Inspector French’s Greatest Case · Chapter
I: Murder! explained
On a dreary November evening in Hatton Garden, Constable James Alcorn discovers the body of Charles Gething, murdered in the office of Duke & Peabody.
What happens
On a dreary November evening in Hatton Garden, Constable James Alcorn discovers the body of Charles Gething, murdered in the office of Duke & Peabody. Inspector French arrives to investigate, finding the safe open and a large sum of money missing. Mr. Duke, the senior partner, arrives and confirms the loss of £14,000 in securities and £1,000 in notes, expressing his financial ruin. French begins his investigation, interviewing staff and securing the scene.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Financial Anxiety
Mr. Duke's distress over the loss of £14,000 and his statement that it will beggar him highlights the financial anxiety central to the chapter.
Detective Method and Logical Deduction
Inspector French's methodical approach—surveying the scene, taking photographs, and interviewing witnesses—illustrates the detective method.
Appearance vs. Reality
The contrast between the mundane, deserted streets and the sudden violent crime underscores the theme of appearance versus reality.
Characters to notice
- Constable James Alcorn
Discovers the body of Charles Gething and reports the crime.
- Inspector French
Leads the investigation, examines the scene, and interviews Mr. Duke.
- Mr. Duke
Senior partner of Duke & Peabody, arrives distressed and reveals the financial loss.
- Charles Gething
The murder victim, head clerk, found dead with a fractured skull.
- Mr. Orchard
Clerk who discovered the crime and is questioned by French.
Key passages
“You understand our trade has been difficult since the war, and our profits were not the same as formerly.”
Mr. Duke explains that the business has struggled since the war, with reduced profits.
Highlights post-war economic difficulties.
“I don't think there's any doubt the man was killed instantaneously by the blow on the head. The skull is fractured, apparently by some heavy, blunt weapon.”
The doctor confirms that Charles Gething died instantly from a heavy blow to the head.
Establishes cause of death.
“He was not imaginative, the constable, or he would have rebelled even more strongly than he did against the weariness and monotony of his job.”
Constable Alcorn finds his night patrol dull and monotonous.
Sets the mood before the discovery.