions are she was suffocated. There are the same telltale signs of cyanosis. What was it I said about the first victim, Winter? Hints at...petechia. Do try and pay attention? The killer probably grabbed and smothered her from behind. Looks like she put up a struggle before being overpowered and arranged that way.”

Winter, “This is definitely another pose from the book, sir.” Fleur says, “Are you sure it's not you rampaging around killing people, Winter? You have an alibi, Winter?” Winter says, “Yeah, I was... I was busy yesterday evening.” Fleur, “With another of your coloring books?” Winter says, “Sir.” To Barnaby. Fleur mocks him, “Sir.”

Winter leaves to go through Venetia's house. Barnaby goes to talk to the Butts’.  Ava says he heard that Venetia and Othella had a bit of a run-in outside his shop. Sebastian says, “Wait, did you say Othello? Maybe that's who I heard yesterday. Or it could have been the day before. I can't be 100%. But I think I heard Mother speaking with someone. No, no, no, actually...actually, she was... she was...arguing with...It could have been with Othello.” Ava tells Sebastian to go rest.

In Venetia’s house, a policeman finds a shovel and the angel statue in the ceiling.

Joel goes to Kahn’s shop and gives him the old trophy cup. He tells Othello that Bertram played him for a fool and he wants Kahn back in the quiz.  It might help bring people back into his shop. Othello says ok but only if Joel tells people why.

Winter tells Barnaby that Venetia Butts sent an e-mail to Othello Khan asking for a price on the angel the day after Bertram was murdered. He didn't respond.  They were seen arguing not long afterwards.

Fact, thus far..[]

Barnaby and Winter discuss the case:

1. Bertram Jewel: His parole officer said that he left prison with the idea for the "Seeker" book. Then, he changes his name, and finds a publisher. He got a big advance and a small fortune from the sales. But ends up so broke he has to rely on a friend for a roof over his head. Then he hits upon the idea of creating a new page to sell more books. But before he can, he's outed as a con man with a prison record. So, to save his reputation and urged on by the local vicar, he heads into the woods to try and prove that the treasure is real.

2. Danica Trask:  is the person that outed Bertram. (Barnaby tells Winter to send SOCO over to get a full inventory of everything in Bertram’s bedroom.)

3. Venetia Butts: is murdered and they find that she had the treasure and Eli's missing spade which implies that she murdered Bertram for the angel. But whoever then killed Venetia either couldn't find the angel or killed her for another reason.

Fleur claps her hands as she walks in…”That was worth buying a ticket for. You two should go on tour. “Desperate Detectives, The Musical." Barnaby says, “I take it you have something for us, Fleur?” Fleur says, “The spade you found matches the head wound on Bertram Jewel. This box (the ceramic box) was made some 10 years ago. But as for this beauty, I rang an old boyfriend of mine. -He's big in antiques.. once whispered that I was both priceless and worthless in the same...heady breath. He confirmed that the angel's barely a year old.” Winter says, “Only a year? Then it can't be the treasure.”  Fleur says, “Someone had avocado for breakfast? If you need more proof,the angel doesn't actually fit in the ceramic box.” The detectives decide to talk to Eli. Winter says, surely they would need to talk to Kahn first. Barnaby says it’s called "getting all of your ducks in a row," Winter.

The detectives meet Eli at his lock-up. They ask him about the £5,000 his wife says he took out of their savings account to cover  costs for the church repairs.  Eli says the money was actually for Bertram.  He didn’t want Dani getting angry at him. Bertram had told him the money was for an old debt.

At Othello Kahn’s shop, the detective ask about his argument with Venetia. Kahn says it was cheap. Barnaby says it was so cheap Kahn charged £5,000 for it.  Eli Trask transferred the same amount of money into Bertram's account just a few minutes before he bought the angel... and probably the glass globe... from Kahn.

At Ludo’s garage, Eli comes in and offers to help get rid of some of the Seeker stuff. Ludo is working on a drawing. Ludo says, “No way, Dad. I've seen the new page.” Eli says, “You said you were done with it. For your own good, come and work with me. You know trust repairs. Let's get you out of this garage.”   Ludo replies, “You're not listening. I've seen the new page, but that's not all. I think the treasure is still out there. It's not over yet.  Venetia practically told me herself. People will see who I really am. They'll admire me. The person who solved one of the greatest puzzles ever set.”

Barnaby says, “Surely you must have thought that Venetia killed Bertram to get the angel.” Kahn says, “Obviously I did think about alerting you, but then I'd have been dragged into this whole sorry mess. My reputation has taken enough of a hit lately.  We did a deal.  He promised to get me back into the pub quiz if I didn't ask any questions.  Joel all but begged me to come back... to which I generously agreed.” Barnaby says, “But then Venetia Butts threatened that all over again. If it got out that you were involved in Bertram's latest con, that would definitely ruin you.” Winter says, “You needed to get hold of that angel at any cost.” Barnaby says, “But however much you offered Venetia, it wasn't nearly enough, was it, Mr. Khan?” Kahn says, “She was expecting a crazy figure. "Something life-changing," she said.”  The detectives ask him where he was yesterday evening and Kahn says he was at a private viewing.  Barnaby says, “Let's hope someone remembers you being there. Kahn replies, “It's a very large house. I got lost a few times.”

The detectives leave and Winter says he believes Kahn was lying. Winter receives a text with the inventory for Bertram’s belongings. There were no bank statements so they go to ask Dani Trask how she really found out about Bertram’s past.

At the church, Ava is putting out hymnals in pews. The detectives go to speak to Ava about her relationship with Bertram. They found photos of her and Bertram on Venetia’s laptop. Also they found out that Dani learned about Bertram’s past from Ava.  Ava says she was doing it to get the funds to pay the church back. Venetia had demanded money from the church and Seb had been forced to dip into the church finances to give her the money.  He had to pay it back somehow. Ava having an affair with Bertram was Venetia’s idea. She hoped we could set him and he would tell us where the treasure was.  Then they could dig it up and sell it. The photos were Venetia’s insurance that Ava wouldn’t back out.  Ava says they desperately needed the treasure or they would lose their livelihood and their home.  When Ava saw the photos on Venetia’s laptop, she was afraid the police would find them.  Ava says that Bertram told her about his past because he fell in love with her.  “He was smitten...blind to everything but what he felt about me. It was tragic because I didn't feel a single thing for him.” Ava also mentions that Bertram had an accomplice. “They hoped to get away with the con, but it didn't go their way.”  

Barnaby says 24 years ago Bertram had an accomplice. There isn't one mentioned in the file on him. Barnaby tells Winter to find out who the detective in charge of Bertram's case was to see if they remember another name cropping up.

In the church, Sebastian is at the alter crying.

Eli calls Dani and tells her to talk to Ludo as he is still looking for the damn treasure.  The detectives come up to ask him if Bertram ever mentioned people from his past to him. Eli says no, Bertram was pretty guarded. As they are speaking, the church bells start ringing. Everyone looks up from what they are doing. Ava runs into the church and finds Sebastian ringing the bells. Ava asks what he is doing. He is scaring her.

The detectives go to Ludo’s garage, but he is absent. They assume he is back in the woods searching for the treasure. Winter figures he’s got the new page and is trying to work out where to look next. Barnaby questions whether the new page will have any information. Every picture they’ve been shown has turned out to be wrong. It's just like Bertram's book...it presents as the truth, but everything is just an illusion. Because of that, none of what they’ve learned makes sense.

