The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
Don Quixote explained
Joan and Ellery continue their investigation to prove Walter Brooklyn's alibi.
What happens
Joan and Ellery continue their investigation to prove Walter Brooklyn's alibi. They trace his movements on the night of the murder, confirming his presence in Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. With the help of Constable Mulligan, they meet a peculiar old man known as 'the Spaniard,' who resembles Don Quixote and may have seen Walter Brooklyn on the night in question.
Themes in this chapter
Amateur vs. Professional Detection
Joan and Ellery, as amateur detectives, pursue their own investigation to prove Walter Brooklyn's alibi, contrasting with the official police work.
Deception and False Clues
The chapter discusses the possibility that the telephone message and other evidence against Walter Brooklyn may be fabricated, highlighting the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- Joan Cowper
Joan actively participates in the investigation, helping to trace her stepfather's alibi and questioning witnesses.
- Robert Ellery
Ellery leads the investigation alongside Joan, using his wits to find the Spaniard and gather evidence.
- Walter Brooklyn
Walter Brooklyn's alibi is the focus of the chapter; his movements are being reconstructed by Joan and Ellery.
- George Mulligan
Constable Mulligan assists Joan and Ellery by introducing them to the Spaniard, whom he knows from his beat.
- Kitty Frensham
Kitty Frensham is mentioned as having met Walter Brooklyn in Leicester Square at a quarter to eleven.
Key passages
“Find out who sent it, the defence could argue, and you would find the real criminal.”
If the defense can discover who made the phone call, they would identify the actual murderer.
Ellery and Joan consider the telephone message as a potential false clue.
“This was not merely the Spaniard: it was Don Quixote himself come to life again.”
The Spaniard reminded them so much of Don Quixote that they felt he was the character reborn.
Joan and Ellery are struck by the Spaniard's resemblance to the literary figure.