# Walter Brooklyn Goes Free explained — The Brooklyn Murders

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

## What happens

Joan and Ellery present a conclusive alibi for Walter Brooklyn, securing his release. Thomas reveals Winter's motive against Prinsep, angering Joan, who resolves to find the real killer with Ellery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Miscarriage of Justice

Walter Brooklyn is exonerated by a strong alibi, highlighting the risk of wrongful accusation and the importance of evidence.

### Deception and False Clues

Thomas's tactic of throwing suspicion on Winter to secure Walter's release underscores the use of deceptive strategies in legal proceedings.

### Amateur vs. Professional Detection

Joan and Ellery's successful amateur investigation contrasts with the police's initial focus on Walter, and they decide to continue sleuthing.

## Character check-ins

### Joan Cowper

Leads the effort to prove Walter's alibi, refuses to visit him in prison, and decides to find the real murderer with Ellery.

### Robert Ellery

Assists Joan in proving the alibi and agrees to help her investigate the true criminal.

### Walter Brooklyn

Cleared of murder charges and released due to the alibi provided by Joan and Ellery.

### Thomas

The solicitor who initially suspected Walter, later reveals Winter's motive to the police, angering Joan.

### Superintendent Wilson

Listens to the alibi evidence and notes the testimonies, later informed of Winter's motive.

### Inspector Blaikie

Initially incredulous but convinced by the cumulative alibi evidence.

## Key lines

> Thomas confidently stated that it was only a matter of a short time before Walter Brooklyn would be released 'without a stain on his character.'

Thomas assured that Walter would soon be freed and his name cleared.

_Thomas's prediction of Walter's release and exoneration._

> I call it beastly—even to think of using methods like that.

Joan condemns Thomas's tactic of casting suspicion on Winter as morally reprehensible.

_Joan's outrage at Thomas's unethical approach._

> There will be no peace and quietness till someone finds the criminal. I don't believe the police will ever find him. Why shouldn't you and I find him ourselves?

Joan proposes that she and Ellery take on the investigation to find the real murderer.

_Joan's decision to pursue the true culprit with Ellery._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters