# XXV: Dead! explained — The Charing Cross Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Charing Cross Mystery by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

Hetherwick and Robmore discover Dr. Ambrose dead in a chair, apparently poisoned. They find evidence of his planned escape, including a booked passage under a false name. Robmore suspects Baseverie poisoned him to eliminate an accomplice. Two new owners, Marshall and Wilkinson, reveal they bought the property from 'Andrews' and 'Basing' (Ambrose and Baseverie) and shared a celebratory drink. Robmore and Hetherwick then go to question Mrs. Mallett, but find her house open and seemingly empty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Murder and Mystery

The chapter centers on the sudden, suspicious death of Ambrose, with strong indications of poisoning by Baseverie.

### Identity and Deception

Ambrose's disguise (shaved beard) and use of the alias 'Charles Andrews' highlight the theme of concealed identity.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Hetherwick

Identifies the dead man as Dr. Ambrose and recalls the similarity to Hannaford's death.

### Sergeant Robmore

Leads the investigation at the scene, examines the pocketbook, and suspects Baseverie of poisoning Ambrose.

### Dr. Charles Ambrose

Found dead in a chair, disguised without beard and moustache, with a packed suitcase and booked passage under the name Charles Andrews.

### Dr. Cyprian Baseverie

Suspected by Robmore of poisoning Ambrose and escaping to Southampton under the alias Basing.

### Marshall

One of the new owners who bought the property from Andrews and Basing; describes the business transaction and the shared champagne.

## Key lines

> Dead as a doornail!

Completely and unmistakably dead.

_Robmore's blunt assessment of Ambrose's condition._

> There's many a slip twixt cup and lip

Many things can go wrong between a plan and its execution.

_Robmore's warning that the parcel may not reach its destination as expected._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charing_cross_mystery_se/chapters/xxv-dead
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charing_cross_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_charing_cross_mystery_se/chapters