The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
The Case Against Walter Brooklyn explained
Inspector Blaikie investigates Walter Brooklyn's potential involvement in the murders, uncovering a strong motive related to inheritance.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Inheritance
Walter Brooklyn's motive is directly tied to inheriting Sir Vernon's fortune, highlighting greed as a driving force for murder.
Deception and False Clues
The walking stick and telephone call serve as key clues that may be deceptive, as the inspector considers the possibility of misdirection.
Justice and Miscarriage of Justice
The chapter builds a circumstantial case against Walter Brooklyn, raising questions about the reliability of evidence and potential wrongful accusation.
Characters to notice
- Walter Brooklyn
Primary suspect; motive from inheritance; visited Liskeard House at 10:10 PM but was refused entry; his stick found at crime scene; made a phone call from the house at 11:30 PM.
- Carter Woodman
Provided information to Inspector Blaikie about Walter Brooklyn's financial motives and character.
- Inspector Blaikie
Leads the investigation; interviews staff and club porters; connects the walking stick and phone call to Walter Brooklyn.
- Moorman
Butler at Liskeard House; confirms Walter Brooklyn's visit and refusal of entry; provides details about the household.
- John Prinsep
Victim; Walter Brooklyn's stick found in his study; his murder is central to the case.
Key passages
“Inspector Blaikie left Carter Woodman’s office with the feeling that a new and unexpected light had been thrown on the tragedy, and that he had at least found a quite sufficient motive for both crimes.”
Blaikie felt Woodman's information revealed a strong motive for both murders.
Highlights the shift in investigation toward Walter Brooklyn.
“The stick and the telephone message, taken together, proved that he had been in Prinsep’s room.”
The walking stick and phone call together indicated Walter Brooklyn was in Prinsep's study.
Key evidence linking Walter to the crime scene.