The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
The Stable-Yard explained
Joan and Ellery continue their investigation, focusing on how Carter Woodman could have entered Liskeard House.
What happens
Joan and Ellery continue their investigation, focusing on how Carter Woodman could have entered Liskeard House. Joan discovers that a woman named Norah, staying in the chauffeur's apartment, saw someone enter through the coach-yard on the night of the murder, providing proof of Woodman's presence. Meanwhile, Inspector Blaikie confronts them about withholding information, and they decide to confront Woodman directly before deciding whether to involve the police.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and False Clues
Joan and Ellery deliberately withhold information from Inspector Blaikie, creating a false trail and risking accusations of obstructing justice.
Amateur vs. Professional Detection
Joan and Ellery conduct their own investigation parallel to the police, leading to tension with Inspector Blaikie over jurisdiction and secrecy.
Characters to notice
- Joan Cowper
Investigates the coach-yard to determine how Woodman entered the house; discovers Norah as a witness.
- Robert Ellery
Accompanies Joan in the investigation; reports Sir John Bunnery's information about Woodman's financial troubles; suggests confronting Woodman.
- Carter Woodman
Subject of Joan and Ellery's investigation; suspected of entering Liskeard House via the coach-yard on the night of the murder.
- Inspector Gibbs
Confronts Joan and Ellery about withholding information; warns them of consequences.
- Mrs. Purvis
Tells Joan about Inspector Blaikie's visit and assures her she did not reveal anything.
- Norah
Former cook who stayed in the chauffeur's apartment; saw someone enter through the coach-yard on the night of the murder.
Key passages
“work on your own, and wanted to have all the credit for yourselves. But don’t you think the time has come for telling me what you know?”
Inspector Blaikie accuses Joan and Ellery of conducting their own investigation for personal glory and demands they share their findings.
Blaikie confronts them about withholding information.
“I don’t see how it can be kept secret in any case—or rather, I only see one possible way.”
Ellery suggests that the truth about the murders might be concealed, but only under specific circumstances.
Ellery hints at a possible cover-up.
“We’ve got enough now to be quite sure of a conviction.”
Ellery believes they have sufficient evidence to prove Woodman's guilt in court.
Joan and Ellery feel confident in their case against Woodman.