The Brooklyn Murders · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Brooklyn Murders by G. D. H. Cole.
Chapter 1
I: A Family Celebration
At Sir Vernon Brooklyn's birthday dinner, Joan Cowper confides in Harry Lucas that she refuses to marry John Prinsep, despite Sir Vernon's insistence and plans to announce their engagement. The family gathering includes various Brooklyns and close associates, revealing tensions over Joan's affections for Robert Ellery and Sir Vernon's controlling nature.
Chapter 2
II: Sir Vernon’s Will
During his birthday dinner, Sir Vernon Brooklyn reveals the details of his will to his assembled family and friends, bequeathing the bulk of his estate to his nephews John Prinsep and George Brooklyn, with smaller legacies to others. Joan Cowper publicly declares she will not marry John Prinsep, causing tension. The evening ends with guests departing, and John Prinsep broods alone in his study.
Chapter 3
III: Murder
Inspector Blaikie examines John Prinsep's body and the crime scene, discovering a handkerchief belonging to George Brooklyn under the body and a knife of a type used by architects. Dr. Manton reveals that Prinsep was killed by a blow to the head, not the knife wound, which was inflicted after death. Winter reports that George Brooklyn visited Prinsep around 10:45 PM and left around 11:30 PM.
Chapter 4
IV: What Joan Found in the Garden
Joan Cowper, having defied Sir Vernon's wish for her to marry John Prinsep, prepares for a difficult conversation with him the next morning. However, she is informed by Morgan that Prinsep has been found dead in his study. After composing herself, she breaks the news to Sir Vernon. Seeking fresh air, she goes into the garden and discovers the body of her cousin George Brooklyn, murdered on the steps of the Grecian temple. Inspector Blaikie arrives and finds a cigar-holder belonging to Prinsep near the body, which Joan identifies as having been used by Prinsep the previous night. The chapter ends with Joan fainting from the shock.
Chapter 5
Plain as a Pikestaff
Inspector Blaikie reports to Superintendent Wilson at Scotland Yard, detailing the double murder of John Prinsep and George Brooklyn. Blaikie presents the conflicting clues: Prinsep was found stabbed with an architect's knife and bludgeoned, while Brooklyn was killed with a stone club in the garden. A handkerchief marked 'G. Brooklyn' was found under Prinsep's body, and a crushed cigar-holder belonging to Prinsep was found near the statue. The two men were seen alive between 10:30 and 11:30 PM, but the evidence points in contradictory directions, leaving the case unresolved.
Chapter 6
A Pause for Reflection
Inspector Blaikie compiles a list of all persons present at Liskeard House on the night of the murders, reviewing their movements and alibis. He visits Carter Woodman, the family solicitor, to gather background on the victims and potential motives. Blaikie systematically considers each individual, finding no clear suspect, and begins to suspect the real criminal may be an outsider who gained access to the house.
Chapter 7
The Case Against Walter Brooklyn
Inspector Blaikie investigates Walter Brooklyn's potential involvement in the murders, uncovering a strong motive related to inheritance. He questions the household staff at Liskeard House and learns that Walter Brooklyn called on the night of the murders but was refused entry. Further inquiries at Walter's club reveal that a distinctive rhinoceros-horn walking stick found at the crime scene is likely his, and a telephone call from Liskeard House at 11:30 PM suggests he gained entry later. The evidence increasingly points to Walter Brooklyn's guilt.
Chapter 8
A Review of the Case
Inspector Blaikie presents his case against Walter Brooklyn to Superintendent Wilson, expecting approval for an arrest warrant. Instead, Wilson systematically dismantles the evidence, pointing out that the case against Walter is not as strong as it seems. He highlights that the evidence also implicates George Brooklyn and John Prinsep in each other's murders, suggesting a complex meeting of the three men at Liskeard House. Wilson advises against immediate arrest, urging Blaikie to interview Walter Brooklyn to uncover more about the night's events.
Chapter 9
Walter Brooklyn’s Explanation
Inspector Blaikie interviews Walter Brooklyn at his club. Brooklyn is hostile and denies involvement in the murders, but his violent temper and physical strength make him a suspect. He claims he lost his walking-stick on Tuesday afternoon and was not at Liskeard House in the evening, but Blaikie reveals he has evidence that a call was made from Liskeard House to the Sanctum Club at 11:30 PM. Brooklyn refuses to answer further and orders Blaikie out.