At the Barnaby home, Barnaby serves up dinner. He says to Sarah, “You're not still annoyed? You made it through to the final.” Sarah says, “That's not the point. There I am, trying to win much needed funding for the school, and your phone goes off. And phones are strictly forbidden during a quiz.” Barnaby says, “No more phones. I promise.” Sarah replies, “Well, assuming I allow you to attend.”   Barnaby says, “Winter's coming, as well. I think he's bought pom-poms.”  Sarah frowns, “You're now making it worse for yourself.” Barnaby goes to serve up salad. Sarah says, “Did I tell you I was interviewed by a journalist? She's writing a piece on the history of the quiz...how prestigious it is, et cetera. It turned out she's the same reporter that outed Bertram Bertram at his book signing. She was very intrigued by him, and she told me that she's convinced there's a connection between the quiz and Bertram Jewel’s death.”  Barnaby says, “It sounds like she knows a lot more than she told Winter.” Barnaby picks up his phone and Sarah looks daggers at him. Barnaby, “Oh, Winter. Did you ever find the detective on the Bertram case? Well, while you're waiting, you can contact the reporter who was at Bertram's book launch. I want to talk to her.”   Sarah says, “If this ends in the quiz being canceled…” She takes a drink of wine.

At the church, Scarlett finds Ludo in a pew comparing a drawing of his to a window in the church. He says he figured out the final clue.  Scarlett furiously dashes a vase to the floor and cuts her hand. Ludo says, “You may be going to Oxford, but I'm the clever one here.”

Billie Bernard comes to the police station and tells the detectives that she was writing an article about the pub quiz and how it connected to Bertram’s murder.  It turned out that Helena Myhill died from a gas leak which caused a fire. Her house went up in flames with her in it. Helena Myhill was the person Bertram killed 24 years ago.

The detectives go to interview Joel Myhill.  Barnaby says, “Mr. Myhill, you reinstated Othello Kahn to your quiz. Why was that?” Joel tells them that he realized that Bertram had been lying about Othello.  Bertram had come by to tell Joel and Scarlett that he was there to remind them both that “I took my punishment, and I did my time. I will always be sorry. Ever since I discovered who you were, I've been afraid of this. But as soon as my real name started being bandied around, well, look at me... I came to see you straight away. Now that's how you measure a man...not from what he was but from what he is now.” Joel says, “I had no idea that I had made friends with my wife's killer. And do you know what he did? He sat here, and he said that he'd served his penance, and that we should just accept that. He'd always be sorry and been a great friend. But that we should also remember that he'd helped get Scarlet into Oxford. Scarlet and I were furious. And he had no idea. I was just a guy who ran a wine bar when I met Helena. And she was this... brilliant, brilliant person. There's no way that she should have been interested in me.…And that's what made it so...precious. And he took that from me and from Scarlet.” Joel says he couldn’t have killed Bertram. Helena would be so disappointed in him.  Everything he does, the quiz, everything...is to keep her memory alive, to keep her name alive, year after year.

Plot, Part 3[]

MURDER 3:

At the church, Sebastian is drinking again. Someone comes in and Sebastian says, “Don't be alarmed or scared. This is a place of peace and worship, and above all else, hope. No harm can befall anyone here. I saw the light, you see? And I know you will, too.” He is grabbed and drowned in a pail of water and then posed in a yoga position.

The detectives come to view the scene. Fleur tells them, “First impressions are he was held down and drowned in one of these buckets, then dragged here and staged as is.  Judging from the pungent odor of alcohol, playing Dunk the Drunk with him would have been over in seconds.

Ava is in a church pew. She says she last saw her husband yesterday when he was ringing the bell, acting like a madman. Winter tells Barnaby that the killer’s style has changed. He wasn’t positioned like a page from the book.  

Back in the pub, Joel is cleaning Scarlett’s hand, which she cut from throwing the vase.  Scarlett tells the detectives that she went for a walk yesterday evening after seeing Ludo still obsessed with the Seeker.  Joel tries to protect Scarlett, but Barnaby tells him that three  people have died. He becomes furious and throws Bertram’s book on the floor. The new page falls out.

Ava goes to see Dani and cries on her shoulder.

Joel says he didn’t put the new page in the book. Scarlett denies doing it either. Winter notes that the pose of Sebastian matches the new page. Scarlett tells the police that she has never seen the new page and saw Ludo at the church.

