# A Link in the Chain explained — The Brooklyn Murders

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Amateur vs. Professional Detection

Ellery, an amateur, takes the lead in investigating Walter's alibi, contrasting with the police's reliance on circumstantial evidence.

### Deception and False Clues

The telephone message purportedly from Walter is revealed to be a mistake or deception, adding a layer of false clues to the case.

## Character check-ins

### Joan Cowper

Works with Ellery to map Walter's movements and visits him in custody, convinced of his innocence.

### Robert Ellery

Creates a map of Walter's journey and interviews a night watchman who provides a key alibi witness.

### Walter Brooklyn

Arrested and in custody; insists he was not at Liskeard House on the night of the murder.

### Harry Lucas

Accompanies Ellery and Joan; congratulates Ellery on his engagement to Joan.

### Carter Woodman

Mentioned as a potential source of information for Thomas; seen by Walter at Liskeard House.

## Key lines

> Unless we can establish positively that he wasn’t there, the circumstantial evidence will go down with a jury.

If we cannot prove he was elsewhere, the circumstantial evidence will convince a jury of his guilt.

_Ellery emphasizes the importance of establishing an alibi to counter the circumstantial case against Walter._

> I don’t want money for it; not unless I have to appear in court. Then I’ll want my expenses same as another. But I’ll tell you what. If I’ve done you a good turn, you come here again some night and talk to me about books.

The watchman refuses payment, asking instead for future conversations about books, valuing intellectual companionship over money.

_The watchman's altruism and love of reading provide a key alibi witness without financial motive._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters/xvi-a-link-in-the-chain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters