The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
XIX: The Police Have Their Doubts explained
Inspector Blaikie reports to Superintendent Wilson about the case against Walter Brooklyn.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Miscarriage of Justice
The chapter highlights the tension between police certainty and the legal standard of proof, as Wilson warns against convicting on insufficient evidence.
Deception and False Clues
Wilson and Blaikie discuss the possibility that the telephone message and other evidence were deliberately planted to mislead the investigation.
Characters to notice
- Inspector Blaikie
Reports to Superintendent Wilson, expresses confidence in Walter Brooklyn's guilt but worries about securing a conviction.
- Superintendent Wilson
Grows dissatisfied with the case, warns against assuming guilt, and suggests the defense might exploit weaknesses in the evidence.
- Walter Brooklyn
Remains in custody; the police discuss the circumstantial evidence against him and the possibility of an alibi.
- John Prinsep
Mentioned as the murder victim; his character and relationships are discussed as potential avenues for the defense.
Key passages
“The whole thing is a puzzle... But there’s one thing I’m sure of. It’s a much worse puzzle if you don’t assume that Walter Brooklyn was the murderer.”
Inspector Blaikie admits the case is confusing but insists it becomes even more confusing if Walter Brooklyn is not the killer.
Blaikie's confidence in Brooklyn's guilt is challenged by the complexity of the evidence.
“Hunt, for all you’re worth, for further evidence. Don’t shut your eyes to the possibility that Walter Brooklyn may not be the murderer.”
Superintendent Wilson instructs Blaikie to continue investigating with an open mind, acknowledging that Brooklyn might be innocent.
Wilson urges a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for additional evidence.