# XIX: Mordaunt Reeves Talks to Himself explained — The Viaduct Murder

> Chapter companion for The Viaduct Murder by Ronald A. Knox.

## What happens

Mordaunt Reeves, alone in his armchair, struggles to piece together the clues of the murder, fixating on a golf ball found by the railway line. He takes a walk to the embankment, imagining himself as a passenger on the train to reconstruct the crime. Later, he visits Paston Oatvile churchyard, where he overhears Marryatt delivering a sermon on Brotherhood's sudden death. Reeves then retrieves a hidden walking stick, which he smuggles to his room, and later visits Miss Rendall-Smith, who shares her suspicion that she is being watched by a stranger.

## Themes in this chapter

### Detection and Rationality

Reeves engages in methodical reasoning, talking through the murder scenario and using clues like the golf ball and walking stick to build a case.

### Religion and Morality

Marryatt's sermon on Brotherhood's sudden death and the afterlife highlights themes of mortality, belief, and moral reflection.

### Isolation and Community

Reeves works alone in his investigation, while the church service and golf course scenes depict communal life; Miss Rendall-Smith feels isolated and watched.

## Character check-ins

### Mordaunt Reeves

The central figure of the chapter, Reeves engages in solitary reflection and investigation, talking to himself as he reconstructs the murder scenario and later visits Miss Rendall-Smith.

### Miss Rendall-Smith

Reeves visits her on a Sunday afternoon; she expresses anxiety about being watched and provides details about her train journey on the day of the murder.

### Gordon Davenant

Mentioned as the arrested suspect whom Reeves believes to be innocent; referenced in Reeves' internal monologue and in conversation with Miss Rendall-Smith.

### Mr. Carmichael

Reeves mentions Carmichael's clever work and his tendency to lose interest; Carmichael is also seen at the third tee with Gordon.

### Marryatt

Heard giving a sermon at the church in Paston Oatvile, using Brotherhood's death as a theme; his voice is recognized by Reeves.

### Old Brotherhood

The murdered man; his death is the subject of Marryatt's sermon, and Reeves considers visiting his grave for inspiration.

## Key lines

> A golf-ball, a golf-ball by the side of the railway line, a few yards behind the spot from which the murdered man fell. It must have something to do with it, but where, where does it fit in?

Reeves fixates on a golf ball found near the railway line, believing it is a crucial clue to the murder.

_Reeves' internal monologue emphasizes the importance of the golf ball as evidence._

> To sleep—perchance to dream; aye, there's the rub! For, in that sleep of death, what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil Must give us pause

Marryatt quotes Hamlet in his sermon, reflecting on the uncertainty of what comes after death.

_The sermon uses Shakespeare to explore themes of mortality and the afterlife._

> I have a sort of feeling that I am being watched.

Miss Rendall-Smith tells Reeves she suspects a stranger is following her.

_This introduces a new element of threat and mystery surrounding the widow._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters/xix-mordaunt-reeves-talks-to-himself
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_viaduct_murder_se/chapters