# XXVII: A Supper Party at the Savoy explained — The Secret Adversary

> Chapter companion for The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

The chapter opens with a lavish supper party hosted by Julius Hersheimmer at the Savoy, celebrating the successful resolution of the conspiracy. Guests include the American ambassador, Mr. Carter, Sir William Beresford, Archdeacon Cowley, Dr. Hall, Tuppence, Tommy, and Jane Finn as the guest of honour. The conversation turns to revelations about Sir James Peel Edgerton's secret identity as Mr. Brown, the mastermind behind the plot. Tommy explains how he deduced Sir James's guilt through careful observation, including a misspelled note. Mr. Carter reads from Sir James's diary, which reveals his megalomaniacal ambition and his double life as a respected barrister and criminal mastermind. The chapter concludes with the aftermath: the gang's collapse, Kramenin's flight, and the government's successful prevention of a national crisis.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Sir James Peel Edgerton's double life as a respected barrister and the criminal mastermind Mr. Brown exemplifies the theme of hidden identities and deception.

### Post-War Disillusionment and Opportunity

The conspiracy to overthrow the government and the characters' secret service work highlight the post-war disillusionment and the opportunities for adventure and danger.

### Crime and Justice

The exposure of Sir James's criminal organization and the prevention of a national crisis underscore the tension between crime and the pursuit of justice.

## Character check-ins

### Tommy Beresford

Explains his deduction of Sir James's guilt, revealing his cleverness and growth as a secret agent.

### Tuppence Cowley

Playfully teases Julius about his earlier proposal and participates in dressing Jane for the party.

### Julius P. Hersheimmer

Hosts the supper party and admits his earlier suspicion of Sir James; shows romantic interest in Jane.

### Jane Finn

Guest of honour at the party, now rescued and dressed elegantly; her photograph was key to the investigation.

### Sir James Peel Edgerton

Revealed posthumously as Mr. Brown; his diary exposes his megalomania and double life.

### Mr. Carter

Reads from Sir James's diary and reflects on the narrow escape from national disaster.

## Key lines

> I never liked him. I felt from the first that there was something wrong about him, and I always suspected that it was he who silenced Mrs. Vandemeyer so appositely.

Julius says he never trusted Sir James and suspected him of causing Mrs. Vandemeyer's death.

_Julius expresses his early suspicion of Sir James._

> I've always thought I was so much cleverer than Tommy—but he's undoubtedly scored over me handsomely.

Tuppence admits that Tommy outsmarted her in solving the mystery.

_Tuppence acknowledges Tommy's superior detective work._

> I was an awful mug—right up to the time I found that photograph of Annette, and realized that she was Jane Finn.

Tommy confesses he was clueless until he discovered the photograph identifying Annette as Jane Finn.

_Tommy explains the key moment that led to his deductions._

> It is madness to keep this book. I know that. It is documentary evidence against me. But I have never shrunk from taking risks.

Sir James acknowledges the danger of keeping a diary but cannot resist documenting his thoughts.

_From Sir James's diary, revealing his arrogance and need for self-expression._

> What a magnificent field—what unlimited possibilities! It made my brain reel.

Sir James reflects on the vast opportunities for a man of brains in the criminal underworld.

_Sir James's diary entry showing his fascination with crime as a career._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_adversary_se/chapters/xxvii-a-supper-party-at-the-savoy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_adversary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_adversary_se/chapters