# Sir John Bunnery explained — The Brooklyn Murders

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

## What happens

Ellery visits Sir John Bunnery under the pretext of arranging Sir Vernon's new will, but soon reveals his true purpose: to learn about Carter Woodman's attempt to raise a loan. Sir John, a sharp and experienced lawyer, discloses that Woodman is bankrupt and tried to secure money under false pretenses. After Ellery accuses Woodman of murder, Sir John agrees to share information and advises Ellery to consider the consequences of a public scandal before involving the police.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and False Clues

Woodman's attempt to raise a loan under false pretences is uncovered, revealing his financial desperation and deceit.

### Amateur vs. Professional Detection

Ellery and Joan's amateur investigation contrasts with Sir John's professional legal perspective and his preference for involving the police.

### Greed and Inheritance

Woodman's scheme to secure money based on expectations from Sir Vernon's estate highlights the theme of greed and inheritance.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Ellery

Visits Sir John Bunnery under the guise of arranging Sir Vernon's will, but seeks information about Woodman's loan attempt.

### Joan Cowper

Arranges the pretext for Ellery's visit and is engaged to Ellery.

### Sir John Bunnery

A sharp, observant lawyer who reveals Woodman's bankruptcy and false pretenses, and advises Ellery on handling the case.

### Carter Woodman

Revealed to be bankrupt and to have attempted to raise money under false pretenses; suspected of murder.

### Walter Brooklyn

Mentioned as having made a will in Woodman's favour and being involved in the loan scheme.

## Key lines

> Sir John made Ellery nervous, and, after a few sentences, he found that he had completed his ostensible business, without getting anywhere near the matter he had really come to discuss.

Ellery felt uneasy under Sir John's scrutiny and finished his official task without broaching his true purpose.

_Ellery's discomfort and inability to steer the conversation as planned._

> I may say that Woodman already owed me a considerable sum, in connection with a business transaction. So I thought it wise to make a few inquiries about him in the city, and I may tell you, young man, that the fellow's bankrupt—positively bankrupt—a shilling in the pound affair or something like it.

Sir John reveals that Woodman is deeply in debt and financially ruined, having investigated him after a prior loan.

_Key revelation of Woodman's financial desperation._

> If that is the case, a man of that sort is too dangerous to be left loose. He might be murdering me next, or Sir Vernon.

Sir John decides that Woodman's potential for murder makes him a threat to others, prompting him to share information.

_Sir John's shift from reluctance to cooperation after learning of the murder suspicion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters/xxxii-sir-john-bunnery
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_brooklyn_murders_se/chapters