Character guide

Jeff Rand

major

Also known as Jefferson Davis Rand, Colonel Rand, Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand

A retired colonel and gun collector who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.

Arnold Rivers

major

Also known as Rivers, Mr. Rivers, Mr. Arnold Rivers

A gun dealer and friend of Lane Fleming, found dead in the gunroom.

Lane Fleming

major

Also known as Fleming, the late Lane Fleming

A wealthy gun collector whose murder sets the story in motion.

Gladys Fleming

major

Also known as Mrs. Fleming, Gladys

Lane Fleming's widow, who becomes a suspect in his murder.

Fred Dunmore

supporting

Also known as Dunmore

A friend of Lane Fleming and fellow gun collector, involved in the case.

Stephen Gresham

supporting

Also known as Gresham, Stephen

A young man with a connection to the Fleming family and the murder.

Humphrey Goode

supporting

Also known as Goode, Humphrey

A lawyer and friend of the Fleming family, involved in the investigation.

Pierre Jarrett

supporting

Also known as Jarrett, young Jarrett

A young man with a romantic interest in Gladys Fleming.

Walters

supporting

The Fleming family butler, who discovers the body.

Dave Ritter

supporting

Also known as Ritter, David Abercrombie Ritter

A friend of Jeff Rand and a gun expert who assists in the investigation.

Nelda Dunmore

supporting

Also known as Nelda

Fred Dunmore's wife, who has her own secrets.

Mick McKenna

supporting

Also known as McKenna, Mick

A police sergeant investigating the murder.

Anton Varcek

supporting

Also known as Varcek

A Czech immigrant and gunmaker with a connection to the case.

Geraldine Varcek

supporting

Also known as Geraldine

Anton Varcek's wife, who is protective of her husband.

Karen Lawrence

supporting

Also known as Miss Lawrence, Miss Karen Lawrence

A secretary at the Fleming estate with knowledge of the family.

Carl Gwinnett

minor

Also known as Gwinnett, Mr. Gwinnett

A gun collector and acquaintance of Lane Fleming.

Cecil Gillis

minor

Also known as young Gillis, Gillis

A young man who works for the Fleming family.

Philip Cabot

minor

Also known as Cabot

A friend of Jeff Rand and a fellow gun enthusiast.

Mr. Farnsworth

minor

Also known as Farnsworth, Charles P. Farnsworth

The district attorney investigating the murder.

Aarvo Kavaalen

minor

Also known as Corporal Kavaalen, Kavaalen

A police corporal assisting in the investigation.

Mrs. Rivers

minor

Arnold Rivers' widow, who is questioned about her husband's death.

Gus Olsen

minor

Also known as Olsen

A local police officer involved in the case.

Elmer Umholtz

minor

Also known as Umholtz

A gunsmith who provides information about the murder weapon.

Carter Tipton

minor

Also known as Tipton

A friend of Lane Fleming and a gun collector.

Irene Gresham

minor

Also known as Irene

Stephen Gresham's wife, who is concerned about her husband's involvement.

Kathie O'Grady

minor

Also known as Kathie, Kathleen Mavourneen

A young woman with a connection to the Fleming household.

Adam Trehearne

minor

Also known as Trehearne

A friend of Jeff Rand who provides information about guns.

Dot Gresham

minor

Also known as Dot

Stephen Gresham's sister, who is involved in the family drama.

Mr. Kirchner

minor

Also known as Kirchner, Jason Kirchner

A gun dealer who had dealings with Lane Fleming.

Colin MacBride

minor

Also known as MacBride

A friend of Jeff Rand and a gun expert.

Mrs. Jarrett

minor

Pierre Jarrett's mother, who is concerned about her son.

Mr. Dunmore

minor

Fred Dunmore's father, a minor character in the story.

Mrs. Dunmore

minor

Fred Dunmore's mother, a minor character.

Mrs. Gwinnett

minor

Carl Gwinnett's wife, who appears briefly.

Mr. Verral

minor

A minor character who provides information to the police.

Jeeves

minor

A servant in the Fleming household.

Dorothy Gresham

minor

Also known as Dorothy

Another member of the Gresham family, mentioned briefly.