The Roman Hat Mystery · Character

Parson Johnny

A slippery underworld operator whose chameleon act of priestly innocence crumbles the moment Inspector Queen mentions Monte Field's name.

supporting

Also known as Cazzanelli, Johnny, the Parson

First appearance: In Which a “Parson” Comes to Grief

As a supporting figure in The Roman Hat Mystery, Parson Johnny is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Alias John Cazzanelli, naturally takes a professional interest in Gunplay.

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The Parson moves through the Roman Theatre's shadows as a gangster with a rap sheet that includes the Bonomo Silk robbery, and his sudden flight from the scene makes him an immediate person of interest. His signature trick — sliding from hard-boiled thug to martyred man of the cloth — works on everyone but Queen, and his fatal slip of recognizing Field's name before denying it hands the investigation its first real crack. He matters because he links the theatre killing to a wider criminal world the Queens must map before they can name a murderer.

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The fuller portrait of Parson Johnny sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Parson Johnny in In Which a “Parson” Comes to Grief

Character Web

21 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Primary suspects and investigators
Secondary characters and associates
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the emotional peak occurs when Inspector Queen and Ellery are summoned to meet Franklin Ives-…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Ellery Queen
professional · ambivalent
Parson Johnny is a theater employee or underworld figure questioned by Ellery. How this plays out →
Ellery Queen
professional · ambivalent
Parson Johnny is a theater employee or underworld figure questioned by Ellery. How this plays out →
Ellery Queen
professional · ambivalent
Parson Johnny is a theater employee or underworld figure questioned by Ellery. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Parson Johnny in In Which a “Parson” Comes to Grief

In the story

Parson Johnny appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Lexicon of Persons Connected with the Investigation
Alias John Cazzanelli, naturally takes a professional interest in Gunplay.
Explanation for the Map of the Roman Theatre
His aisle-seat is labeled on the map.
In Which a “Parson” Comes to Grief
Apprehended trying to sneak out of the theatre; brought before Inspector Queen.
IV: In Which Many Are Called and Two Are Chosen
Apprehended and interrogated; claims ignorance and is detained.
In Which Inspector Queen Conducts Some Legal Conversations
Brought into the office for questioning; claims his girlfriend gave him a pass and denies knowledge of the murder.
In Which Inspector Queen Conducts More Legal Conversations
Questioned by Inspector Queen about his dealings with Field.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Parson Johnny unlock in the free preview.

See Parson Johnny in In Which a “Parson” Comes to Grief

See Parson Johnny in Lexicon of Persons Connected with the Investigation