Lord Peter Wimsey

Inspector Parker

Parker and Wimsey are close friends and professional allies, with Parker often relying on Wimsey's insights in the investigation.

Sheila Fentiman

Wimsey interviews Sheila Fentiman as part of the murder investigation, finding her evasive and emotionally fragile.

Dr. Penberthy

Dr. Penberthy, the family physician, provides medical evidence to Wimsey while harboring secrets about the death.

Ann Dorland

Ann Dorland, a young woman connected to the Fentiman family, cooperates with Wimsey's investigation while hiding her own motives.

Mr. Oliver

Mr. Oliver, the family solicitor, works with Wimsey to untangle the legal and financial aspects of General Fentiman's death.

Mr. Murbles

Mr. Murbles is Wimsey's own solicitor, providing legal counsel and support during the investigation.

Mr. Pritchard

Mr. Pritchard, a fellow club member and executor, is interviewed by Wimsey about the circumstances of General Fentiman's death.

Bunter

Bunter is Wimsey's loyal valet and assistant, aiding him discreetly in the investigation.

General Fentiman

The deceased General Fentiman is the subject of Wimsey's investigation, with their interactions only recalled through others' accounts.

Colonel Marchbanks

Colonel Marchbanks, a fellow member of the Bellona Club, provides Wimsey with background on the club's rules and the day of the death.

Sir James Lubbock

Sir James Lubbock, a doctor and expert witness, is consulted by Wimsey on the medical aspects of General Fentiman's death.

Ann Dorland

Ann Dorland, a young woman connected to the Fentiman family, cooperates with Wimsey's investigation while hiding her own motives.

Prologue

Introduced via a biographical sketch; second son of the Duke of Denver, educated at Eton and Oxford, served as a Major in the Rifle Brigade during WWI, and noted for his interests in criminology, bibliophily, music, and cricket.

I: Old Mossy-Face

Present at the Bellona Club, waiting for Colonel Marchbanks; engages in banter with George Fentiman and discovers General Fentiman's death.

II: The Queen Is Out

Helps carry the body to a spare room; present during the initial investigation.

III: Hearts Count More Than Diamonds

Sitting in his library reading a manuscript, he is visited by Mr. Murbles and agrees to investigate the timing of General Fentiman's death, though he warns of possible unpleasant discoveries.

Lord Peter Leads a Club

Leads the investigation at the Bellona Club, questioning staff and Dr. Penberthy about General Fentiman's death.

V: —And Finds the Club Suit Blocked

Investigates the rigor mortis anomaly with Dr. Penberthy, finds a scrap of paper in the blotter, and arranges for Bunter to photograph the club.

VI: A Card of Reentry

Leads the investigation, interviews Woodward, examines General Fentiman's clothes, and notes an odd absence among the belongings.

VII: The Curse of Scotland

Places advertisements for taxi drivers, visits Sir James Lubbock for boot analysis, and dines with the Fentimans to discuss the inheritance.

Lord Peter Leads Through Strength

Investigates the Fentiman case, visits Ann Dorland and Mr. Pritchard, consults with Inspector Parker, and interviews taxi drivers with Mr. Murbles.

IX: Knave High

Continues his investigation at the Bellona Club despite complaints; tracks down George Fentiman and questions him about his grandfather.

X: Lord Peter Forces a Card

Visits Marjorie Phelps to inquire about Ann Dorland; receives Major Fentiman's report about Oliver and arranges surveillance.

XI: Lord Peter Clears Trumps

Drives the investigation forward by arranging an exhumation, writing to the Home Office, and confronting Major Fentiman about the need for facts over money.

XII: Lord Peter Turns a Trick

Hosts dinner for Parker and Murbles, recounts his investigation, exposes Major Fentiman's trick with Oliver, and confronts a private detective.

XIII: Spades Are Trumps

Leads the reconstruction and pursuit; returns from Europe exhausted.

Grand Slam in Spades

Orchestrates the confrontation with Robert Fentiman, revealing his manipulation of the Oliver chase and presenting the autopsy results.

XV: Shuffle the Cards and Deal Again

Consults with Parker, lists suspects, and visits the Bellona Club.

XVI: Quadrille

Attends Mrs. Rushworth's gathering, discusses Ann Dorland's suspected guilt with Marjorie Phelps, and converses with Dr. Penberthy and Father Whittington about science and religion.

Picture-Cards

Examines Ann Dorland's books and paintings, noting her interest in crime fiction and a suspicious portrait. Confronts Robert Fentiman about destroying evidence, then reports to Parker. Later receives a distressed call from Sheila Fentiman about George's disappearance.

XIX: Lord Peter Plays Dummy

Accompanies Parker to interview Nurse Armstrong; later argues with Parker about Ann Dorland's innocence, insisting the evidence does not fit her character.

XX: Ann Dorland Goes Misère

Visits the studio, engages Ann Dorland in conversation about reading and escape, and later reveals Penberthy's guilt.

XXI: Lord Peter Calls a Bluff

Dines with Ann Dorland at the Savoy, orchestrates the investigation, and confronts Dr. Penberthy.

XXII: The Cards on the Table

Confronts Penberthy, secures his confession, and orchestrates the final resolution of the case.

XXIII: Postmortem

Engages in post-case conversations with Robert Fentiman, Inspector Parker, and Marjorie Phelps; reflects on the unsatisfactory nature of the case.