The Box Office Murders · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Box Office Murders by Freeman Wills Crofts.

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Chapter 1
I: The Purple Sickle
Inspector Joseph French is introduced while working on a routine case at Scotland Yard. He receives a phone call from Mr. Arrowsmith, a criminal lawyer, who sends a young woman named Thurza Darke to share a troubling story. Thurza reveals she was drawn into a gambling scheme by a woman named Gwen Lestrange, who introduced her to a bookmaker, Mr. Westinghouse. Thurza also recounts the tragic story of her friend Eileen Tucker, who died under suspicious circumstances after being involved with a man who had a scar on his wrist shaped like a purple sickle. French listens carefully, noting the connections and the potential for serious crime.
Chapter 2
II: French Makes an Assignation
French investigates the disappearance of Thurza Darke after she fails to meet him for a planned assignation. He learns of her death and presses for a postmortem, which reveals she drowned in fresh water despite being found in the sea, suggesting foul play. The chapter also recounts French's earlier interview with Thurza, where she described her suspicious meeting with Mr. Style and her fear of him.
Chapter 3
III: The Inquest
The inquest into Thurza Darke's death reveals that she was drowned in fresh water before her body was placed in the sea, confirming murder. Inspector French decides to withhold some details to lull the conspirators into complacency. The jury returns a verdict of wilful murder by person or persons unknown.
Chapter 4
IV: French Makes a Start
Inspector French begins his investigation into Thurza Darke's murder, interviewing witnesses at her boarding house and the Milan cinema, where he learns of a mysterious visitor—likely Gwen Lestrange—who met Darke on the night of her disappearance. He sets the CID machinery in motion in London before returning to Portsmouth, where he deduces a provisional timetable for the crime, concluding the murder occurred within thirty miles of London and the body was transported to Lee-on-the-Solent by car. French meets with Chief Constable Major Bentley and Sergeant Golightly, shares his findings, and after a phone call to Chief Inspector Mitchell, is recalled to London for further instructions.
Chapter 5
VI: The Supreme Appeal Court
French faces a period of stagnation after initial progress. He investigates boarding houses to find depressed cinema cashiers, narrowing his focus to three women: Lillian Burgess, Molly Moran, and Esther Isaacs. New reports of a car carrying a canvas-wrapped package near the crime scenes suggest the murderers transported the body. French also learns of a stalled car near the Caterham quarry hole where Eileen Tucker's body was found. At home, Mrs. French challenges his assumptions, pointing out that if the gang's activity is ongoing, the girls' visible distress before their disappearances provides a crucial lead.

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I: The Purple Sickle

II: French Makes an Assignation

III: The Inquest

IV: French Makes a Start

VI: The Supreme Appeal Court