The ABC Murders Episode 2 airs Thurs 27 Dec on BBC One

Despite being warned off the case by Inspector Crome (Rupert Grint), Hercule (John Malkovich) continues to conduct his own investigation into the A.B.C. killer. He receives another letter promising a murder in Churston.

Hercule deciphers that the victim could be someone from his past – Sir Carmichael Clarke (Christopher Villiers) – and immediately telephones his house. Carmichael’s brother Franklin (Andrew Buchan) answers, but Hercule is too late again. Moments later Franklin confirms the worst: Carmichael has been murdered.

National interest in the killings explodes. The public begin to panic, turning against Poirot, infuriated by his inability to catch the killer and suspicious of his involvement. Franklin Clarke offers to pay Hercule to catch the killer. Hercule agrees and gathers some of the victim’s family members to ask them questions. There is a pattern to the murders, the killer is following the ABC Railway Guide and choosing his victims by letters of the alphabet. Finally, Crome pays attention.

Hercule receives another letter drawing his attention to Doncaster and after informing Crome, they try to get there before the A.B.C. killer. Always one step behind, they arrive too late and discover the dead body of Benny Grew (Neil Hurst). However, Hercule believes the killer has made a terrible mistake and the wrong person has been killed. He expects A.B.C. will atone for his error in the worst way possible – a storm of slaughter.

While walking through Paddington tube station, Hercule senses he is being followed by a mysterious figure and gives chase. He ends up receiving a sinister call and a hostile note.

Pictured above is Inspector Crome (played by Rupert Grint)

Airdate: Thursday 27 December 2018 from 9.00pm-10.00pm on BBC ONE

Season 1 Episode 2 (of 3)