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Tenet, opera, rotas.

Sator, arepo, tenet, opera, rotas.

Sator, arepo, tenet, opera, rotas.

Wolfsbane.

Aconitum napellus.

Picked at the time of the full moon.

Funeral bell mushrooms, so poisonous

you can't even touch them.

Morphine stolen from Dr Lambert.

Have one teaspoon and you'll sleep all day.

Have any more and you'll never wake up.

Deadly nightshade.

Magnesium.

Arsenic.

We all know what has to be done to Grandma.

-Mm-hmm. -Mm-hmm.

Mmm.

And we will do it.

But we must never ever tell.

Yes, I never thought I would be a children's author.

You know, I started life as a church organist.

My father was a deacon at our local church.

I was looking at the stained-glass

windows and some of the figures looked so small.

They inspired me to write stories about the Tiny People.

The family who want to help make the

world a better place, even though they're only

three inches tall.

Or five centimetres, I should say.

My publishers made me change that.

And Miriam Crace, 300 million copies later...

Roland, why are you watching this?

It's Grandma's last interview.

You said you wanted something on the screen.

For the party.

Don't call it a party.

It's the 20th anniversary of my mother's death.

It's not exactly an occasion for balloons and party hats.

A celebration, then.

Commemoration.

Whatever.

Have the invitations gone out?

Yeah, went out yesterday.

I didn't see the final list.

Well, I thought they'd been approved, Uncle Jonathan.

Did you invite Eliot?

Yes, of course I did.

Why wouldn't I?

You really want me to answer that?

Well, you didn't tell me not to, so...

Roland, why is it that whenever I

leave you to work on your own initiative, I always regret it?

You know my feelings about your brother.

I wasn't not gonna invite him.

She was his grandmother too.

Well, let's hope he's busy.

Hmm.

We going?

I am.

Eliot...

Why would you want to go?

You never even met my grandmother.

And you know how I feel about her.

So why are you going?

Why shouldn't I?

I helped kill her.

Katie.

-Oh, come here. -Hello.

Hi.

Come in.

Oh...

Go on, then.

What?

You want to know about me and Andreas.

Well, I...

I wasn't gonna ask.

It was my fault, not his.

I tried to like Crete, I really did.

And it's a lovely place, but... not for me.

Not to live in.

Plus, I miss publishing.

What about Andreas?

He was so busy with the hotel, we hardly saw each other.

He understood.

What will you do now?

Well... that's the good news.

I may have been offered a job.

Came through a headhunter, out of the blue.

Causton Books, decent-sized independent.

Senior editor.

How are you?

You missing Suffolk?

Uh, no.

No, not really.

I like Elstree.

And I've started seeing someone.

You didn't tell me.

Well, it's early days, so...

-What's his name? -David.

-Uh-huh. -He's in finance.

He's two years older than me.

-Single? -Divorced.

No children.

So when am I gonna meet him?

Oh, well, it's too soon for all that.

Oh, I forgot.

I've got you something.

Here you are.

Katie, you haven't.

His name's Hugo.

Look, it's really kind of you, but I'm...

I'm just not a cat person.

He's four years old.

He's a rescue.

Don't you think it's a bit cliché?

What are you talking about?

I'm on my own, I know that, but this tells me I'm on my own.

Just give him a try.

Well, I've committed to him now.

I can't take him back.

Anyway, at least it means you won't have any mice.

Perhaps I prefer the mice.

He'll look after himself, I promise.

No, he won't.

Oh, you think you're special You're a creature of habit I

know what you're thinking It's becoming a pattern Looking for

the spotlight Do anything to make them see All you want

is likes -Not on the chair.

Off.

All the attention Don't you feel empty Longing for

mentions Looking for the spotlight Do

anything to make them see Hi.

You can go through now.

Oh, thanks.

Atticus Pünd.

It's open.

I buzzed you in.

Right.

-Susan. -Yes.

Hi. I'm Matthew Flynn.

-Hi. -It's great to meet you.

Oh, thanks for getting in touch.

Not at all.

-You come highly recommended. -Oh.

Come on in.

Thanks.

We have a situation that needs...

How can I put this?

Careful handling.

That's intriguing.

It's a one-off book, new writer.

Well, relatively new.

But he needs a bit of guidance.

The idea is that you would work with him, help him.

This wouldn't have anything to do with Atticus Pünd, would it?

Who...

Who told you that?

It's just a premonition.

Well, you're right, it is.

What would you say if I told you

we were going to publish a new Atticus Pünd detective story?

Well, since the only way Alan Conway could write it

would be via a Ouija board, I assume

you mean a continuation novel.

Exactly.

So who's gonna write it?

Eliot Crace.

Eliot?

You're not serious?

Mm-hmm.

Was it him who recommended me?

No, no, no.

Uh, but he did mention you'd worked together before.

That's not quite true.

It was Charles Clover who commissioned him, not me.

The Doctor Gee mysteries.

They didn't do well.

No.

Eliot wasn't a bad writer.

It's just the idea was the problem.

How would you feel about working with him again?

The last time I saw Eliot, he was

an hour late for the meeting and he was covered in blood.

He said he'd fallen off a bus.

He hadn't washed for a week and he reeked of cigarette smoke.

Don't prejudge him.

He's married now.

He's settled down.

Well, I suppose I could meet him.

Let me ask you a question, Matthew, and be honest.

Why Eliot?

I'd have thought that would be obvious.

Miriam Crace?

His grandmother was the most successful writer

this country's ever seen.

The name Crace is a huge brand.

If only 1% of her fans buy Eliot's book,

it'll be a huge bestseller.

Hmm.

Well, it didn't work last time.

But this time, it's Atticus Pünd.

Hmm.

Eliot.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

That's OK.

Susan Ryeland, Eliot Crace.

Eliot, this is Susan, but of course you know each other.

Yeah. Hi, Eliot.

How are you? I'm fine, yeah.

I'm really good.

It's nice to see you again.

Why don't I leave the two of you together,

see how you get on.

Give me a call later, tell me what you think.

Sure.

We are just through here.

Oh, right.

I hear you got married.

-Yes. -Congratulations.

Thank you.

What's her name?

Gillian.

She's a nurse.

Oh, nice.

I couldn't believe it when Matthew said you

were gonna work on my book.

Well, I haven't necessarily agreed yet.

Well, you started writing.

These are the first 10,000 words.

Mm-hmm.

What's the title?

Pünd's Last Case.

It starts straight after Magpie Murders.

Set in Corfu.

Why Corfu?

My parents used to take me there on holiday.

Yeah, well...

Are you enjoying writing it?

Yeah.

Yeah, I am, but I'm quite nervous.

Yeah, that's understandable.

I just want it to be a success, and

it would be so nice if just for once one thing in my life...

went my way for a change, and... this book is...

I need to know if it's any good.

Hmm.

So who else has read it?

No one.

No, just Gillian.

Well, look, why don't I read what you've written,

take a few notes, and then we can meet up

again in a day or so's time?

-Does that work for you? -Yeah.

That'd be brilliant.

Great.

Hmm.

It's only a first draft.

Of course.

Leave it with me.

-Thanks. -Hmm.

Bye.

Bye!

Not on the chair.

Shoo!

You're not going to read it?

It's all right.

Alan Conway hasn't written it.

You think that will make any difference?

I need to work.

I have a mortgage on this flat.

It's not easy for someone of my age to get a full-time job.

You know, I've written in my book...

I wondered when you were going to mention The Landscape

of Criminal Investigation.

There is something that exists which I call the...

the inevitability of crime.

It's when two people meet.

They may be friends, they may have the best of intentions,

but there's something in the chemistry of these people

which, when it comes together, it takes them to places

that they do not want to go.

To violence.

Even to murder.

And that's you and me?

That is how it has always proved.

I don't know.

Pünd's Last Case by Eliot Crace.

Chapter One.

The Greek island of Kerkyra is known to the world as Corfu,

and it is unique in the beauty of its olive groves and orange

gardens, its perfect beaches and

ancient villages with their cobbled

streets and passageways.

This was the homeland of Atticus Pünd,

the world's greatest detective, before his

family emigrated to Germany.

And it was to Kerkyra that Pünd returned in what

would be the last months of the illness

that would end his life.

In particular, he wished to see the

town where his great-grandfather

had been born.