In the garage, Ludo looks excited. He tells Bertram’s photo, “You'd be so proud of me. You really would.” The detectives come to see Ludo. He thinks he has figured out the clue from the new page, which he had drawn. Barnaby says the new page is another con.  

Ava and Dani are out walking and Dani tells her that she can stay in Bertram’s old room. Barnaby overhears her say “Bert.”  Apparently, Robert referred to himself as Bert sometimes.   Barnaby realizes something…..

Plot Denouement[]

At the church, Eli is working on something. Barnaby says that he remembers Eli referred to Bertram as “Bert.” Eli says, “I always call him that. Barnaby continues, “But you don't, Mr. Trask. I haven't heard you say it since. Possibly because you knew you'd slipped up.” Winter comes in and says, “Tech just told me that Reverend Butts called Eli the day he died. Just before he started ringing the bell. When he didn't get through on the phone, he decided to get your attention another way. The detective from the original case dug out an old notebook, and it all came back to him. It mentioned another person of interest in Bertram's gas con. Eli Trask.”

Barnaby says, “When Bertram wandered into Danica's cafe, he'd really come looking for you. What did he want, Eli?” Eli says, “I didn't know I had it in me... what I've done. I mean...where did that version of me come from?

I'd helped Bert build the gas alarms. We were gonna expand. We were gonna make loads of them. But then, when I heard about the explosion, and that Bert had confessed, I realized he'd given me the opportunity to run, so I did. I left course to move to Mods Mire. Met Dani. She got pregnant and we started a new life here.” Barnaby says, “Until he found you again.” Eli says, “It wasn't too bad at first, just the odd visit. But then Joel Myhill bought the pub seven years ago. I mean, what...what are the odds…that he'd choose the same village? And when I learned the name of his dead wife, I couldn't believe it. It was like some sort of karma was coming to get me. I told Bert, but he said not to worry about it. He had a new name. The Myhills would never figure out who he was. Barnaby says, “Why did you let him move in with you? Eli says, “I had no choice. Bert had blown all the money he'd earned from the book. Said I owed him for taking the rap all those years ago. He wanted a room- I gave him one. He needed cash- I gave him that, as well.

Barnaby says, “What happened in the woods, Eli.?” Eli says, “I knew it could all come out, after the book signing. So I had to speak to him. (Flashback:  Eli says, “Bertram. You've got to keep my name out of this.”  Bertram says, “There's more important things going on just now.”  Eli says, “Bert, please.”   Bert, “Let me fix my little treasure problem first. Then, we'll talk.”).  I realized that Bert was up to his old tricks again. The treasure was a fake. And all I could think was I couldn't let Ludo waste any more of his life looking for something that was never there in the first place. (Eli follows Bertram to the woods. He hits him with the spade.)“ So I swung that spade as hard as I could. It dawned on me that maybe I could make it look like a crazed fan had done it. And while I was posing him, I thought that I heard someone, but... I didn't see anyone.

But Venetia sought me out later that same evening. Told me that she'd seen everything, including where I'd hid the spade. Told me to hand over the angel, and that she'd never say a word. I thought that would be enough for her and the end of a 10 year search. I had no idea she intended to sell it to help Sebastian square the church books. And then, she threatened my boy, when all I was trying to do was get him living again. I had to get her to meet me somewhere quiet. So I used the one thing I knew she couldn't resist.

(Flashback: Venetia meets Eli in the church. Venetia says, “Either Othello is trying to con me or you are. Now which is it?” Eli says, “I'm not like him, Venetia. I promise you. I just want all this to go away.”  Venetia says, “Well, then, you'd better come up with something very good very quickly.” Sebastian is lying in a church pew, hidden from them.  Eli says, “What about the page? The new one? What if I gave you that?).

