Mrs. Howard Van Burnam

Coroner Dahl

Coroner Dahl interacts with Mrs. Howard Van Burnam as part of the official investigation into the death connected to her household.

Mr. Gryce

Mr. Gryce questions and investigates Mrs. Howard Van Burnam as a key figure in the murder case.

Amelia Butterworth

Amelia is a nosy neighbor and acquaintance of Mrs. Howard Van Burnam, observing her with suspicion and curiosity.

Louise Van Burnam

Louise Van Burnam is the sister-in-law of Mrs. Howard Van Burnam, and their interactions are strained by family tensions and the murder.

Franklin Van Burnam

Franklin Van Burnam is the brother of Mrs. Howard Van Burnam's deceased husband, and their relationship is fraught with suspicion and conflict.

Randolph Stone

Mrs. Howard Van Burnam and Randolph Stone are suspected of having a romantic relationship, which becomes a motive for murder.

Coroner Dahl

Coroner Dahl interacts with Mrs. Howard Van Burnam as part of the official investigation into the death connected to her household.

Mr. Gryce

Mr. Gryce questions and investigates Mrs. Howard Van Burnam as a key figure in the murder case.

Louise Van Burnam

Louise Van Burnam is the sister-in-law of Mrs. Howard Van Burnam, and their interactions are strained by family tensions and the murder.

Franklin Van Burnam

Franklin Van Burnam is the brother of Mrs. Howard Van Burnam's deceased husband, and their relationship is fraught with suspicion and conflict.

Franklin Van Burnam

Franklin Van Burnam is the brother of Mrs. Howard Van Burnam's deceased husband, and their relationship is fraught with suspicion and conflict.

Coroner Dahl

Coroner Dahl interacts with Mrs. Howard Van Burnam as part of the official investigation into the death connected to her household.

Book I: Miss Butterworth’s Window

One of the Van Burnam sons, involved in the mystery surrounding the house.

III: Amelia Discovers Herself

Shows agitation upon hearing Amelia's account of the midnight arrival, contradicting his earlier dismissive stance.

V: “This Is No One I Know.”

Brought to identify the body; initially claims 'This is no one I know,' but later shows recognition of the hands and distress.

New Facts

Refuses to acknowledge the body as his wife's, shows no interest in the murder details, and insists on leaving to search for Louise.

VII: Mr. Gryce Discovers Miss Amelia

Mentioned as the prime suspect; Gryce implies matters look grim for him.

VIII: The Misses van Burnam

Discussed but not present; the papers cast doubt on his candor, and his sisters defend him.

IX: Developments

Mentioned during the inquest; he was shown the scar on the victim's ankle but refused to identify the body as his wife.

X: Important Evidence

Mentioned in Miss Ferguson's testimony as the husband who argued with Louise about her trip to New York.

The Order Clerk

The deceased; her clothing is identified as the outfit ordered by 'Mrs. James Pope'.

The Order Clerk

Mentioned as having possession of the handbag left by his wife at the friend's house.

XII: The Keys

Mentioned as the brother who borrowed keys and whose marriage was disapproved by the family.

XIII: Howard van Burnam

Testifies at the inquest; initially denies the victim is his wife but breaks down when her hat is produced; shows evasiveness about the keys and his wife's hands.

A Serious Admission

Admits he accompanied his wife into the house and perjured himself; claims she was alive when he left and suggests suicide or accident.

XV: A Reluctant Witness

Recalled to explain Stone's testimony; admits being at the house but claims he did not enter, offering a contradictory explanation.

XVI: Cogitations

The prime suspect; Amelia analyzes his contradictory testimony and struggles to reconcile her instinct that he is innocent with the evidence against him.

Butterworth Versus Gryce

Discussed as the prime suspect; Amelia argues against his guilt, noting inconsistencies in the evidence and his demeanor at the inquest.

The Little Pincushion

Arrested for his wife's murder; his trunks were found packed, suggesting he was preparing for a journey.

Miss Butterworth’s Theory

Central to Amelia's theory; she argues he perjured himself to protect his wife, identifying the dead woman as his wife despite knowing otherwise.

A Shrewd Conjecture

His testimony is analyzed in light of Amelia's theory; his conduct is questioned.

A Shrewd Conjecture

The subject of the advertisement and the photograph request; her plaid silk is key to the theory.

XXV: “The Rings! Where Are the Rings?”

Discussed as possibly innocent; Amelia theorizes he was deceived by the clothing exchange and did not know his wife was in the house.

A Tilt with Mr. Gryce

Mentioned as the man arrested for the murder; Amelia believes he is innocent.

Book III: The Girl in Gray

The deceased's husband, whose actions and relationships are under scrutiny.

XXIX: Amelia Becomes Peremptory

Mentioned as not having been in the Duane Street office since his wife's murder.

The Matter as Stated by Mr. Gryce

Howard is mentioned as the brother initially suspected, but Mr. Gryce now believes Franklin is the murderer.

Some Fine Work

Mentioned as having dropped the keys and being seen on the stoop, but Gryce considers his testimony a tissue of lies.

Known, Known, All Known.

Mentioned as the brother in custody; Ruth Oliver suggests the rings be returned to him.

A Ruse

Implied occupant of the second carriage; Ruth's violent reaction confirms her association with him.

Book IV: The End of a Great Mystery

Key suspect whose fate is decided in this chapter.

The Result

Remains composed and denies knowing Ruth Oliver; dismisses her as a 'miserable waif' and shows no guilt or fear.

Two Weeks!

Mentioned as having an unexpected meeting with Ruth; his attitude suggests a lack of connection to her.

A White Satin Gown

Referenced by Ruth when she says to buy as for Mr. Van Burnam's daughter.

XLI: Secret History

His desk is where Ruth Oliver placed the rings, leading to complications.

With Miss Butterworth's Compliments

Bears his release with composure; his motives for perjuring himself are explained as protecting his wife's reputation.