Oh.

Mmm?

Mmm.

Perfect.

Hmm.

Mmm?

Thank you.

You mustn't tire yourself, Mother.

Don't fuss me, dear.

Mr Pünd.

Oh. Mmm...

Lady Chalfont.

What brings you to Corfu?

Oh, I'm here for my health.

Oh, would you believe it, so am I.

Or rather, my... my lack of it.

Uh, this is my daughter, Judith Lyttleton.

Mrs Lyttleton.

It's Dr Lyttleton, actually.

Um, Judith is a doctor of archaeology,

and she should know a thing or two about it, hanging around

with an old ruin like me.

Mother.

Oh.

Uh, Mr Pünd is the detective I've often mentioned to you.

He solved the murder of George Colindale.

I was a suspect.

On the contrary, Lady Chalfont, you were

of great assistance to me.

I can't believe I've run into you, of all people.

Will you have a drink with me?

Mother, we're expected for lunch.

Nonsense.

Lunch can wait.

The Lord must have answered my prayers sending you here.

I very much need your advice.

You know I lost my first husband, Henry,

the sixth Earl Chalfont.

Yes, I read of it.

I'm sorry.

Oh.

He was a good man, successful, rich.

It's thanks to him that I'm here.

He bought us our summer home on Corfu, the Villa Belmar.

So, you are here for the season?

My last season, Mr Pünd, or so my doctors assure me.

Oh...

No, no, no. I'm...

I'm happy.

I have my family around me.

And my second husband, Elmer Waysmith.

You did not take his name?

I like my title.

Why would I want to lose it?

And how did you meet Mr Elmer Waysmith?

Well, he's American, but he has a gallery in London.

He buys and sells Greek and Roman antiquities.

I was a customer.

He also advised me on my late husband's collection.

And you are happy together?

Mmm.

We are.

We were, but, um, that's why I have to see you.

Um, a week ago, when I was sitting in my bedroom

at the villa, I overheard something

that shocked me to the core.

Something relating to your second husband?

Yes.

Mmm.

But, uh, I don't want to talk about it now.

You must come to the villa.

Hello, darling!

Hello, Mama!

Your chauffeur awaits.

I'm afraid that's my husband, Harry.

We should go.

Uh, but I haven't finished.

You know Maria gets upset if we're late for lunch,

Mother, and I'm sure Mr Pünd has things to do.

Will you come for dinner at the weekend, dear Mr Pünd?

The day after tomorrow.

I do want to talk to you.

I need your advice.

I'm also here for my health, Lady Chalfont.

We have the best chef on the island,

and the villa is beautiful.

Shall we say seven o'clock?

How can I refuse?

Where are you staying?

The Xenia Hotel.

The Xenia. Yes.

Yes. Yes, of course.

I shall send a car for you, although

the roads are terrible.

Uh, Mr Pünd.

Thank you.

I...

I love my husband.

But I can't tell you how much this

has been preying on my mind.

Yeah.

Darling.

What do you want?

You hungry?

Um...

Tuna, tuna...

Tuna, tuna...

Mmm.

No tuna.

You've been a long time.

I was writing.

Did you see her?

Yes.

She is reading it.

That's wonderful.

Eliot.

Um, your father's here.

Don't lose your temper with him, please.

He only wants to talk.

Eliot.

Hello, Pa.

You're looking well.

What are you doing here?

I've come to see you.

Sit down, Eliot. I'll...

I'll make you a coffee.

No, I don't want a coffee.

Thank you.

Why didn't you call?

Well, I...

I wanted to, uh... to see the house.

Hmm?

So you just thought you'd walk in?

Well, it is my house.

You've not looked after it.

Did you come with some decorating tips?

No, no, no. No.

Um, I...

I need to talk to you.

It's been two years.

Why now?

I'm afraid I have some bad news.

Your mother and I have come to a decision.

We're getting a divorce.

Why is that bad news?

Eliot.

They walked out on me, Gillian.

They went to America and they never gave

any of us another thought.

That...

That's not true.

You know that. I...

I let you live here.

I...

I talk to Roland and... and Julia all the time.

I've tried to support both of you.

That's not why I'm here.

Well, what, then?

