The Secret of Chimneys · Character

Jimmy McGrath

A thickset, saloon-keeperish American who greets Anthony Cade in Bulawayo and instantly clocks the absurdity of his friend herding picture-postcard tourists.

supporting

Also known as McGrath, James, James McGrath, Mr. McGrath

First appearance: Mr. McGrath Refuses an Invitation

As a supporting figure in The Secret of Chimneys, Jimmy McGrath is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Old friend of Anthony Cade; proposes that Anthony deliver Count Stylptitch's memoirs to London for a thousand pounds, offering a quarter share.

In the storyI: Anthony Cade Signs OnOpen this moment free

See Jimmy McGrath in I: Anthony Cade Signs On Book page

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McGrath is the old crony who knows Anthony Cade better than anyone in the opening chapters, trading barbs about harems and hard work while the Castle's Select Tour mills around them. He sees through the respectable tour-guide pose at once, predicting that trouble will find Anthony as reliably as it always has. Their promised drink and exchange of news plants the friendship that makes Anthony's later choices feel rooted rather than random.

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

See Jimmy McGrath in Mr. McGrath Refuses an Invitation

Character Web

25 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central suspects and investigators
Protagonist

+20 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 is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the full scope of the false Lemoine’s scheme and Anthon…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Anthony Cade
friendship · positive
Anthony and Jimmy are old friends and former adventuring companions, sharing a loyal and… How this plays out →
Anthony Cade
friendship · positive
Anthony and Jimmy are old friends and former adventuring companions, sharing a loyal and… How this plays out →
Anthony Cade
friendship · positive
Anthony and Jimmy are old friends and former adventuring companions, sharing a loyal and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Jimmy McGrath in Mr. McGrath Refuses an Invitation

In the story

Jimmy McGrath appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Anthony Cade Signs On
Old friend of Anthony Cade; proposes that Anthony deliver Count Stylptitch's memoirs to London for a thousand pounds, offering a quarter share.
A Lady in Distress
Hosts Anthony in Bulawayo; recounts the story of Dutch Pedro and the blackmail letters; entrusts Anthony with the letters addressed to 'Chimneys.'
Anxiety in High Places
A Canadian in Africa who is in possession of Count Stylptitch's memoirs and is due to arrive in London; Lomax hopes to influence him through Virginia Revel.
Mr. McGrath Refuses an Invitation
Referenced as the friend who advanced Anthony money in Bulawayo; Anthony uses his name as an alias throughout the chapter.
IX: Anthony Disposes of a Body
Mentioned by Anthony as a friend who would approve of his actions.
XII: Anthony Tells His Story
Mentioned as Anthony's friend in Bulawayo whose name Anthony used for travel.
XXX: Anthony Signs on for a New Job
Arrives unexpectedly at Chimneys; delivers the memoirs to Mr. Balderson for a thousand pounds.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Jimmy McGrath unlock in the free preview.

See Jimmy McGrath in Mr. McGrath Refuses an Invitation

See Jimmy McGrath in I: Anthony Cade Signs On