Murder by the Clock · Character

Herbert Endicott

A reticent man who made a fetish of silence, half animal and half fog, whose elaborately lied-about evenings finally caught up with him.

major

Also known as Mr. Endicott, Mr. Herbert Endicott

First appearance: I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100

As a major figure in Murder by the Clock, Herbert Endicott is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as having left to visit Marge Myles; his room and belongings are examined.

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Herbert Endicott is dead before the novel properly begins, but he dominates it through the testimony of everyone who knew him. His wife describes a man who talked elaborately only when lying, who kept weekly impromptu reunions at the Yale Club that were neither impromptu nor at the Yale Club, and who was found dressed for outdoors without his hat. His weakness, his cruelty, and his refusal to be understood made him a target long before anyone pulled a trigger — and the question of who finally did is the engine of the whole case.

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See Herbert Endicott in I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100

Character Web

5 connections

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Family and peripheral figures
Protagonist
Investigation core witnesses

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Herbert Endicott appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100
Mentioned as having left to visit Marge Myles; his room and belongings are examined.
II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder
Found dead in the cupboard, with a missing top button on his overcoat.
III: 9:45 p.m.—Guards Are Stationed at the Doors
The deceased, found slumped in a cupboard; his death is the focus of the investigation.
IV: 10:02 p.m.—Pale Flares the Darkness
Discussed at length; his habits, his lies about the Yale Club, and his heart condition are central to the conversation.
VI: 10:32 p.m.—Pictures in Dust
Lying on the bed, appearing dead but with a chance of being revived. His body was found in the cupboard.
VIII: 11:28 p.m.—Mrs. Endicott Screams
Revived by Dr. Worth, but his condition is serious and he may not regain consciousness.
XI: 12:15 a.m.—To Watch by Night
Unconscious and in serious condition after a heart attack caused by a sudden shock.
XII: 12:30 a.m.—Madame Velasquez Stirs Up Muck
Mentioned as having failed to meet Marge, and later revealed to have been attacked.
XIII: 2:01 a.m.—Glittering Eyes
The unconscious patient, guarded by police and watched over by Hollander.
XV: 2:13 a.m.—The Thin Steel Blade
The patient, showing signs of regaining consciousness, his eyelids twitching and eyes opening.
XVI: 2:13 a.m.—Time Versus Death
Weak and recovering, he confronts Hollander and insists he will tell the police the truth.
XVIII: 3:00 a.m.—Thin Haze of Dread
Dead, covered with a sheet on the bed, the victim of the crime.
XIX: 3:15 a.m.—The Properties of Horror
The victim, whose body lies covered on the bed; Valcour uncovers his face while waiting for Roberts.
XX: 3:24 a.m.—On Private Heights
The deceased, described as a 'tame tiger' controlled by his wife, and a man who never recovered from being a soldier.
XXIII: 4:29 a.m.—A Turn of the Screw
Mentioned as the murdered husband.
XXVI: 5:25 a.m.—There Was a Sailor
His past actions toward a servant girl are discussed, revealing a pattern of brutality.
XXVIII: 6:00 a.m.—Mist Drifting Through Mist
Deceased; Mrs. Endicott reflects on her love for him and the events leading to his death.
XXIX: 6:30 a.m.—As Is Mirage
The victim, whose death Valcour believes was caused by Marge Myles, either through a heart attack or a gunshot wound.

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See Herbert Endicott in I: 8:37 p.m.—Spring 3100