Person

Book/Story

Nicknames

Family

Description

* Dickens, Charles

DUPLICATE DEATH

Chief Inspector Hemingway is a fan and doesn’t like Lord Guisborough misquoting him.

* Duchess ???? Check – Duchess of Windsor???

DUPLICATE DEATH

On the night of the duplicate bridge party Mrs. Haddington carries a lace fan on ebony sticks ‘in imitation of a certain admired Duchess’.

* Grant, Cary

DUPLICATE DEATH

Miss Mapperley describes Godfrey Poulton as being ‘a bit like Cary Grant, only older, of course, and not so handsome’.

* Himmler

DUPLICATE DEATH

Chief Inspector Hemingway tells Beulah Birtley that he thinks her conviction should be reinvestigated. She is dubious of Hemingway’s good intentions but he says ‘that Himmler never was what you’d call a great pal of mine’ trying to explain that he is not the bad guy she thinks he is.

* Mata Hari

DUPLICATE DEATH

Miss Mapperley, Mrs. Haddington’s personal maid, adjured Elsie, the head housemaid, ‘not to go on as though she though she was Mata Hari’, after Elsie boasted about finding out the date of Daniel Seaton-Carew’s inquest from Inspector Grant.

*Jaques-Dalcroze, Emile

DUPLICATE DEATH

Born in Vienna and raised in Switzerland. Was an actor, composer, concert pianist. As a theoretician and pedagogue he became one of the architects of modern Music and Arts Education. He devised the world-renowned approach to Music Education known as Dalcroze Eurhythmics. See http://www.dalcroze.org.au/who.htm

‘Dalcroze Eurythmics’ – a term used by Sydney Butterwick when he is being interviewed by Inspector Grant.

Andre

DUPLICATE DEATH

Couturier who sent Cynthia Haddington a frock with a crease across the back, requiring repairs by Miss Spennymoor.

Arnecliffe, Philip

DUPLICATE DEATH

Out with Cynthia Haddington the night her mother was murdered. Was very drunk and wanted to take Cynthia to dinner.

Ashbourne, Charles

DUPLICATE DEATH

A guest at Mrs. Haddington’s duplicate bridge party. Informs Jennifer Cheadle that Sydney Butterwick was only invited as a replacement for Jack Doveridge, who stood Mrs. Haddington up.

Atherstone, Freddie

DUPLICATE DEATH

Attends a theatre party with the Haddingtons. ‘One the brink of matrimony to another’ but appreciative of Cynthia Haddington’s beauty.

Atherstone, Mrs.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mother of Freddie. Mrs. Haddington would like her daughter to be invited to a dance Mrs. Atherstone is holding.

Bagby, Detective-officer

DUPLICATE DEATH

Informs Miss Pickhill and Chief Inspector Hemingway when Cynthia Haddington arrives home on the night of her mother’s murder.

Betty

DUPLICATE DEATH

A friend of Cynthia Haddington. Mrs. Haddington suggests Cynthia call Betty to go out walking the morning after she was out with Lord Guisborough.

Bingham, Sergeant

DUPLICATE DEATH

Involved in the case that resulted in Beulah Birtley’s conviction for theft.

Birtley, Beulah

Real name: Francesca Beulah Birtley Meriden

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mother: Italian

Father: Well born English artist

The daughter of an Italian mother and a well born English artist father, Beulah is working as secretary (and general dogsbody) to Mrs. Haddington and engaged to Timothy Harte. Doesn’t seem to have any relations, much to Timothy’s mother’s dismay – she considers her to have ‘adventuress’ written all over her. Indeed Beulah does have a dark secret, one which she is reluctant to tell Timothy. Beulah’s first job straight out of commercial college was as secretary to Harold Maxstoke. She was convicted of forging cheques in his name & cashing them. She becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when a guest of her employer is murdered and Beulah is known to have argued with him. She is good looking with ‘thick brown locks springing attractively from a broad, low brow’

Bromley, Sergeant Tom

DUPLICATE DEATH

Police photographer. Called in to photograph the fingerprints and the scen of the crime after Daniel Seaton-Carew’s murder. Called on again when Mrs. Haddington is murdered.

Broseley, Ambrose

DUPLICATE DEATH

Miss Violet Pickhill’s vicar. She sent him a note excusing herself from his Meeting in order to stay with her sister after Daniel Seaton-Carew’s murder.

Butterwick, Mrs.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Son: Sydney

Highly incensed at the idea of her Sydney committing a murder – a tigress in defence of her young.

Butterwick, Sydney

DUPLICATE DEATH

In love with Daniel Seaton-Carew who no longer wishes to know him. He created a scene at a musical event in Mrs. Haddington’s house but was invited to the duplicate bridge party as a last minute guest. Chief suspect in the murder of Daniel Seaton-Carew. ‘A pretty youth, with fair curly locks, a too-sensitive mouth’ and an asthmatic condition which prevented him entering military service.

Caister, Francis

DUPLICATE DEATH

Daniel Seaton-Carew’s manservant.

Cartmel, Colonel

DUPLICATE DEATH

Regular guest of Mrs. Haddington. Attended the duplicate bridge party.

Cathercott, Inspector George

DUPLICATE DEATH

Policeman in the Drugs Squad.

Cechetti, Enrico

DUPLICATE DEATH

The great Italian-Russian ballet master.

‘Cechetti’s Method’ – a ballet term used by Sydney Butterwick when he is being interviewed by Inspector Grant.

Chairman

DUPLICATE DEATH

Judge at Beulah Birtley’s trial. Hemingway refers to him only as “The Chairman”. Summed up in her favour, but she was convicted anyway.

Cheadle, Jennifer

DUPLICATE DEATH

Sydney Butterwick’s partner at Mrs. Haddington’s duplicate bridge party. Described as ‘a raw-boned lady with the indefinable look of a horsewoman.’

Chetwynd, Marquis of

DUPLICATE DEATH

Miss Spennymoor mentions seeing him pictured in a newspaper with Sir Rodney Vickerstown.

Chetwynd, Mrs.

DUPLICATE DEATH

She held a party where Mrs. Haddington first met Sydney Butterwick.

Cook

DUPLICATE DEATH

Kane family’s cook.

Criddon, Mrs.

DUPLICATE DEATH

A guest at Mrs. Haddington’s duplicate bridge party, described as ‘a stout matron wearing a profusion of diamonds and an air of stern concentration’.

Cringleford, Sergeant

DUPLICATE DEATH

Member of the Drugs Squad. Discovered a secret drawer in Daniel Seaton-Carew’s desk during a search of his flat.

Darliston, Mrs.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Husband: Jim

Provided supper for Chief Inspector Hemingway, ‘presiding over a teapot almost as enormous as herself’, when he came to consult with her husband about an old case, and then discreetly left them to themselves.

Darliston, Superintendent Jim

DUPLICATE DEATH

AKA: Herbert (to his wife)

Retired from the Dangerous Drugs Division. Inspector (then Sergeant) Grant recalled working with him on a case that involved Daniel Seaton-Carew. Chief Inspector Hemingway called to find out what he remembered about it.

Doveridge, Jack

DUPLICATE DEATH

Was invited to Mrs. Haddington’s duplicate bridge party, but cancelled at the last minute, forcing Mrs. Haddington to invite Sydney Butterwick in his place.

Eddleston, Mr.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Family solicitor of Miss Pickhill and Mrs. Haddington. ‘Young’ Mr. Eddleston is trustee of Mrs. Haddington’s estate.

Ellerbeck

DUPLICATE DEATH

Family name of Lord Greystoke. Maiden name of his daughter, Lady Nest Poulton.

Elsie

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington’s head housemaid. Ill with flu after the duplicate bridge party.

Emily

DUPLICATE DEATH

Jim Kane refers to his Aunt Emily to whom his wife acted as companion before their marriage. CHECK her surname is probably in previous book

Floddan, Lady

DUPLICATE DEATH

Attends Mrs. Haddington’s dinner party. Beulah Birtley mentions her name to Miss Spennymoor when that lady asks what important guests will be attending the duplicate bridge party.

Florrie

DUPLICATE DEATH

Housemaid in the Kane household. Leaves without handing in her notice.

Formby, Mrs.

