# A Shot in the Night explained — The Crimson Circle

> Chapter companion for The Crimson Circle by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Jack Beardmore visits Inspector Parr at his home, where Parr discusses the Crimson Circle's unique criminal organization. As Jack leaves, a gunman in a black car shoots Parr, but his bulletproof vest saves him. Derrick Yale arrives and reveals he received a Crimson Circle death threat. Parr mentions that Thalia Drummond had asked for Jack's address earlier, raising suspicion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

The shooting of Inspector Parr and the Crimson Circle's threats underscore the ongoing conflict between law enforcement and organized crime.

### Deception and Identity

Parr's revelation that Thalia Drummond secretly sought Jack's address introduces ambiguity about her true loyalties and identity.

## Character check-ins

### Felix Marl

Visits Inspector Parr at his home, discusses the Crimson Circle, and witnesses the shooting.

### Mr. Parr

Hosts Jack, discusses the Crimson Circle's organization, is shot but saved by his bulletproof vest, and mentions Thalia Drummond's inquiry about Jack's address.

### Derrick Yale

Arrives after the shooting, reveals he received a Crimson Circle death threat, and discusses plans for the fourth of next month.

### Thalia Drummond

Mentioned as having asked Inspector Parr for Jack's address earlier that day, raising suspicion about her involvement.

## Key lines

> The inspector must have been nearly fifty, and he made a rapid calculation as to the age of this wonderful grandmother who took an interest in crime, and kept the house tidy.

The inspector, around fifty, quickly estimated the age of the remarkable grandmother who was both interested in crime and maintained a clean home.

_Jack observes Parr's home and family life, contrasting domestic order with criminal intrigue._

> The Crimson Circle, whoever he is, is the first real organising criminal we have had to deal with for nearly fifty years.

The Crimson Circle is the first truly organized criminal we've faced in about fifty years.

_Parr emphasizes the unique and dangerous nature of the Crimson Circle's organization._

> I’m glad he didn’t use an automatic,” he said, and then, seeing the blank amazement on Jack’s face, he grinned. “The Crimson Circle gentleman is only one of three who wear a bulletproof waistcoat,” he said. “I am the second, and— he paused, “Thalia Drummond is the third, as I happen to know.”

Parr is relieved the assassin didn't use an automatic pistol, and reveals that he, the Crimson Circle leader, and Thalia Drummond all wear bulletproof vests.

_Parr's revelation connects Thalia Drummond to the Crimson Circle through shared protective gear._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se/chapters/xxviii-a-shot-in-the-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crimson_circle_se/chapters