# John Blackmore — The Mystery of 31, New Inn character guide

> John Blackmore in The Mystery of 31, New Inn by R. Austin Freeman.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. John Blackmore, John, uncle John

**First appearance:** 0007-v-jeffrey-blackmore-s-will

## Snapshot

The dead man's brother and named reference, a quiet presence in the family whose role in the contested will invites suspicion.

## Who they are

John Blackmore lent his name as a reference when the deceased took chambers at New Inn, and he appears among the depositions surrounding the death. The strange second will creates the possibility that he might become principal beneficiary against the testator's obvious wishes, a fact Thorndyke seizes on immediately. His position in the family makes him both a grieving relation and a figure whose interests the investigation cannot ignore.

## In the story

### [Jeffrey Blackmore's Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_31_new_inn_se/chapters/v-jeffrey-blackmore-s-will)

Brother of Jeffrey; mentioned as knowing of Jeffrey's residence and as a beneficiary under the first will.

### [VI: Jeffrey Blackmore, Deceased](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_31_new_inn_se/chapters/vi-jeffrey-blackmore-deceased)

Identified the body as his brother Jeffrey and testified about his despondent state and opium habit.

### [XI: The Blackmore Case Reviewed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_31_new_inn_se/chapters/xi-the-blackmore-case-reviewed)

Brother of Jeffrey; considered as possibly exerting undue influence, though no evidence is found.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_31_new_inn_se/characters/john_blackmore
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_31_new_inn_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mystery_of_31_new_inn_se/characters