Murder by the Clock · Character

Roberts

Mrs. Endicott's maid, who stood over her sleeping mistress with a gun and would have used it if the nurse hadn't walked in.

supporting

Also known as Miss Roberts, Deeps Roberts

First appearance: i 8 37 p m spring 3100

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

The maid who responds to the bell, shows a slight reaction to Valcour's identity.

In the storyII: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of MurderOpen this moment free

See Roberts in II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder Book page

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Roberts is the household employee who knows too much and admits it too late — she fetched her own revolver from a locked trunk during the confusion after the shooting, and by the time she returned it, silence had become the only safe option. Her testimony against Mrs. Endicott is relentless and precise, yet her suggestion that Hollander be the one to sit with the dying Endicott is a contradiction Valcour cannot let go. She is the case's most self-incriminating witness, and her bitterness makes her both credible and suspect.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Roberts sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Roberts in i 8 37 p m spring 3100

Character Web

12 connections

A slice of how Roberts sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Investigation core witnesses
Protagonist

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Valcour’s admission of an “impalpable dread” marks the emotional peak, as the detective—hitherto anchored in l…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Lieutenant Valcour
professional · positive
Valcour directs Roberts, his trusted detective sergeant, in gathering evidence and… How this plays out →
Mrs. Endicott
rivalry · negative
Thomas Hollander
professional · ambivalent
Lieutenant Valcour
professional · positive
Valcour directs Roberts, his trusted detective sergeant, in gathering evidence and… How this plays out →
Mrs. Endicott
rivalry · negative
Lieutenant Valcour
professional · positive
Valcour directs Roberts, his trusted detective sergeant, in gathering evidence and… How this plays out →
Thomas Hollander
professional · ambivalent
Thomas Hollander
professional · ambivalent
Mrs. Endicott
rivalry · negative

Lieutenant Valcour
Valcour directs Roberts, his trusted detective sergeant, in gathering evidence and following leads.
Mrs. Endicott
Mrs. Endicott tries to mislead and outmaneuver Roberts, who is actively investigating her.
Thomas Hollander
Roberts questions Thomas Hollander as part of the police investigation, checking his story.
Lieutenant Valcour
Valcour directs Roberts, his trusted detective sergeant, in gathering evidence and following leads.
Mrs. Endicott
Mrs. Endicott tries to mislead and outmaneuver Roberts, who is actively investigating her.
Lieutenant Valcour
Valcour directs Roberts, his trusted detective sergeant, in gathering evidence and following leads.
Thomas Hollander
Roberts questions Thomas Hollander as part of the police investigation, checking his story.
Thomas Hollander
Roberts questions Thomas Hollander as part of the police investigation, checking his story.
Mrs. Endicott
Mrs. Endicott tries to mislead and outmaneuver Roberts, who is actively investigating her.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Roberts in i 8 37 p m spring 3100

In the story

Roberts appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder
The maid who responds to the bell, shows a slight reaction to Valcour's identity.
IV: 10:02 p.m.—Pale Flares the Darkness
Opens the door for Valcour and seems to attempt to convey a message with her eyes.
VIII: 11:28 p.m.—Mrs. Endicott Screams
Valcour questions her about her hatred for Mrs. Endicott, but she remains evasive.
IX: 11:55 p.m.—Queer Deeps
Suggests Thomas Hollander as Endicott's best friend; slaps Valcour after a probing question; speaks of a 'sharing of torture' and her dread of death's finality.
XIX: 3:15 a.m.—The Properties of Horror
Maid who was with Mrs. Endicott during the shooting; described as hysterical, shaking her fist at Mrs. Endicott, and muttering about 'ice and human hearts.'
XX: 3:24 a.m.—On Private Heights
Reveals her hatred for Mrs. Endicott, her possession of a gun, and her intention to shoot Mrs. Endicott if she approached Endicott again.
XXI: 3:51 a.m.—A Woman’s Slipper
Reveals her suspicions about Mrs. Endicott and admits to nearly killing her.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Roberts unlock in the free preview.

See Roberts in i 8 37 p m spring 3100

See Roberts in II: 9:24 p.m.—Hallmarks of Murder