In the middle of Freeman's The Cat's Eye now, pausing to record:

a crashing sound described by someone being strangled as a bursting sound.

If this induces anyone to dig in, I'll note that the events just described follow those in Helen Vardon's Confession, and The Moabite Cipher at least, but only note. Chronology, being so explicit, seems to divert attention from other opportunities in the very act of forming a support for them. (Order of Office, Order of Birth.) So, please: it's not a recommendation, just an answer to a question I had myself, later on.

also, it's helpful to fall asleep at the moment the romantic subplot starts opening up.