The Brooklyn Murders · Character

John Prinsep

The murdered man whose fingerprints on the club and letter in his own hand seem to prove he killed George Brooklyn—except that he is also dead.

major

Also known as Prinsep, Mr. Prinsep, Mr. John Prinsep

First appearance: III: Murder

As a major figure in The Brooklyn Murders, John Prinsep is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Managing director of the Brooklyn Corporation; Sir Vernon's nephew and intended husband for Joan; in unusually good spirits at the dinner.

In the storyI: A Family CelebrationOpen this moment free

See John Prinsep in I: A Family Celebration Book page

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John Prinsep was Joan Cowper's suitor, a man Ellery cordially disliked, and the second victim found in the garden with evidence pointing both toward and away from him. The cigar-holder, the letter, and the fingerprints on the club all suggest he struck George Brooklyn down, yet the impossibility of mutual murder leaves Inspector Blaikie groaning over contradictory facts. His death is the hinge on which the whole puzzle turns: clearing him or condemning him determines which of the living suspects the police pursue.

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See John Prinsep in III: Murder

Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Rivalry
Professional
Family
Other

Character groups

Core family and suspects

+12 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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the psychological peak of Walter Brooklyn’s precari…

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Relationships

Charis Lang
romantic · positive
Charis and John are secretly in love, but their relationship is complicated by family… How this plays out →
Walter Brooklyn
rivalry · negative
Joan Cowper
professional · ambivalent
Sir Vernon Brooklyn
family · negative
Charis Lang
romantic · positive
Charis and John are secretly in love, but their relationship is complicated by family… How this plays out →
Walter Brooklyn
rivalry · negative
Joan Cowper
professional · ambivalent
Sir Vernon Brooklyn
family · negative

Charis Lang
Charis and John are secretly in love, but their relationship is complicated by family loyalties.
Walter Brooklyn
John and Walter are bitter rivals, both vying for control of the Brooklyn family legacy.
Joan Cowper
Joan questions John as a suspect, but they share a mutual respect for each other's intelligence.
Sir Vernon Brooklyn
John is Sir Vernon's illegitimate son, and their relationship is fraught with blackmail and manipulation.
Charis Lang
Charis and John are secretly in love, but their relationship is complicated by family loyalties.
Walter Brooklyn
John and Walter are bitter rivals, both vying for control of the Brooklyn family legacy.
Joan Cowper
Joan questions John as a suspect, but they share a mutual respect for each other's intelligence.
Sir Vernon Brooklyn
John is Sir Vernon's illegitimate son, and their relationship is fraught with blackmail and manipulation.

Relationship notes

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

See John Prinsep in III: Murder

In the story

John Prinsep appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: A Family Celebration
Managing director of the Brooklyn Corporation; Sir Vernon's nephew and intended husband for Joan; in unusually good spirits at the dinner.
II: Sir Vernon’s Will
Named a residuary legatee; appears lighthearted during dinner but later broods alone in his study.
III: Murder
Found dead in his study with a knife in his chest and a contusion on the back of his head.
IV: What Joan Found in the Garden
Found dead in his study; his cigar-holder is discovered near George's body.
Plain as a Pikestaff
Found murdered in his study; cause of death is a blow to the head, with a knife wound inflicted after death.
The Case Against Walter Brooklyn
Victim; Walter Brooklyn's stick found in his study; his murder is central to the case.
A Review of the Case
His fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, strongly suggesting he killed George Brooklyn, though Wilson notes it's not proof positive.
Walter Brooklyn’s Explanation
Mentioned as having been seen by Walter Brooklyn at the Piccadilly Theatre on Tuesday afternoon; his walking-stick was found in Prinsep's room.
X: Charis Lang
The murdered man; his fingerprints on the club are discussed, and his role in refusing Walter's money demands is highlighted.
XII: Robert Ellery
One of the murder victims; Ellery disliked him and is relieved Joan will not marry him.
XVIII: The Case for the Defence
Murder victim, revealed to have been involved in an intrigue with a gardener's daughter at Fittleworth.
XIX: The Police Have Their Doubts
Mentioned as the murder victim; his character and relationships are discussed as potential avenues for the defense.
XX: Superintendent Wilson Thinks It Out
One of the murder victims; the walking-stick was found in his room, and Wilson considers how it got there.
A Fresh Start
One of the murder victims; last seen in the garden before 11:15.
The Superintendent’s Theory
The note found near George Brooklyn's body was written by Prinsep, originally addressed to Woodman.
XXXI: A Button in a Bag
His fingerprints on the club are discussed; he was seen handling the club before the murder.
An Afternoon Call
Referenced as the first victim killed by Woodman.

Chapter companion notes

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See John Prinsep in III: Murder

See John Prinsep in I: A Family Celebration