# XXV: Raising the Wind explained — The Brooklyn Murders

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

## What happens

Walter Brooklyn is released from prison and returns to his club, where he faces the challenge of restoring his reputation and securing money. He considers approaching his ill brother Sir Vernon for a loan or raising funds based on his inheritance expectations. Meanwhile, Inspector Blaikie investigates the terms of Sir Vernon's will, discovering that Walter is the residuary legatee and that Carter Woodman is next of kin. Blaikie also questions Joan Cowper about a rumor that Walter confessed his guilt to his solicitor Thomas, which she refutes, and then informs Woodman that the rumor is baseless.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Inheritance

Walter Brooklyn's financial desperation and his calculations about inheriting from Sir Vernon highlight the theme of greed and the influence of inheritance on motives.

### Deception and False Clues

The rumor that Walter confessed to his solicitor is a false clue that Inspector Blaikie investigates and debunks.

### Justice and Miscarriage of Justice

Walter's release and the police's acknowledgment of their mistake in arresting him underscore the theme of justice and its potential for error.

## Character check-ins

### Walter Brooklyn

Released from Brixton Jail; returns to his club, orders dinner, and contemplates his financial troubles and inheritance prospects.

### Carter Woodman

Interviewed by Inspector Blaikie about Sir Vernon's will; reveals he is next of kin after Walter Brooklyn.

### Joan Cowper

Questioned by Inspector Blaikie about the rumor of Walter's confession; she denies it and expresses indignation.

### Inspector Gibbs

Referenced as Inspector Blaikie; investigates the will and the rumor about Walter Brooklyn.

### Sir Vernon Brooklyn

Mentioned as being very ill; his will is a key point of discussion regarding inheritance.

### Robert Ellery

Mentioned as having worked with Joan to prove Walter's alibi and clear him.

## Key lines

> Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than anyone had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.

Walter Brooklyn was freed from Brixton Jail sooner than anticipated, while Ellery and Joan were still talking.

_Describes the timing of Walter's release._

> He was literally almost penniless, and he knew that his release from prison would merely reopen in a more insistent form the long struggle with his creditors.

Walter had almost no money, and his release meant he would again face his persistent creditors.

_Highlights Walter's financial desperation after release._

> The inspector whistled. “Then you would inherit the bulk of the money if Sir Vernon Brooklyn died after Walter Brooklyn.”

Inspector Blaikie was surprised to learn that Woodman would inherit most of the estate if Walter died before Sir Vernon.

_Reveals a key motive for Woodman._

> “It is preposterous,” said Joan indignantly. “My stepfather told Mr. Thomas the absolute truth; but the man would not believe it, until we proved it to him.”

Joan angrily denied the rumor that Walter confessed, stating that Thomas simply refused to believe the truth until it was proven.

_Joan refutes the false rumor about Walter's confession._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters/xxv-raising-the-wind
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters