Murder in the Maze · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Murder in the Maze by J. J. Connington.

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Chapter 1
I: The Hackleton Case
Neville Shandon, a barrister, recuperates at his brother Roger's estate, Whistlefield. The chapter introduces the Shandon family, including the idle brother Ernest and their niece Sylvia Hawkhurst. Neville discusses his ongoing Hackleton case, a complex legal battle involving a dangerous opponent, while the family prepares for a casual afternoon.
Chapter 2
The Affair in the Maze
Vera Forrest and Howard Torrance become separated in the maze at Whistlefield. Vera hears cries and thuds, then Howard discovers the body of Roger Shandon. The murderer may still be in the maze, and Vera must find her way out while avoiding the killer. She eventually reaches the exit and is instructed to raise the alarm.
Chapter 3
III: The Immediate Results
Vera Forrest returns to the house to raise the alarm after discovering Neville Shandon's body in the Maze. She finds the house nearly empty and enlists the help of the secretary, Mr. Stenness, who efficiently organizes the response, sending for the police and arming gardeners. Meanwhile, Howard Torrance and Stenness return to the Maze to guard the body, where they examine evidence including a scrap of paper in Neville's hand and Skene's discovery of darts and a tin box lid near Roger Shandon's body. The chapter highlights the immediate aftermath and the beginning of the investigation.
Chapter 4
IV: The Chief Constable
Sir Clinton Driffield arrives at Whistlefield with Wendover and police. Stenness leads them to the two murder scenes in the Maze. Sir Clinton examines both bodies, photographs the scenes, and uses a dog to track the murderer's path, which ends inconclusively at a tree and then a road. He also encounters Timothy Costock, an old acquaintance from South Africa, and warns him not to incriminate himself. The doctor arrives to begin formal examinations.
Chapter 5
The Evidence in the Case
Sir Clinton Driffield interviews the household at Whistlefield, gathering testimonies from Vera Forrest, Howard Torrance, and Mr. Stenness about the events in the Maze and the relationships among the Shandon brothers. Stenness reveals threatening letters to Roger Shandon, his gambling habits, and tensions with Dr. Ardsley. Ernest Shandon arrives late, expressing disbelief at the murders and providing a vague alibi involving a nail in his boot.

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I: The Hackleton Case

The Affair in the Maze

III: The Immediate Results

IV: The Chief Constable

The Evidence in the Case