The Case with Nine Solutions · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Case with Nine Solutions by J. J. Connington.

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Chapter 1
I: The Dying Man
Dr. Ringwood, exhausted from a flu epidemic, returns home late to find a visitor, Dr. Trevor Markfield, who shares suspicions about a local scandal involving Hassendean and Mrs. Silverdale. Later, Ringwood is called out into a thick fog to attend an emergency, only to discover a dying young man in a strange house. The victim gasps a few cryptic words before dying. Ringwood examines the body, explores the empty house, and realizes he is in the wrong residence. He decides to contact Sir Clinton Driffield, the Chief Constable, to report the murder.
Chapter 2
II: The House Next Door
Dr. Ringwood, having mistakenly entered Ivy Lodge and discovered a dying young man, proceeds to the correct house, Heatherfield, to attend to a patient. He uses the telephone to report the murder to Sir Clinton Driffield, the Chief Constable, while concealing the news from the nervous maid. After examining the patient, he questions the maid about the movements of Yvonne Silverdale and young Hassendean, learning they left together in a strange state. He returns to Ivy Lodge to await the police.
Chapter 3
III: Sir Clinton at Ivy Lodge
Dr. Ringwood waits at Ivy Lodge for the police, speculating on the events of the night. Sir Clinton Driffield arrives with Inspector Flamborough, and Dr. Ringwood recounts his findings. The police interview the Hassendeans, learning about Ronald's relationship with Mrs. Silverdale and his finances. Sir Clinton arranges for a post-mortem and a search of Ronald's papers.
Chapter 4
IV: The Crime at Heatherfield
Dr. Ringwood and Sir Clinton return to Heatherfield to find the house eerily silent. After forcing entry, they discover the maid has been brutally murdered with a tourniquet. Sir Clinton investigates Mrs. Silverdale's room, finding a broken drawer lock, a torn envelope fragment, and a diary hinting at secrets. The doctor tends to a delirious patient upstairs. Sir Clinton theorizes the murder was premeditated but hastily executed, possibly to obtain letters.
Chapter 5
V: The Bungalow Tragedy
Sir Clinton Driffield receives a cryptic telegram signed 'Justice' directing him to Hassendean's bungalow on Lizardbridge Road. He and Inspector Flamborough, along with Dr. Ringwood, investigate and discover the body of a young woman in evening dress, shot in the head, seated in an armchair. The bungalow had been shut up for winter, but one bedroom was fully furnished with new toiletries and flowers, suggesting preparation for someone. The telegram proves to be a crucial lead, revealing a crime that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

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I: The Dying Man

II: The House Next Door

III: Sir Clinton at Ivy Lodge

IV: The Crime at Heatherfield

V: The Bungalow Tragedy