I'm afraid I'm gonna have to sell the house.

I've already been talking to estate agents and,

um, the first ones are coming next week.

Oh.

Is that it, Pa?

You're putting us out on the street?

Out on the st... No.

Look, I've got...

I've got no choice.

Your mom's kept the house in Miami.

I...

I've left my job.

I've nowhere to live.

I...

Unless I move in here with you...

-No way. -Well, I knew you'd say that.

So all I can do is sell the house

and give you some of the money to help you set up on your own.

Oh, all of my life, all my life, all

you've ever done is hurt me.

You and Grandma.

Eliot.

Just when things are going well for me,

you come back, you stick the knife

in and you ruin everything.

I've said I'll help you.

No, the only way that you could help me

is if you'd never been born.

Mmm.

Yummy, yummy.

There.

Happy now?

Right.

The morning of that last day began as it

always began at the Villa Belmar,

with fresh bread and sunshine.

Breakfast had been laid for seven on the terrace.

Due to her illness, Lady Margaret Chalfont

seldom rose before midday.

She would lie in bed, enchanted by the view, while outside,

her second husband, Elmer Waysmith,

would read the day's news.

Her eldest son, Jeffrey, the seventh Earl Chalfont,

who was there with his wife and son, had no love of Corfu.

Why does Corfu have to be so hot all the time?

Because it's in Greece, Jeffrey.

I know where it is, Lola.

I just don't wanna be here.

It is damn hot, definitely.

I hate it here.

No, Cedric, you don't.

Yes, I do.

I have no friends.

I'm bored.

Why do we have to stay?

Cos that's what my father wants.

I only want what's good for Margaret.

She needed to be here, and you all of you might

be a little more sympathetic.

Her last summer.

We're all here, aren't we?

Look, I...

I have to go.

I have a meeting at the hotel.

A hotel?

Really, Harry?

Last time I looked, it was a concrete skeleton.

It could be anything.

Thanks, Elmer.

Well, I warned you against it.

You didn't listen.

I asked you for help.

You were the one who didn't listen.

Won't be long.

Be as long as you want, dear.

I'm working on my presentation.

Still going on about your scratchings in the desert?

The Nazca Lines are one of the wonders of the world, created

more than 2,000 years ago.

The Peruvian government will destroy them if we don't raise

money for their protection.

Are they really scratched in the sand, Aunt Judith?

No, Cedric.

They were drawn with incredible mathematical precision.

I'm still waiting for an answer.

Remind me, what was the question?

The money.

Of course.

Money.

It's all this family ever talks about.

I'm going out.

Remember, we're having lunch at Votsalo.

Haven't forgotten, Pa.

One o'clock.

Don't be late.

And, Robert, bring the catalogue.

I wanna see how you're getting on.

Why do you always let him boss you around like that?

Cos he's my father.

I am glad he's not mine.

Maria, I want my cigarettes.

I left them in the drawing room.

Yes, sir.

Later that morning, Harry Lyttleton made his way

towards the hotel that he was building at Pontikonisi,

close to the main capital.

As Elmer Waysmith had said, the development

was far from complete.

Hello, Kristos.

Michalis.

Uh, where is everyone?

They've gone home.

Well...

Uh...

Well...

Shouldn't they be working?

They haven't been paid.

We want money.

I've already given you 30% of what we agreed and...

and you haven't done anything.

We bought materials.

Brick, stone, concrete.

We've hired architects and engineers.

We bought the licence and we paid the... uh...

Bribes.

We need more money to continue.

I...

I don't have any more money.

I...

I've told you, we have to get it finished.

We need tourists, guests.

You find more money, Mr Lyttleton.

You make promises.

Now you must keep them.

All right, all right, yes.

I...

I may have some funds coming my way.

We're...

We're partners.

We're friends.

You don't have to be so...

Greek.

Just give me time.

Yes, this is Jeffrey Chalfont.

Can you hear me?

I can hear you.

What do you mean, it's broken?

It's brand new!

No, no, listen to me.

Listen.

The Ferguson TEP20 is absolutely top of the range.

There isn't a tractor like it.

That's what you told me.

You're the estate manager!

Deal with it!

That's absolutely out of the question.

