The Brooklyn Murders · Chapter
An Afternoon Call explained
Joan and Ellery confront Carter Woodman in his office, laying out the full evidence of his murders of John Prinsep and George Brooklyn, his framing of Walter Brooklyn, and his motive of inheritance.
What happens
Joan and Ellery confront Carter Woodman in his office, laying out the full evidence of his murders of John Prinsep and George Brooklyn, his framing of Walter Brooklyn, and his motive of inheritance. Woodman initially denies, then admits, and finally attempts suicide by revolver when cornered, dying as Superintendent Wilson and Inspector Blaikie break in.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Inheritance
Woodman's motive is entirely financial: he murders to secure Sir Vernon's fortune and later attempts to raise a loan on his expectations.
Deception and False Clues
Woodman stages the crime scene to implicate Walter, using false telephone messages, planted handkerchiefs, and a missing button.
Justice and Miscarriage of Justice
Walter Brooklyn is arrested and nearly convicted based on Woodman's fabricated evidence, only to be exonerated by Joan and Ellery.
Characters to notice
- Joan Cowper
Confronts Woodman, detailing his crimes and offering him a chance to flee.
- Robert Ellery
Assists Joan in the confrontation, physically disarms Woodman during the struggle.
- Carter Woodman
The murderer; admits his crimes, then shoots himself when trapped.
- Superintendent Wilson
Bursts through the window to assist in subduing Woodman.
- Walter Brooklyn
Referenced as the stepfather framed by Woodman and later released.
- John Prinsep
Referenced as the first victim killed by Woodman.
Key passages
“half-past eleven—probably about a quarter-past—you put on John Prinsep’s hat and coat and walked up and down the garden, imitating his lameness, in a spot where you could be seen from the back of the theatre.”
Joan accuses Woodman of impersonating John Prinsep in the garden around 11:15 PM.
Key evidence of Woodman's deception.
“You killed George with a weapon which, as you well knew, had on it John’s fingermarks.”
Joan states Woodman used a club bearing John's fingerprints to murder George.
Explains the planted forensic evidence.
“You then attempted, on the strength of your joint expectations under Sir Vernon’s will, to raise a large loan from one who was a friend of yours—Sir John Bunnery.”
Joan reveals Woodman tried to borrow money from Sir John Bunnery based on his expected inheritance.
Motive for the murders.
“Putting the barrel of the revolver to his temple he fired.”
Woodman shoots himself in the head with his revolver.
Woodman's suicide ends the confrontation.