Chapter 10
X: Charis Lang
Inspector Blaikie, convinced of Walter Brooklyn's guilt, re-evaluates fingerprint evidence and decides to interview Charis Lang. He visits her at the Piccadilly Theatre and is surprised by her dignified character. She reveals that Walter Brooklyn made a dishonorable proposal to her, asking her to help extort money from John Prinsep. Blaikie also consults Carter Woodman, who confirms Walter's financial troubles and his attempts to secure money from Prinsep.
Chapter 11
XI: Joan Takes Up the Case
Joan Cowper resolves to clear her stepfather Walter Brooklyn of suspicion in the murders of John Prinsep and George Brooklyn. She interviews Carter Woodman, who reveals the police's evidence against Walter, including his presence at the scene and his walking-stick found in Prinsep's room. Despite Woodman's belief in Walter's guilt, Joan remains convinced of his innocence and decides to investigate on her own. Meanwhile, Charis Lang, after confessing her relationship with Prinsep to Inspector Blaikie, seeks comfort from Marian Brooklyn (Isabelle). Joan later meets with Marian and learns more about the case, then presses Woodman for details before dismissing him to begin her own inquiry.
Chapter 12
XII: Robert Ellery
Robert Ellery learns of the double murder from his guardian Harry Lucas. He confesses his love for Joan Cowper and receives encouragement to pursue her after the tragedy. Ellery also becomes a suspect when Inspector Gibbs questions him about his alibi, prompting him to search for a mysterious stranger he met on the night of the murders.
Chapter 13
An Arrest
Inspector Blaikie and Superintendent Wilson debate how to handle the inquest and the evidence against Walter Brooklyn. Wilson devises a plan to recall Walter to the witness stand, hoping he will either incriminate himself or provide a clear alibi. Walter admits to being at Liskeard House on Tuesday evening but denies any knowledge of the murders. After he gives what appears to be a false statement under oath, Wilson orders his arrest.
Chapter 14
Mainly a Love Scene
Joan and Ellery meet and declare their love for each other. They discuss the police suspicion of Walter Brooklyn and Ellery's own alibi issues. They plan to clear Walter Brooklyn's name, with Joan attempting to get her stepfather to confess the truth. Their romantic bond strengthens their partnership as they search for Walter Brooklyn, who is missing from his clubs.
Chapter 15
XV: To and Fro
Joan grows anxious when Walter Brooklyn disappears before the inquest. Ellery searches for him without success, while Brooklyn had actually spent a quiet night at a Maidenhead hotel. At the inquest, Brooklyn is arrested by Inspector Blaikie. Ellery obtains a permit for Joan to visit him in jail. Meanwhile, Ellery clears his own alibi by meeting William Gloucester, who corroborates his story, and Superintendent Wilson lifts police surveillance. Ellery then commits to clearing Walter Brooklyn and becomes engaged to Joan.
Chapter 16
A Link in the Chain
Joan and Ellery map Walter Brooklyn's movements on the night of the murder, hoping to find witnesses to establish his alibi. Ellery interviews a night watchman in Piccadilly Circus who recalls seeing a man matching Walter's description at about 11:20 PM, providing the first solid link in the alibi chain. Meanwhile, Fred Thomas, Walter's solicitor, doubts his client's honesty and decides to consult Carter Woodman. Joan visits Walter in custody and becomes convinced of his innocence.
Chapter 17
The Lovely Lady
Ellery, uncomfortable with the task, attempts to find the mysterious Kitty in Leicester Square but quickly realizes the description is too vague. He visits his friend Will Jaxon, a connoisseur of London's demimonde, who helps him narrow down the possibilities. After interviewing several women named Kitty, Ellery meets Kitty Frensham, whose distinctive smile convinces him she is the one he seeks. He directly asks her about Walter Brooklyn, and she responds with concern, having just seen the news of his arrest.
Chapter 18
XVIII: The Case for the Defence
Fred Thomas, Walter Brooklyn's lawyer, reviews the case against his client and is convinced of his guilt. He meets with Carter Woodman to discuss a defense strategy, but Woodman refuses to help shift suspicion onto innocent persons. Thomas then investigates the servants, discovering that Winter had a motive for murdering Prinsep due to a personal grievance involving a girl at Fittleworth.