Italia to Venice I'll let you

know the moment that I land And you can tell him from me,

I'll be back at the estate in three weeks and

if it isn't up and running by then,

there'll be all hell to pay!

Jeepers creeper!

Everything in Italy is grand Are you going

to make this racket all day?

It's not a racket, Jeffrey.

It's a song, a beautiful song.

"Two Girls In a Gondola."

It will have the audience on their feet.

Stampeding for the exit.

Why do you have to be so horrible?

I told you, you can't go back to the theatre.

Why not?

Because I'm the seventh Earl Chalfont and you're my wife!

Anyway, what makes you think they'll give you the part?

They will when they know I am one of the backers.

I am meeting with the producers the

moment we are back to London.

Buying your way back in.

I had a career once, Jeffrey, before I met you.

Remember?

Saint Joan?

You came back to the door three nights in a row with flowers.

I got the wrong door.

Costas, start over.

I have good news for you, Robert.

We've had an offer for the wine bowl.

Lucas Dorfman rang me this morning.

Ah.

The calyx krater.

And how much will he pay?

Well, you tell me.

Well, it's a beautiful piece.

It's sixth century BC, so...

It's double-handed, perfect condition. $500?

God.

Five times that.

The calyx krater is a collaboration

between the potter, Euxitheos, and the painter, Euphronios.

You have any idea how rare that is?

It should be in a museum.

Maybe it was.

What do you mean by that?

Well, I mean, it came from Eric Verner.

Who bought it 30 years ago.

Robert, Eric is my partner.

I buy lots of things from him.

If you don't like my business, you don't have to stay in it.

Hey, I...

I did not...

I didn't say that.

This catalogue you've... written...

The Parthenon fragments.

I mean, you give me dates, you give me history,

but there's no enthusiasm.

Hmm?

You...

You make 'em sound like rubble.

I mean, isn't that what they are?

They come from a building that represents the

heart of Western civilisation.

To own one of these, Robert, they're like diamonds.

Mmm.

Do they really mean so little to you?

Mmm...

Pa, I...

I work for you cos I got nothing else to do.

You work for me because there's nothing else you can do.

You have no talent as an artist.

You weren't suited to the law.

You should be grateful I've taken you on.

I am.

Of course I am.

Well, you can show it by rewriting this.

Hello, Mama.

How are you feeling?

I'm feeling well, thank you.

Dear Jane.

Are you, um, coming out for tea?

Yes.

Yes, I'd like that.

Let me give you an arm.

Ah, Mama.

Is Elmer coming?

I don't think so.

I haven't seen him since breakfast.

Oh.

Oh, dear, oh, dear.

We're going to be late.

We're just a few minutes away.

She said four o'clock.

You should have told me the time.

I did try, Mr Lambrose, but you were on the telephone.

You should have interrupted me, Sofia.

Lady Chalfont is a very important client.

I know.

You have the will?

Of course.

Is Cedric joining us?

I doubt it.

In a world of his own, that boy.

Where's Lola?

Learning her lines.

Her new play.

Mmm.

It's very hot today.

Oh.

Here we are.

Six minutes late.

We can blame the traffic.

Ma?

Mother?

We have an appointment with Lady Chalfont.

Today?

Four o'clock.

Lady Chalfont say nothing to me.

You know who I am.

Hector Lambrose.

I'm here on a matter of some urgency,

as requested by Lady Chalfont.

Maria!

Oh.

Oh, my God, Mr Lambrose.

Um...

You've got to call the police.

And an ambulance.

It's...

It's Lady Chalfont.

She's dead.

Susan.

Elaine.

I know I shouldn't have rung you,

and I'm probably the last person you want to hear from,

but I... really need to speak to you.

Can we meet?

Are you going to turn me in?

You realise they'll send me to prison.

I'll get life.

I won't come out.

Yes, Charles.

That's what happens when you commit murder.

I thought you might make some allowances.

As you yourself said, we've known

each other for a long time.

It seems I didn't know you at all.

Hello, Susan.

Hi, Elaine.

Thank you for coming.

Come in.

You haven't changed the doorbell.

No, that's Charles playing his favourite Bach prelude.

You must hear it every day.

Many times.

I'm glad to see you, Susan.

I gave you a chance.

