The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
A Fresh Start explained
Superintendent Wilson and Inspector Blaikie reassess the case after Walter Brooklyn's release, concluding that the false clues were deliberately planted by the real murderer.
What happens
Superintendent Wilson and Inspector Blaikie reassess the case after Walter Brooklyn's release, concluding that the false clues were deliberately planted by the real murderer. Wilson directs Blaikie to investigate the telephone message, the missing stick, and potential motives for framing Walter. Meanwhile, Joan and Robert Ellery begin their own investigation, planning to question everyone present at Liskeard House on the night of the murders.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and False Clues
Wilson explains that the murderer planted two inconsistent sets of false clues to mislead the investigation and frame Walter Brooklyn.
Justice and Miscarriage of Justice
Walter Brooklyn's release highlights the risk of wrongful conviction based on planted evidence.
Amateur vs. Professional Detection
Joan and Ellery begin their own amateur investigation, contrasting with Wilson and Blaikie's official methods.
Characters to notice
- Superintendent Wilson
Leads the investigation, deduces the false clues were planted by the murderer, and instructs Blaikie on new lines of inquiry.
- Walter Brooklyn
Recently released due to a convincing alibi; discussed as the intended target of the murderer's framing.
- Joan Cowper
Plans with Ellery to investigate everyone who was at Liskeard House on the night of the murders.
- Robert Ellery
Collaborates with Joan to uncover the truth, questioning the reliability of witness sightings.
- John Prinsep
One of the murder victims; last seen in the garden before 11:15.
- George Brooklyn
The other murder victim; last seen leaving the house at 11:30.
Key passages
“He laid them both in the hope that we should see through the one set, and not through the other. Which is just what you have done. He is a clever scoundrel. He meant us to hang Walter Brooklyn.”
The murderer created two sets of false clues, expecting investigators to see through one but not the other, specifically to frame Walter Brooklyn.
Wilson explains the murderer's strategy to Blaikie.
“We have nothing to go upon—nothing, I mean, that would make us suspect any particular person. So the only thing to do is to suspect everybody—to find out exactly where everybody was when the crime was committed, and what they were doing that evening.”
Since there are no obvious suspects, Joan proposes investigating everyone's whereabouts at the time of the murders.
Joan outlines her investigative approach to Ellery.