# II: Inspector Grant explained — The Man in the Queue

> Chapter companion for The Man in the Queue by Josephine Tey.

## What happens

Superintendent Barker assigns Inspector Grant to investigate a murder that occurred in a theatre queue. Grant interviews witnesses, examines the weapon (a stiletto), and deduces that the killer is likely left-handed and strong. He also discovers that the revolver found on the victim does not bear the victim's fingerprints, suggesting it may belong to the murderer. Grant speculates that the crime has a Levantine character due to the subtlety and the weapon used.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Grant's dapper appearance belies his sharp investigative mind; the victim's prosperous look contrasts with the violent manner of his death.

### Urban Anonymity and Alienation

Despite being in a crowded queue, no one noticed the victim or the killer, highlighting the anonymity of city life.

## Character check-ins

### Inspector Grant

Assigned to investigate the theatre-queue murder; interviews witnesses and examines evidence.

### Simpson

Minion who delivers the summons to Grant.

### Williams

Assigned to assist Grant; reports on fingerprint and revolver findings.

### Barber

Sent to Berkshire for another case.

### Mrs. Everett

Witness who was standing behind the victim; provides limited information.

### The Levantine

Hypothetical suspect considered by Grant due to the nature of the crime.

## Key lines

> If Grant had an asset beyond the usual ones of devotion to duty and a good supply of brains and courage, it was that the last thing he looked like was a police officer.

Grant's greatest advantage was his unassuming appearance, which made him not seem like a policeman.

_Highlights Grant's deceptive appearance as an asset._

> The very femininity of it proclaimed the Levant, or at the very least one used to Levantine habits of life.

The crime's subtle and refined nature suggested a Mediterranean or Levantine influence.

_Grant's cultural profiling of the murderer._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters/ii-inspector-grant
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_man_in_the_queue_se/chapters