No...

You should have taken it!

It's been a while.

How did you know I was back in the country?

Eliot told me.

Eliot Crace?

You're still in touch with him?

Oh, yes.

We're quite close.

I met him when he was writing the Doctor Gee books,

all those years ago, and we've been friends ever since.

He's the reason I had to see you.

Elaine...

I know how difficult it must be for you being here, but

let me say what I have to say.

Then you can go if you want to and never speak to me again.

I'll completely understand.

I am so ashamed about what Charles did.

I make no excuse for him.

He killed Alan Conway, his number one best-selling author.

And when you found out about it, he tried to hurt you too.

Hurt me?

He knocked me out and left me in a burning building.

I'd say he had rather more on his mind than that.

It makes me sick to think about it.

But if it's any consolation, he also took everything from me.

My retirement, my reputation, my friends.

Everything that mattered.

We both suffered because of him.

During the trial, you never reached out to me.

I saw you every day and you never said a word.

I wasn't allowed to.

You know that.

The lawyers wouldn't let me come near.

And afterwards?

Afterwards, you went to Crete.

I would never ask you to forgive

Charles for what he did.

Maybe you can forgive me.

I didn't blame you for anything, Elaine.

I didn't know he killed Alan.

He never told me.

Do you still see him?

Of course.

I'm still married to him.

I still love him.

I can't help it.

You were together a long time.

Thirty years.

You wanted to talk about Eliot Crace.

Eliot, yes.

I'm very worried about him.

Has he talked to you about Marble Hall?

It's where Miriam, his grandmother, lived.

-Somewhere near Salisbury. -Devizes.

Charles used to go there quite often.

He worked on her last two books.

That's how he met Eliot.

Eliot was only about 12 years old at the time,

but he already had his heart set on becoming a writer.

Charles helped him.

And his grandmother didn't?

His grandmother destroyed him.

Whatever you may have heard about her,

Miriam Crace was a monster.

She was cruel.

She was vindictive.

She had the whole family under her thumb.

And she ruined Eliot's life.

Charles never said anything.

He wasn't allowed to.

They made him sign an NDA.

Anyone who went anywhere near her had to do the same.

But Eliot told you?

Yes.

I'm worried about him.

You don't know how much this new book means to him.

He's thrilled you're gonna be his editor.

No, no, I... I...

I haven't agreed to it yet.

Please say you will.

Eliot isn't himself right now.

He's fallen out with his brother,

Roland, and the two of them were inseparable

when they were young.

I think it's because of the book.

Please say you'll do it.

I just need to know that there's someone on his side.

A murderer takes one life but destroys so many more.

I've often wondered whether such a man could ever

be deserving of our sympathy.

I don't care about Charles, but Elaine and I were friends.

And she's right, none of this was her fault.

She still loves him.

Well, I think that does her credit.

Anyway, this isn't about Charles or Elaine.

It's Eliot that I want to help.

I feel like I owe him.

He failed last time, but I like what he's written so far.

And if I could just get to know him a bit better...

Of course you can know him better, but

will you like what you find?

Eliot, come on.

You're gonna be late.

-I'm trying. -Eliot, get changed.

You can't let Grandma see you like that.

Coming, Father.

More wine, Mother?

No.

I know when I've had enough.

I, uh...

I spoke to the BBC today.

They want you to go on Parkinson.

Hmm?

What's Parkinson?

Michael Parkinson.

Twelve million people watch his show.

Well, I don't, and you're not in charge yet, Jonathan.

Where's your mother?

I...

I told you, she had business in, um, London.

Her business is to be here.

She's your wife.

She shouldn't be gallivanting around behind your back.

Is she avoiding you?

Edward, I'm talking to you.

No.

You're never together.

Never.

Are those new glasses, Julia?

Yes, Grandma.

They're even worse than the last ones.

They make you look like Clark Kent.

He was Superman.

Only when he took them off.

And don't answer back, Roland.

Stop staring, Eliot, and eat your dinner.

Sator, arepo.

Come on.

Let's go.

Tenet, opera, rotas.

Sator, arepo, tenet, opera, rotas.

We all know what has be done to Grandma.

Mm-hmm.

And we will do it.

But we must never ever tell.