Carter Woodman

Joan Cowper

Carter is Joan's trusted colleague and fellow detective, working closely to solve the murders.

Walter Brooklyn

Carter suspects Walter of being involved in the crimes, leading to tense confrontations.

Robert Ellery

Carter and Robert are old friends who often share information and support each other's investigations.

Charis Lang

Carter is obsessed with protecting Charis, whom he sees as a vulnerable victim of her family's dark past.

Sir Vernon Brooklyn

Carter openly challenges Sir Vernon's authority and suspects him of orchestrating the crimes.

Joan Cowper

Carter is Joan's trusted colleague and fellow detective, working closely to solve the murders.

Robert Ellery

Carter and Robert are old friends who often share information and support each other's investigations.

Walter Brooklyn

Carter suspects Walter of being involved in the crimes, leading to tense confrontations.

Charis Lang

Carter is obsessed with protecting Charis, whom he sees as a vulnerable victim of her family's dark past.

Sir Vernon Brooklyn

Carter openly challenges Sir Vernon's authority and suspects him of orchestrating the crimes.

Joan Cowper

Carter is Joan's trusted colleague and fellow detective, working closely to solve the murders.

Charis Lang

Carter is obsessed with protecting Charis, whom he sees as a vulnerable victim of her family's dark past.

A Pause for Reflection

Inspector Blaikie visits Woodman at his office to gather information about the family and the victims. Woodman is described as vigorous and athletic, a successful solicitor with a large practice.

The Case Against Walter Brooklyn

Provided information to Inspector Blaikie about Walter Brooklyn's financial motives and character.

Walter Brooklyn’s Explanation

Mentioned as the first person Walter Brooklyn visited on Tuesday afternoon at his office in Lincoln's Inn.

X: Charis Lang

Sir Vernon's lawyer. He confirms Walter Brooklyn's financial troubles and his attempts to get money from Prinsep, but cannot shed light on Walter's dealings with Charis Lang.

XI: Joan Takes Up the Case

Reluctantly shares police evidence against Walter Brooklyn with Joan, but believes Walter may be guilty.

An Arrest

Gives evidence at the inquest but, warned by the inspector, says nothing to implicate Walter Brooklyn.

Mainly a Love Scene

Mentioned as someone who failed to help Joan; she contrasts him with Ellery, who is more willing to assist.

A Link in the Chain

Mentioned as a potential source of information for Thomas; seen by Walter at Liskeard House.

XVIII: The Case for the Defence

Family lawyer who meets with Thomas but refuses to implicate innocent persons in the defense strategy.

XXV: Raising the Wind

Interviewed by Inspector Blaikie about Sir Vernon's will; reveals he is next of kin after Walter Brooklyn.

Two Men Strike a Bargain

Proposes and drafts a deal with Walter Brooklyn to secure half of Walter's inheritance and become his heir, leveraging his knowledge of Sir Vernon's will.

Robert Ellery’s Idea

Ellery's prime suspect; believed to have motive to inherit Sir Vernon's fortune and control of the Corporation; alibi is questioned.

The Superintendent’s Theory

Suspect: Wilson argues he planted the stick and the note, and stands to gain from Walter Brooklyn's removal.

XXIX: The Lie of the Land

Subject of Ellery's investigation; his alibi is shown to be false through the discovery of a possible unobserved exit and Ba Pu's testimony.

A Letter and Its Consequences

Revealed to have attempted to raise £60,000 on the security of his and Walter Brooklyn's expectations; cut out of the new will.

XXXI: A Button in a Bag

Suspect; his rooms and office are searched; his photograph is shown to staff; his movements are analyzed.

Sir John Bunnery

Revealed to be bankrupt and to have attempted to raise money under false pretenses; suspected of murder.

On the Tiles

Under financial strain from heavy speculation in oil shares; suspected by police of murder.

The Stable-Yard

Subject of Joan and Ellery's investigation; suspected of entering Liskeard House via the coach-yard on the night of the murder.

An Order for Bulbs

Present in his office with Joan and Ellery, under suspicion due to the handwriting on the scrap of paper.

An Afternoon Call

The murderer; admits his crimes, then shoots himself when trapped.

A Happy Ending

Commits suicide after being confronted with the evidence; his financial difficulties and guilt are revealed.