The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
Robert Ellery’s Idea explained
Ellery wakes convinced that Carter Woodman is the murderer, reasoning that the evidence must be manipulated to point away from the guilty party.
What happens
Ellery wakes convinced that Carter Woodman is the murderer, reasoning that the evidence must be manipulated to point away from the guilty party. He shares his theory with Joan, arguing that Woodman stood to inherit Sir Vernon's fortune and control of the Brooklyn Corporation if Walter Brooklyn were convicted. Joan is horrified but agrees to help investigate Woodman's alibi.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Inheritance
Ellery's theory centers on Woodman's motive to inherit Sir Vernon's fortune and control of the Brooklyn Corporation by eliminating rivals.
Deception and False Clues
Ellery deduces that the evidence was manipulated to point away from the real murderer and toward Walter Brooklyn.
Family Dysfunction and Loyalty
Joan struggles with the idea that a trusted family friend like Woodman could be the murderer, reflecting conflicted loyalties.
Characters to notice
- Robert Ellery
Wakes with the conviction that Carter Woodman is the murderer; develops a theory based on motive and false alibis; enlists Joan's help to investigate.
- Joan Cowper
Spends the night thinking but reaches no solution; is horrified by Ellery's suspicion of Woodman but agrees to help find proof.
- Carter Woodman
Ellery's prime suspect; believed to have motive to inherit Sir Vernon's fortune and control of the Corporation; alibi is questioned.
- Walter Brooklyn
Cleared of suspicion; Ellery notes that Woodman tried to frame him for the murders.
- Sir Vernon Brooklyn
Lying at death's door; Joan speculates he may change his will to favor Woodman.
- Marian Brooklyn
Mentioned as a possible source for information about Woodman's whereabouts on the night of the murders.
Key passages
“Ellery said to himself that Woodman was just the sort of chap who would commit murder, if he had a strong enough motive.”
Ellery believed Woodman had the personality capable of murder, given sufficient reason.
Ellery's personal bias against Woodman influences his suspicion.
“Whoever murdered John and George did his best to throw the suspicion on your stepfather, didn’t he?”
The real killer tried to frame Walter Brooklyn for the murders.
Ellery points out the deliberate misdirection in the evidence.
“If Walter Brooklyn was convicted, he was quite safe to get both the money and the control of the theatres.”
Woodman would inherit Sir Vernon's wealth and run the theaters if Walter were found guilty.
Ellery's core motive for suspecting Woodman.