Chapter 19
XIX: The Police Have Their Doubts
Inspector Blaikie reports to Superintendent Wilson about the case against Walter Brooklyn. While Blaikie remains convinced of Brooklyn's guilt, Wilson expresses growing doubts, pointing out weaknesses in the circumstantial evidence and the possibility that the defense might create reasonable doubt by shifting suspicion onto others, such as the servants Winter or Morgan. They discuss the telephone message, the possibility of false clues, and the need for further investigation without assuming Brooklyn's guilt.
Chapter 20
XX: Superintendent Wilson Thinks It Out
Superintendent Wilson, stuck on the Brooklyn case, goes home to talk it over with his wife. As he explains the evidence against Walter Brooklyn, his wife's simple questions lead him to realize that both sets of clues—the ones pointing to a mutual murder and those pointing to Walter—are false. He deduces that the criminal laid two sets of false clues: one obviously false to mislead, and one subtler set to frame Walter. He focuses on the walking-stick as the key to identifying the real murderer.
Chapter 21
Don Quixote
Joan and Ellery continue their investigation to prove Walter Brooklyn's alibi. They trace his movements on the night of the murder, confirming his presence in Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. With the help of Constable Mulligan, they meet a peculiar old man known as 'the Spaniard,' who resembles Don Quixote and may have seen Walter Brooklyn on the night in question.
Chapter 22
The Spaniard Does His Bit
Ellery meets the Spaniard in Trafalgar Square, who provides two witnesses confirming Walter Brooklyn's alibi at 11:40 PM. Ellery arranges for all witnesses to meet at Thomas's office the next morning. Later, one witness threatens to withdraw but is persuaded to attend after learning Ellery's personal stake. Joan and Ellery share news and plan the meeting, though Joan is exhausted from caring for Sir Vernon.
Chapter 23
Walter Brooklyn Goes Free
Joan and Ellery present a conclusive alibi for Walter Brooklyn, securing his release. Thomas reveals Winter's motive against Prinsep, angering Joan, who resolves to find the real killer with Ellery.
Chapter 24
A Fresh Start
Superintendent Wilson and Inspector Blaikie reassess the case after Walter Brooklyn's release, concluding that the false clues were deliberately planted by the real murderer. Wilson directs Blaikie to investigate the telephone message, the missing stick, and potential motives for framing Walter. Meanwhile, Joan and Robert Ellery begin their own investigation, planning to question everyone present at Liskeard House on the night of the murders.
Chapter 25
XXV: Raising the Wind
Walter Brooklyn is released from prison and returns to his club, where he faces the challenge of restoring his reputation and securing money. He considers approaching his ill brother Sir Vernon for a loan or raising funds based on his inheritance expectations. Meanwhile, Inspector Blaikie investigates the terms of Sir Vernon's will, discovering that Walter is the residuary legatee and that Carter Woodman is next of kin. Blaikie also questions Joan Cowper about a rumor that Walter confessed his guilt to his solicitor Thomas, which she refutes, and then informs Woodman that the rumor is baseless.
Chapter 26
Two Men Strike a Bargain
Walter Brooklyn, recently released from custody, dines alone at his club, aware of the curiosity and suspicion of the staff and members. He reflects on his improved prospects with his nephews out of the way and contemplates his brother Sir Vernon's critical illness. He telephones to inquire after Sir Vernon and learns his condition is grave but not hopeless. Later, he meets with Carter Woodman, who proposes a deal: Woodman will provide £20,000 immediately and an annual allowance in exchange for half of Walter's inheritance under Sir Vernon's will and a new will naming Woodman as heir. After negotiation, Walter agrees, and they sign the documents witnessed by the night-porter and a waiter. Woodman leaves to raise funds, while Walter feels swindled but consoled by the immediate cash and the prospect of future wealth.
Chapter 27
Robert Ellery’s Idea
Ellery wakes convinced that Carter Woodman is the murderer, reasoning that the evidence must be manipulated to point away from the guilty party. He shares his theory with Joan, arguing that Woodman stood to inherit Sir Vernon's fortune and control of the Brooklyn Corporation if Walter Brooklyn were convicted. Joan is horrified but agrees to help investigate Woodman's alibi.
Chapter 28
The Superintendent’s Theory
Superintendent Wilson develops a theory that Carter Woodman is the murderer, based on motive, the planting of Walter Brooklyn's stick, and a manipulated note from Prinsep. Inspector Blaikie is skeptical about proving it to a jury, but Wilson insists on investigating Woodman's alibi and financial records.
Chapter 29
XXIX: The Lie of the Land
Ellery investigates Carter Woodman's alibi by exploring the Cunningham Hotel, discovering a possible unobserved exit through the basement grill room. He then interviews a Burmese guest, Ba Pu, who reveals that Woodman was not in the writing-room at the time he claimed, thereby undermining his alibi and strengthening Ellery's suspicion that Woodman is the murderer.
Chapter 30
A Letter and Its Consequences
Joan, while handling Sir Vernon's private correspondence, discovers a letter from Sir John Bunnery revealing that Carter Woodman and Walter Brooklyn attempted to raise a large loan based on their expected inheritance. The letter angers Sir Vernon, prompting him to dictate a new will leaving his fortune to Joan and cutting out Woodman. Joan and Ellery exchange news and agree to pursue proof against Woodman.
Chapter 31
XXXI: A Button in a Bag
Joan searches Carter Woodman's hotel rooms and office for evidence, finding nothing. Ellery discovers George Brooklyn's hat and coat in a cloakroom at the Avenue, confirming Woodman's masquerade. They discuss fingerprints on the murder weapon and theorize how Woodman entered Liskeard House. Joan resolves to prove Woodman's entry through the coach-yard.
Chapter 32
Sir John Bunnery
Ellery visits Sir John Bunnery under the pretext of arranging Sir Vernon's new will, but soon reveals his true purpose: to learn about Carter Woodman's attempt to raise a loan. Sir John, a sharp and experienced lawyer, discloses that Woodman is bankrupt and tried to secure money under false pretenses. After Ellery accuses Woodman of murder, Sir John agrees to share information and advises Ellery to consider the consequences of a public scandal before involving the police.
Chapter 33
On the Tiles
Inspector Blaikie investigates Carter Woodman's financial troubles and tries to trace Walter Brooklyn's walking-stick, but fails. Superintendent Wilson takes a personal hand in the case, cleverly tricks Moorman into revealing that Walter Brooklyn left the office without his stick, and then searches Prinsep's room and the roof, where he finds a small shot-filled bag—the likely murder weapon.
Chapter 34
The Stable-Yard
Joan and Ellery continue their investigation, focusing on how Carter Woodman could have entered Liskeard House. Joan discovers that a woman named Norah, staying in the chauffeur's apartment, saw someone enter through the coach-yard on the night of the murder, providing proof of Woodman's presence. Meanwhile, Inspector Blaikie confronts them about withholding information, and they decide to confront Woodman directly before deciding whether to involve the police.
Chapter 35
An Order for Bulbs
Superintendent Wilson examines a bag of shot found at a crime scene and discovers a scrap of paper with handwriting resembling Carter Woodman's. He plans to visit Woodman's office again under his alias. Meanwhile, Joan and Ellery arrive at Woodman's office, followed by Inspector Blaikie and two plainclothes officers. Blaikie posts his men outside and enters. Superintendent Wilson arrives, learns of Blaikie's presence, and decides to spy on the meeting from a rear window.
Chapter 36
An Afternoon Call
Joan and Ellery confront Carter Woodman in his office, laying out the full evidence of his murders of John Prinsep and George Brooklyn, his framing of Walter Brooklyn, and his motive of inheritance. Woodman initially denies, then admits, and finally attempts suicide by revolver when cornered, dying as Superintendent Wilson and Inspector Blaikie break in.
Chapter 37
A Happy Ending
Superintendent Wilson reveals his evidence against Carter Woodman, including the discovery of the murder weapon and incriminating scraps of paper. Joan and Ellery reluctantly agree to share their story, leading to a full confession at the inquest. The mystery is resolved, the public quickly forgets, and Joan and Ellery marry, living happily and prosperously.
Chapter 38
List of Illustrations
This chapter lists the illustrations included in the book, beginning with a map titled 'Walter Brooklyn’s Odyssey' showing some streets in London.