Eli continues..”Uh, Sebastian heard me and Venetia arguing, swore to me that he only needed enough money to sort the church out. Said that he had to save himself and Ava, and that I could fund that...not much, just enough.  But I was talking to a drunk. (Flashback of Sebastian sitting in the yoga pose in the church). Barnaby says, “And you couldn't trust him.” Eli says, “I was getting Ludo back. That's all that mattered. If I could give my son the chance of a proper life away from Bertram and his book…”Barnaby says, “By trying to frame the Myhills?”

Eli says, “That's what coming into contact with Bert Grimes does to people. He twists and turns them into horrible versions of themselves. I found the page in my lock-up. I thought, "What would Bert do?" So, I slipped the page into the book, while I was putting the notice board up in the pub. And I thought... I'd go back there, and... I'd say I found it while I was finishing off. You'd do some digging, and...blame it on one of the Myhills.”

Barnaby says, “Trouble is, Eli, the only person who would benefit from framing the Myhills would first have to know that they had a motive for killing Bertram. And the only people who could possibly know that would be Bertram himself and his accomplice from 24 years ago. Eli says, “I never did have Bertram's brains.” Barnaby says, “‘I’d beg to differ, Mr. Trask. I'd say you offered up a puzzle the equal of any in his book. 

Eli is arrested and walked to the police car while his wife and son watch.

Winter says, “The ceramic box. So, Bertram only posed with it in that publicity shot to make it look like he was gonna bury the treasure in it.” Barnaby says, “‘Indeed he did.” Winter says, “He never missed a trick, did he? Barnaby says, “‘A waste of a great mind, if you ask me.” Winter says, “Did I tell you I lost a girlfriend over Bertram? I know. I know. She was really nice, as well. Barnaby says, “‘Life is all about the bigger picture, Winter. But don't worry. I'm sure you'll see it one day.

At the pub, Barnaby and Winter sit in the back while the quiz final goes on.

  • Joel: “Name the hospital where the first human heart transplant took place.”
  • Sarah: “Groote Schuur.”
  • Joel: “In terms of volume, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world?
  • Sarah: “Lake Baikal.
  • Joel: “People with electrophobia are afraid of...?
  • Sarah: “Chickens.
  • Joel: “What is the world's oldest known musical instrument?
  • Sarah: “A flute.”

The timer goes off. Everyone claps. Joel: “Oh, what a fabulous final round. Now, just a reminder, we have Othello on 22 points and Sarah has just scored 22 points. Ladies and gentlemen, looks like we have a tie-breaker. That means the next person to answer the question correctly will win.

Sarah, are you ready?” Sarah: “Yes. I am. Joel: “Othello? Othello: “I was born ready.”

  • Joel: “Right. Here comes the final question. Mods Mire is an anagram of what?”

Barnaby says to Winter, “Oh, it's obvious, isn't it?” He whispers to Winter. “Perhaps I should enter next year.”

Joel: “I'm gonna have to hurry you.

  • Sarah: “I've got it! "Midsomer."
  • Joel: “Correct. We have a winner.

Barnaby looks at Winter.  Winter says, “Or perhaps not, sir.”

Sarah shakes Othello’s hand. Joel says, “Congratulations.” Sarah says, “Thank you.” Othello goes to the back of the room and looks disgusted.

Cast[]


Galleries[]

Body Count[]

Supporting Cast[]

Episode Images[]

Arrests[]

Eli Trask for the murders of..

  1. Bertram Jewel- Hit on the head with a shovel, buried in the ground and then suffocated under a glass globe.
  2. Venetia Butts- Smothered with a sheet and then hung between trees.
  3. Rev Sebastian Butts- Drowned in a tub of water and then arranged in a yoga position in the church.

Notes[]

The following actors and actresses who appeared in this episode have also appeared in the following episodes:

Trivia[]

The Trials and Tribulations of Jamie Winter:

  1. Fleur goes out of her way to insult, annoy and mock Jamie regarding his former interest in Seeker. Jamie looks to Barnaby for support, but gets none.
  2. Barnaby ate all of Jamie's cake while Winter was looking at his phone. Winter should pay more attention!!

Jump to:  Synopsis

Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
Advertisement