DUPLICATE DEATH

When the Kane’s housemaid leaves without handing in her notice their Nanny hopes that Mrs. Formby will replace her for a while.

Foston, Mrs.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington’s housekeeper. ‘As good-humoured as she was stout’.

Fraser

DUPLICATE DEATH

Chief Inspector Hemingway mentions that he might ask ‘young Fraser’ to translate Grant’s Gaelic.

Gaston, M.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington’s French chef. Upset when the lobster is not delivered for his lobster patties. Then nearly walks out when Cynthia Haddington invites two extra guests to Mrs. Haddington’s dinner party.

Grant, Inspector Alexander (Sandy)

DUPLICATE DEATH

Assigned to Chief Inspector Hemingway in the Seaton-Carew murder investigation. A wiry, red-haired man, and a native of Scotland. Prone to expressing himself in Gaelic much to Hemingway’s exasperation.

Greystoke, Lord (family name Ellerbeck)

DUPLICATE DEATH

Daughter: Lady Nest Poulton.

Mentioned by Timothy as having had to sell his place – an example of the way their society is changing.

Guisborough, Hilary

DUPLICATE DEATH

Son: Lancelot

Daughter: Beatrice (Trixie).

Married their mother after their birth and had them legitimized.

Guisborough, Irene

DUPLICATE DEATH

Husband: Kenneth

Attended a theatre party with her husband and the Haddingtons. Also attended Mrs. Haddington’s duplicate bridge party. ‘A bloodless blonde who habitually spoke in a complaining voice’.

Guisborough, Kenelm

DUPLICATE DEATH

Wife: Irene

Cut out of the Guisborough title by his cousin Lance. However he & his wife are widely accepted in society, and ‘know everyone’. ‘A round florid face, with a toothbrush moustache, and slightly protuberant eyes’.

Guisborough, Lord (Lancelot)

DUPLICATE DEATH

Nickname: Lance

Mother: Maudi/Maisie

Father: Hilary

Sister: Beatrice (Trixie)

Recently inherited a title, which he uses despite having very strong Communistic beliefs. He is not wealthy, the unentailed property having been divided between his cousin Kenelm and the daughter of the previous Lord Guisborough. He is described as ‘a bony young man with cavernous eye and hollow cheeks’. Before his ascension to the peerage he had been employed by a left-wing publishing company. Lance is love with Cynthia Haddington but Mrs. Haddington does not approve of him.

Guisborough, Maudi (p32) or Maisie (p184). (née Stratton) CHECK if names differ in other editions

DUPLICATE DEATH

Husband: Hilary

Son: Lancelot (Lance)

Daughter: Beatrice (Trixie)

Former actress who lived with Hilary Guisborough and bore him two children before he married her.

Guisborough, The Honourable Beatrice

DUPLICATE DEATH

Family nickname: Trixie

Brother: Lancelot (Lance)

Like her twin brother Trixie has embraced Communism but unlike him she refuses to use her title. Proud that her mother was her father’s mistress before their marriage.

Haddington, Cynthia

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mother: Lilias (Lily) Haddington

Spent time in a Swiss finishing school before her mother brought her to London to launch her into society. With her astonishing beauty her mother hopes she will make a splendid match. Though beautiful she is selfish & spoiled. Lives for parties & nightclubs.

Haddington, Hubert

DUPLICATE DEATH

Late husband of Lilias Haddington.

Haddington, Lilias/Lily

DUPLICATE DEATH

Daughter: Cynthia

A widow of dubious background eager to catch a titled husband for her only daughter, Cynthia. Blackmailed Lady Nest Poulton into launching Cynthia into society. Held a duplicate bridge party, at which Daniel Seaton-Carew was murdered. She herself dies in violent circumstances. Tall, well-groomed, well-dressed, with tinted copper hair, cold blue eyes and ‘a hint of ruthlessness about her thin lips’.

Harte, Lady (Norma)

DUPLICATE DEATH

Husband: Sir Adrian Harte

Sons: James (Jim) Kane from her first marriage, Timothy Harte from her second

Author of many travel novels. Mrs. Haddington mentions her book describing her adventures on the Congo border. Lady Harte is worried that her son Timothy is marrying an ‘adventuress’ and asks her other son, Jim, to check the young lady out.

