# XII: Robert Ellery explained — The Brooklyn Murders

> Chapter companion for The Brooklyn Murders by G. D. H. Cole.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Ellery's internal conflict over his love for Joan and the societal expectations around marriage and mourning.

### Amateur vs. Professional Detection

Ellery, a detective novelist, becomes a suspect and is shadowed by police, highlighting the tension between amateur sleuthing and official investigation.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Ellery

Struggles with his love for Joan and decides to visit her; questioned by Inspector Gibbs about his alibi.

### Harry Lucas

Ellery's guardian; informs Ellery of the murders and encourages his romantic pursuit of Joan.

### Joan Cowper

Object of Ellery's love; her repudiation of Prinsep gives Ellery hope.

### John Prinsep

One of the murder victims; Ellery disliked him and is relieved Joan will not marry him.

### George Brooklyn

The other murder victim; Ellery liked him and grieves his death.

### Inspector Gibbs

Questions Ellery about his alibi and advises him to find the mysterious stranger.

## Key lines

> I feel a beast... for thinking of anything but the sorrow of it all; but I'm damned if I can help wanting to find out all about it.

Ellery feels guilty for being curious about the mystery instead of focusing on the tragedy.

_Shows Ellery's dual nature as a compassionate person and a detective novelist drawn to puzzles._

> With catlike tread, upon the foe we steal, he whistled, and laughed as he heard the feet of the law clumping along behind him.

Ellery humorously acknowledges being followed by a police officer, whistling a tune from The Pirates of Penzance.

_Highlights Ellery's lighthearted defiance and the amateur vs. professional detective theme._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters/xii-robert-ellery
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters