The Pit-Prop Syndicate · Character

Inspector Willis

A Scotland Yard inspector who inherits a tangle of amateur sleuthing and a fresh corpse, and must decide how much of Merriman's wild story to believe.

major

Also known as Willis, George Willis

First appearance: XII: Murder!

As a major figure in The Pit-Prop Syndicate, Inspector Willis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Takes a more active role in the official investigation.

In the storyPart II: The ProfessionalsOpen this moment free

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In Part II: The Professionals: Takes a more active role in the official investigation. Later, in XII: Murder!: Called from home to…

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See Inspector Willis in XII: Murder!

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Syndicate members and associates

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In "The Pit Prop Syndicate," Part II: The Professionals marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the emoti…

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In the story

Inspector Willis appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part II: The Professionals
Takes a more active role in the official investigation.
XII: Murder!
Called from home to investigate a murder; leads the initial examination of the crime scene and evidence.
A Promising Clue
Interviews Madeleine, takes Merriman's story seriously, and plans a cautious investigation to avoid alerting the syndicate.
XIV: A Mystifying Discovery
Central to the chapter; he investigates the case, develops theories, and arranges to meet Beamish.
XV: Inspector Willis Listens In
Leads the investigation, discovers the secret telephone line, sets a trap, and is outwitted by the smugglers.
The Secret of the Syndicate
Deduces the existence of a tunnel, discovers the hidden cellar and the brandy operation, and plans to involve customs authorities.
Archer Plants Stuff
Assists Hunt in the investigation, discusses the fraud scheme, and helps with the photographic plan.
The Bordeaux Lorries
Visits M. Max in Paris, learns French authorities cannot help, then hires private detective Laroche and conducts night surveillance at Lesque.
XIX: Willis Spreads His Net
Returns from Bordeaux and devises a plan to trap the syndicate by using Madeleine as a decoy.
XX: The Double Cross
Leads the investigation and arrest of Archer; orchestrates the final trap and secures his promotion.

Chapter companion notes

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See Inspector Willis in XII: Murder!

See Inspector Willis in Part II: The Professionals