The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
XI: Joan Takes Up the Case explained
Joan Cowper resolves to clear her stepfather Walter Brooklyn of suspicion in the murders of John Prinsep and George Brooklyn.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Family Dysfunction and Loyalty
Joan's unwavering loyalty to her stepfather Walter Brooklyn contrasts with his abusive treatment of her, highlighting complex family bonds.
Justice and Miscarriage of Justice
Joan fears the police are building a false case against Walter Brooklyn and takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, reflecting concerns about wrongful conviction.
Characters to notice
- Joan Cowper
Resolves to clear her stepfather Walter Brooklyn; interviews Carter Woodman and decides to investigate the murders herself.
- Carter Woodman
Reluctantly shares police evidence against Walter Brooklyn with Joan, but believes Walter may be guilty.
- Charis Lang
After confessing to Inspector Blaikie, seeks comfort from Marian Brooklyn; struggles with having revealed Prinsep's character.
- Marian Brooklyn
Comforts Charis Lang and later informs Joan about Walter Brooklyn's purpose in visiting Charis.
- Walter Brooklyn
Stepfather of Joan; suspected by police due to his presence at the scene and his walking-stick found in Prinsep's room.
Key passages
“Joan had found out from him most of what she wanted; and, seeing that there was nothing further to be gained by enlisting his help, she got rid of him as soon as she decently could.”
Joan extracted all the useful information from Woodman and then dismissed him politely.
Joan's strategic approach to gathering information.
“She was absolutely certain that her stepfather was in no way guilty of the murders; but, after what Woodman had said, it seemed only too clear that he must have been on the spot when one of them at least was committed.”
Joan was sure Walter Brooklyn was innocent, but Woodman's account made it evident he was present during at least one murder.
Joan's internal conflict between certainty of innocence and evidence of presence.
“Charis felt that she could not go on to the stage that afternoon as if nothing had happened.”
Charis felt unable to perform that afternoon given the emotional turmoil.
Charis's emotional state after her confession.
“It was not a question of who had killed their lovers; they both needed comfort, and they sought together such comfort as could be found.”
Charis and Marian set aside the question of guilt to console each other in their grief.
The shared need for solace overrides suspicion.