# Ashton Kirk — Ashton-Kirk, Investigator character guide > Ashton Kirk in Ashton-Kirk, Investigator by John T. McIntyre. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Ashton-Kirk, Kirk, VI Ashton-Kirk **First appearance:** 0002-ashton-kirk-investigator ## Snapshot A wealthy, athletic young investigator who reads a cab driver's hesitation like a page and turns a murder in Christie Place into a private laboratory experiment. ## Who they are Kirk moves through the city with an athlete's ease and a scholar's appetite, collecting dialects, disguises, and out-of-the-way knowledge while politely ignoring the society that would claim him. Where others see a locked room and a missing portrait, he sees probabilities to be tested, and he questions a reluctant cabby with the patience of a man who already knows the answer. His methods — part logic, part theater — set the book's cool, methodical tone and make him the still center around which every nervous witness and lying suspect revolves. ## Relationships ### [Jimmie Pendleton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/jimmie_pendleton) _friendship_ Ashton Kirk and Jimmie Pendleton are close companions, with Jimmie often assisting Kirk in his investigative work. ### [Allan Morris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/allan_morris) _rivalry_ Allan Morris and Ashton Kirk are rivals, often clashing over investigations or personal matters. ### [Antonio Spatola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/antonio_spatola) _rivalry_ Antonio Spatola and Ashton Kirk are enemies, with Spatola often opposing Kirk's work. ### [Osborne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/osborne) _professional_ Ashton Kirk and Osborne have a professional relationship, possibly as assistant or colleague. ### [Jimmie Pendleton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/jimmie_pendleton) _friendship_ Ashton Kirk and Jimmie Pendleton are close companions, with Jimmie often assisting Kirk in his investigative work. ### [Jimmie Pendleton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/jimmie_pendleton) _friendship_ Ashton Kirk and Jimmie Pendleton are close companions, with Jimmie often assisting Kirk in his investigative work. ### [Allan Morris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/allan_morris) _rivalry_ Allan Morris and Ashton Kirk are rivals, often clashing over investigations or personal matters. ### [Antonio Spatola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/antonio_spatola) _rivalry_ Antonio Spatola and Ashton Kirk are enemies, with Spatola often opposing Kirk's work. ### [Osborne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/osborne) _professional_ Ashton Kirk and Osborne have a professional relationship, possibly as assistant or colleague. ### [Allan Morris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/allan_morris) _rivalry_ Allan Morris and Ashton Kirk are rivals, often clashing over investigations or personal matters. ### [Osborne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/osborne) _professional_ Ashton Kirk and Osborne have a professional relationship, possibly as assistant or colleague. ### [Antonio Spatola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/antonio_spatola) _rivalry_ Antonio Spatola and Ashton Kirk are enemies, with Spatola often opposing Kirk's work. ## In the story ### [Ashton-Kirk, Investigator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/ashton-kirk-investigator) The brilliant investigator, known for his methodical approach and keen observation. ### [Pendleton Calls Upon Ashton-Kirk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/i-pendleton-calls-upon-ashton-kirk) Lounging in his study, discussing crime literature and awaiting Miss Vale's visit. ### [Miss Edyth Vale States Her Case](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/ii-miss-edyth-vale-states-her-case) Listens to Miss Vale's account and agrees to investigate the case. ### [III: The Portraits of General Wayne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/iii-the-portraits-of-general-wayne) Reflects on drama and Miss Vale's behavior; reviews reports on Morris and Hume; investigates Hume's murder. ### [IV: Stillman's Theory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/iv-stillman-s-theory) Investigates the crime scene, notes the bayonet and bruise on Hume's body, and discovers the torn prints of General Wayne. ### [Stillman Asks Questions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/v-stillman-asks-questions) Ashton-Kirk observes the interviews silently, showing keen interest when Brolatsky mentions Hume's collection of General Wayne portraits. ### [VI: Ashton-Kirk Looks About](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/vi-ashton-kirk-looks-about) Leads the investigation, interviews Berg and Sams, and meticulously examines Hume's rooms. ### [VII: The Schwartz-Michael Bayonet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/vii-the-schwartz-michael-bayonet) Examines the bayonet, deduces its origin, and plans further investigation. ### [IX: Miss Vale Tells What She Knows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/ix-miss-vale-tells-what-she-knows) Receives Miss Vale, analyzes her account, and discusses theories of the crime. ### [X: Ashton-Kirk Asks Questions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/x-ashton-kirk-asks-questions) Remains composed and methodical, leading the investigation by visiting Bernstine's to trace the bayonet sale and then heading to the station. ### [XI: Pendleton Is Vastly Enlightened](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xi-pendleton-is-vastly-enlightened) Explains the bell sound, deciphers the tallow message, and deduces the involvement of a mute and the hiding place behind Wayne's portrait. ### [XII: Antonio Spatola Appears](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xii-antonio-spatola-appears) Interviews Spatola, subtly confirms his knowledge of German and shorthand. ### [A New Light on Allan Morris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xiii-a-new-light-on-allan-morris) Leads the investigation at Spatola's lodging house, questioning the machinist and Mrs. Marx, and reveals the connection between Crawford and Allan Morris. ### [Miss Vale Unexpectedly Appears](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xiv-miss-vale-unexpectedly-appears) Leads the investigation, arranges an early dinner, and drives to the Mercer Institute to see Professor Locke. He deliberately causes Haines to drop the lantern to observe unnoticed. ### [Miss Vale Departs Suddenly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xv-miss-vale-departs-suddenly) Observes Miss Vale with Locke, deliberately startles her into fleeing, and engages Locke in a written conversation using shorthand. ### [Steel Against Steel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xvi-steel-against-steel) Visits Miss Vale in the morning, uses literary discussion to test her reactions, and reveals his suspicion about her movements and Morris's hiding place. ### [XVIII: Ashton-Kirk Tells Why](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xviii-ashton-kirk-tells-why) Explains his reasoning and reveals he followed Miss Vale to Allan Morris's hiding place; deciphers the coded message 'Tobin Rangnow'. ### [XIX: The Two Reports](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xix-the-two-reports) Receives and analyzes the two reports, deducing connections between Hume, Richard Morris, and the invention. ### [XX: One of the Old Sort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xx-one-of-the-old-sort) Visits Tobin, recognizes him as the philosopher of the Coffin Club, and asks him to help Allan Morris. ### [Ashton-Kirk Begins to Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xxi-ashton-kirk-begins-to-plan) Confidently outlines his deductions and plans a stakeout at Hume's residence. ### [XXII: Ashton-Kirk Is Annoyed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xxii-ashton-kirk-is-annoyed) Visits Miss Vale's house, confronts her about her deception and involvement with Allan Morris, expresses annoyance at her attitude. ### [The Secret of the Portrait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xxiii-the-secret-of-the-portrait) Plans and executes the stakeout at 478 Christie Place; discusses Pendleton's feelings and the case; watches through the night. ### [The Second Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xxiv-the-second-night) Leads the vigil, warns Pendleton to stay quiet, handcuffs Sagon, and summons the police. ### [XXV: Approaching the Finish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xxv-approaching-the-finish) Reveals Locke's movements and the motive behind Sagon's use of a bayonet; explains the resolution of the case. ### [The Finish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/chapters/xxvi-the-finish) Leads the final confrontation with Locke, calmly negotiates the standoff, and later explains the resolution of the case. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters/ashton_kirk - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ashton_kirk_investigator_se/characters