The Clue of the Twisted Candle · Chapter
XXIII explained
In the final chapter, the police and international detectives gather to hear John Lexman's full account of the murder of Remington Kara.
What happens
In the final chapter, the police and international detectives gather to hear John Lexman's full account of the murder of Remington Kara. Belinda Mary Bartholomew reveals that Grace Lexman is alive, having been hidden by Kara in his cellar. The detectives, considering the political and moral implications, decide not to prosecute Lexman, effectively pardoning him. The chapter concludes with Lexman and his wife reunited, and the Chief Commissioner humorously advises Lexman against writing a story titled 'The Clue of the Twisted Candle.'
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The detectives choose to pardon Lexman, prioritizing moral and political considerations over strict legal justice.
Deception and Appearances
Kara's elaborate deception of both John and Grace Lexman is fully uncovered, and Lexman's own impersonation of the murderer is revealed.
Characters to notice
- John Lexman
Delivers his full narrative to the police and is ultimately pardoned for Kara's murder.
- Grace Lexman
Revealed to be alive by Belinda Mary; had been hidden by Kara in his cellar.
- T. X. Meredith
Explains the flaw in Lexman's story about Gathercole's missing arm and supports the decision to pardon Lexman.
- Belinda Mary Bartholomew
Reveals that Grace Lexman is alive and describes how she found her in Kara's cellar and killed the guard dog.
- Superintendent Mansus
Present during the final meeting and the decision to pardon Lexman.
Key passages
“I don’t think I should ever write a story called ‘The Clue of the Twisted Candle,’ if I were you.”
The Chief Commissioner jokingly advises Lexman not to write a story based on the events.
This line serves as a meta-reference to the book's title and closes the narrative with a touch of humor.
“It was in the lower cellar that I found her.”
Belinda Mary reveals that she discovered Grace Lexman hidden in the cellar of Kara's house.
This is the key revelation that resolves the mystery of Grace's disappearance.