There are some interesting and equally fascinating suggestions and theories suggestions on this thread and I thank all who have participated.
I'd like to add my own twopence into the mix.
Firstly, it was mentioned that the killer of both Eve Stratford and Lynda Farrow was left-handed. It was not, however, also pointed out that in certain religions and cultures the left-hand is reserved for actions considered "impure" or "dirty".
Furthermore I have to disagree with the "denim fetish" theory, which had been proposed because all four women were wearing jeans at the time of their murder. Denim jeans were incredibly popular among younger women in the mid-70s, especially during the colder autumnal and winter months.
Lastly, it was cleverly suggested that the murderer in the Eve Stratford case may have disguised himself as a policeman or meter-reader, something that would have made her more willing to invite him upstairs. This made me ponder on other potential ways the perpetrator could have tricked his way in.
Eve had recently been temporarily suspended from the Playboy club where she was an employee. This leaves her without a steady income for two months and London rent is expensive. Eve strikes me as the sort of girl who did not enjoy lazing around or relying on others to pay for her. On the day of her death, we know that she was meeting her agent in central London for potential new modelling opportunities. She was a "hustler" - in the positive sense of the word.
What if the man who came to the flat that afternoon had promised her a paid photoshoot?
A last-minute appointment that would not find its way into diaries or conversations. Our murderer brings his equipment, including camera and concealed knife, in a bag or coat with deep pockets which does not arouse her suspicion. Eve buys the dried flowers to pose with as in Mayfair. Indeed, I can't say I have ever read just why Eve had bought these and whether it was a regular occurrence - was there an upcoming birthday or anniversary?
Eve claimed in the Mayfair article, provided her commentary was transcribed accurately, that she didn't enjoy being tied up during sex. I thus believe there may have been protests or audibly raised voices had the murderer tried to bind her hands without her consent. He therefore does it under the guise that it is for a crime-fiction book photoshoot, as Eve had similarly done earlier in the month.
The clothes Eve's body is found wearing (negligee with underwear) would not look inappropriate for such a front cover that was trying to be "appealing", hence why she chooses to wear them for this occasion. Eve spends approximately just over an hour in the company of this fiend, chatting calmly with him. This sounds just about the right length of time for a couple of shots in different poses.
In one final insult, the murderer "poses" her body after she is slaughtered and takes one last picture.
Of course, this is all my own opinion and an attempt to look at the case from a different angle. I hope some of you can comment on my theory and suggest other alternatives. I truly hope this can be solved sometime soon.
I have attached a photo of the book cover that Eve did in the hope it makes this theory a bit more sensical.
