The Case with Nine Solutions · Chapter
XIII: The Murder of the Informer explained
Inspector Flamborough reports the murder of Whalley, a potential informant in the bungalow case, found strangled with a tourniquet similar to the one used on the Heatherfield maid.
What happens
Inspector Flamborough reports the murder of Whalley, a potential informant in the bungalow case, found strangled with a tourniquet similar to the one used on the Heatherfield maid. Sir Clinton and Flamborough discuss the implications, the improved technique of the murderer, and the possible involvement of Silverdale or others from the Croft-Thornton Institute. They consider whether the evidence points to a scientific murderer or a deliberate misdirection.
Themes in this chapter
Murder and Investigation
The chapter focuses on the discovery and investigation of Whalley's murder, including analysis of the tourniquet and motives.
Deception and Secrecy
The murderer's improved technique and the possibility of a double bluff highlight themes of deception and hidden identities.
Science and Poison
The tourniquet made from pressure-tubing and banjo-string suggests scientific knowledge, possibly from the Croft-Thornton Institute.
Characters to notice
- Sir Clinton Driffield
Receives news of Whalley's murder, analyzes the tourniquet, and discusses theories with Flamborough.
- Inspector Flamborough
Reports the murder, describes the scene and the tourniquet, and speculates on Silverdale's guilt.
- Whalley
Found murdered in a ditch, strangled with a tourniquet; was a potential witness in the bungalow case.
- Silverdale
Prime suspect; Flamborough theorizes he may have killed Whalley to prevent him from testifying.
- Dr. Trevor Markfield
Mentioned as a possible male witness for Silverdale; Flamborough distrusts his cooperation.
- Avice Deepcar
Briefly considered as a possible witness for Silverdale, but dismissed by Sir Clinton.
Key passages
“There’s been another murder, sir... It’s that fellow Whalley, sir—the man who seemed to have some information about the bungalow affair.”
Flamborough announces that Whalley, a potential informant, has been killed.
Sets the central event of the chapter.
“This is really growing into a wholesale trade... Four murders in quick succession, and we’ve nothing to show for it.”
Sir Clinton remarks on the string of unsolved murders.
Highlights the frustration of the investigation.
“It was a case of the tourniquet again. Whalley had been strangled, just like the maid at Heatherfield.”
The murder method matches that of the Heatherfield maid.
Connects the two murders.
“What I’m not sure about is whether it’s a pure bluff or a double bluff.”
Sir Clinton wonders if the evidence is meant to mislead or if it points to the real killer.
Introduces the theme of deception.