The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club · Chapter
XV: Shuffle the Cards and Deal Again explained
Detective-Inspector Parker takes charge of the Fentiman case and consults with Wimsey.
What happens
Detective-Inspector Parker takes charge of the Fentiman case and consults with Wimsey. They methodically list suspects by opportunity, motive, and means, focusing on digitalin poisoning. Wimsey and Parker visit the Bellona Club, where reporters have gathered, and Parker provides a statement. Parker then interviews Dr. Penberthy.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Wimsey and Parker discuss how the General's death was stage-managed and the importance of appearances in the investigation.
Justice and Morality
The detectives methodically list suspects, weighing opportunity, motive, and means, reflecting the pursuit of justice.
Characters to notice
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Consults with Parker, lists suspects, and visits the Bellona Club.
- Inspector Parker
Takes charge of the case, methodically lists suspects, and interviews Dr. Penberthy.
- Dr. Penberthy
Listed as a suspect with means and opportunity; interviewed by Parker.
- Ann Dorland
Listed as a suspect with motive and opportunity; Wimsey plans to meet her.
- Major Robert Fentiman
Listed as a suspect due to being the last to see General Fentiman alive.
- Captain George Fentiman
Listed as a suspect with opportunity and motive due to debt to MacStewart.
Key passages
“Aristotle, chiefly. He says, you know, that one should always prefer the probable impossible to the improbable possible.”
Wimsey explains that he suspected murder because it was more probable than a natural death at such a convenient time.
Wimsey justifies his suspicion of murder using Aristotle's principle.
“I shall be asked to resign if this goes on. Not that it's much loss. But it would please Wetheridge so much to see the back of me.”
Wimsey jokes that his involvement may get him expelled from the Bellona Club, which would please Wetheridge.
Wimsey's lighthearted comment about club politics.