# Queen to Queen explained — The Roman Hat Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen.

## What happens

Dr. Prouty and Dr. Thaddeus Jones visit the Queens to report their startling toxicological findings on Monte Field's remains, revealing a unique poison. Later, Inspector Queen and Ellery discuss the case, focusing on the missing top hat as the central mystery, and plan to re-search the Roman Theatre.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Primacy of Rational Deduction

Ellery and Inspector Queen emphasize logical reasoning about the missing hat as the key to solving the murder.

### The Relentless Quest for Truth

The Queens persist in analyzing evidence and planning a renewed search of the theatre.

### Deception and False Appearances

The mysterious poison and the missing hat highlight how appearances can mislead.

## Character check-ins

### Ellery Queen

Present at home with his father; engages in discussion about the hat and the case.

### Richard Queen

Hosts Dr. Prouty and Dr. Jones; later debates the hat mystery with Ellery.

### Dr. Samuel Prouty

Chief Assistant Medical Examiner; reports difficulty in analyzing Field's stomach contents.

### Dr. Thaddeus Jones

Eminent toxicologist; reveals the poison found in Field's body was a startling discovery.

### Djuna

Serves coffee and listens to the conversation from the corner.

### Edmund Crewe

Reports via telephone that there is no secret hiding place in the Roman Theatre.

## Key lines

> I've been fairly itching to be introduced to New York City's Paracelsus and eminent Toxicologist

Ellery expresses eagerness to meet the famous toxicologist Dr. Jones.

_Ellery's characteristic wit and respect for expertise._

> Solve the mystery of Field's hat and you will find the one essential clue that will point to the murderer.

Ellery believes the hat is the crucial piece of evidence.

_Central thesis of the chapter's investigation._

> I'm not at all satisfied with things as you've stated them, dad. Hat—hat—there's something wrong somewhere!

Ellery is uneasy about the hat's disappearance and suspects a flaw in their reasoning.

_Shows Ellery's analytical doubt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se/chapters/part-two-xiii-queen-to-queen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_roman_hat_mystery_se/chapters