# The Superintendent’s Theory explained — The Brooklyn Murders

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

## What happens

Superintendent Wilson develops a theory that Carter Woodman is the murderer, based on motive, the planting of Walter Brooklyn's stick, and a manipulated note from Prinsep. Inspector Blaikie is skeptical about proving it to a jury, but Wilson insists on investigating Woodman's alibi and financial records.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and False Clues

Wilson argues that Woodman deliberately planted the stick and the note to frame Walter Brooklyn, creating false clues.

### Justice and Miscarriage of Justice

The chapter explores the tension between Wilson's certainty of Woodman's guilt and the lack of evidence that would convince a jury, risking a miscarriage of justice.

## Character check-ins

### Carter Woodman

Suspect: Wilson argues he planted the stick and the note, and stands to gain from Walter Brooklyn's removal.

### Superintendent Wilson

Develops the theory that Woodman is the murderer, using divination and reasoning about the planted evidence.

### Walter Brooklyn

Mentioned as the intended victim of the frame-up; his alibi was proven sound.

### John Prinsep

The note found near George Brooklyn's body was written by Prinsep, originally addressed to Woodman.

### George Brooklyn

His body was found in the garden; the planted note was discovered near him.

## Key lines

> Then Carter Woodman is the murderer

Superintendent Wilson concludes that Carter Woodman committed the murders.

_Wilson's immediate deduction upon learning Woodman would inherit if Walter were removed._

> Woodman took good care that you should discover that piece of paper, because he had put it there for you to find

Wilson asserts that Woodman deliberately placed the note in the summerhouse to ensure it was found by the police.

_Wilson's reasoning about the planted note._

> Now I know what the note contained... 'Monday, Dear Woodman, Meet me in the garden.— J. P.'

Wilson reconstructs the original note as being from Prinsep to Woodman, arranging a meeting.

_Wilson's deduction based on the charred fragment found in Prinsep's grate._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters/xxviii-the-superintendent-s-theory
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters