The Roman Hat Mystery · Chapter
In Which the Queens Meet Mr. Field's Very Best Friend explained
The chapter opens with a description of the Queens' apartment on West 87th Street, a comfortable and intellectual home run by their devoted factotum Djuna.
What happens
The chapter opens with a description of the Queens' apartment on West 87th Street, a comfortable and intellectual home run by their devoted factotum Djuna. The next morning after Monte Field's murder, Inspector Queen receives a call from Sergeant Velie. The Queens return to Field's apartment, where they interrogate Angela Russo, Field's fiancée, who was found there the previous night. She claims she was in the apartment at the time of the murder but cannot prove it. After she leaves, the Queens and Piggott search the apartment, discovering a case of liquor. They are interrupted by a mysterious figure using a key to enter the apartment, leading to a struggle.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and False Appearances
Angela Russo's evasive answers and the mysterious figure entering with a key highlight the theme of hidden identities and deceptive appearances.
The Relentless Quest for Truth
The Queens' persistent interrogation of Angela Russo and their thorough search of Field's apartment demonstrate their relentless pursuit of the truth behind the murder.
The Primacy of Rational Deduction
Ellery's observation about the missing hats and canes and the careful analysis of the liquor bottles exemplify the use of rational deduction in the investigation.
Characters to notice
- Richard Queen
Inspector Queen leads the investigation, interrogates Angela Russo, and directs the search of Field's apartment.
- Ellery Queen
Ellery observes the interrogation and participates in the search, noting the absence of hats and canes in the closet.
- Djuna
Djuna is introduced as the Queens' loyal and energetic man-of-all-work, answering the morning phone call from Sergeant Velie.
- Angela Russo
Angela Russo, Field's fiancée, is interrogated about her presence in the apartment the night of the murder; she claims to have been there but cannot prove it.
- Thomas Velie
Sergeant Velie calls the Queens' apartment early in the morning to report that Ritter has phoned from Field's apartment.
- Hagstrom
Detective Hagstrom is present in Field's bedroom during the interrogation and later leaves the apartment.
- Ritter
Detective Ritter is mentioned as having phoned from Field's apartment and is later sent home by Inspector Queen.
- Piggott
Detective Piggott is called up by Inspector Queen, participates in the search, and struggles with the mysterious figure entering the apartment.
Key passages
“I am Inspector Queen of the police, my dear,” announced the old man mildly. “I warn you that any attempt to keep a stubborn silence or lie to me will only get you into a heap of trouble.”
Inspector Queen introduces himself to Angela Russo and warns her that lying or remaining silent will lead to serious consequences.
This establishes Inspector Queen's authoritative yet gentle interrogation style.
“My name is Angela Russo— Mrs. Angela Russo—and I'm, well, I'm engaged to Mr. Field.”
Angela Russo identifies herself as Mrs. Angela Russo and claims to be engaged to Monte Field.
This reveals her relationship to the victim and her potential motive or knowledge.
“Monte Field is dead.”
Inspector Queen informs Angela Russo that Monte Field has been murdered.
This shocking revelation prompts a change in her demeanor and cooperation.
“I was right here in this apartment at a quarter to ten last night.”
Angela Russo states she was in Field's apartment at the time of the murder.
This places her at the scene, though she cannot provide proof.