Harte, Sir Adrian

DUPLICATE DEATH

Wife: Norma

Son: Timothy

Stepson: James (Jim)

Baronet with an independent income.

Harte, Timothy

DUPLICATE DEATH

AKA Terrible Timothy

In his late twenties, works as a barrister in London. Fought as a commando during World War II, won several medals much to his mother’s pride. Mrs. Haddington is hoping he will show some interest in her beautiful daughter Cynthia. Instead Timothy falls in love with Beulah Birtley, Mrs. Haddington’s much put-upon secretary. He is tall and good-looking with dark hair and blue eyes.

Heathcote, Superintendent

DUPLICATE DEATH

Inspector Cathercott is anxious to inform him that he has found cocaine in Daniel Seaton-Carew’s flat.

Hemingway, Chief Inspector Stanley

DUPLICATE DEATH

Called in to investigate the murder of Daniel Seaton-Carew. Described as ‘one of the pillars of an Amateur Dramatic Society’. Hemingway is also deeply interested in psychiatry and tries to apply it to his cases. He has an excellent memory for names and faces, and recognises Beulah Birtley as someone he has seen in court. He met the Kane/Harte brothers before and while often sounds to be despairing of meeting ‘Terrible Timothy’ again it is clear that he likes & respects Timothy.

HEMINGWAY, Sergeant

DUPLICATE DEATH

Hinckley, Superintendent Bob

DUPLICATE DEATH

Chief Inspector Hemingway’s life-long friend and superior in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police.

Jackson

DUPLICATE DEATH

Servant in the Kane household. Mentioned as having forgotten to stoke the boiler.

June

DUPLICATE DEATH

A friend of Cynthia Haddington. Cynthia attended her party the night Mrs. Haddington was murdered.

Kane, Adrian Timothy

DUPLICATE DEATH

Second son of Pat & Jim Kane. At St. Cyprian’s School.

Kane, James (Jim)

DUPLICATE DEATH

Wife: Pat

Sons: Silas, Adrian, William

Daughter: Susan

Fought in World War II, lost a leg in battle at Monte Cassino. Has adapted well to civilian life & works in the city. Called in by his mother to check out his brother Timothy’s fiancée, whom she suspects of being an ‘adventuress’.

Kane, Patricia (Pat)

DUPLICATE DEATH

Husband: James (Jim)

Sons: Silas, Adrian, William

Daughter: Susan

After thirteen years of happy marriage to Jim, Pat would like to see her brother-in-law, Timothy, settle down, but is concerned that he has become engaged to the wrong sort of girl.

Kane, Silas James

DUPLICATE DEATH

Eldest son of Pat & Jim Kane. At Prep. School in the West.

Kane, Susan

DUPLICATE DEATH

Young daughter of Pat & Jim Kane.

Kane, William

DUPLICATE DEATH

Infant son of Pat & Jim Kane.

Kempsey

DUPLICATE DEATH

Timothy Harte’s manservant. Has ‘the look of an old soldier’.

Lowick, Mr.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Junior partner at the firm of solicitors that Mrs. Haddington and Miss Pickhill use. Miss Pickhill warned her sister not to choose him as a trustee.

Mapperley, Gwenny

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington’s personal maid. Gave her notice on the morning of the duplicate bridge party. Comments shrewdly that Daniel Seaton-Carew is after Cynthia, and not Mrs. Haddington.

Margie

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington’s kitchenmaid. An orphan, her aunt wants her to leave Mrs. Haddington’s employment. But the chef, M. Gaston, wants her to stay – she being ‘the least stupid scullion who had been allotted to him’.

Mary

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington’s underhousemaid. Brought Cynthia Haddington breakfast the morning after she was out at a club with Lord Guisborough.

Maud

DUPLICATE DEATH

Aunt of Mrs. Haddington and Miss Pickhill. Sarcastically wondered if Mrs. Haddington ‘meant to get the Prince of Wales for her daughter’.

Maxstoke, Harold

DUPLICATE DEATH

Partner in his uncle Jasper’s firm where he hired Beulah Birtley as his secretary. The judge went hard on him during Beulah’s trial. Subsequently left the firm.

Maxstoke, Jasper

DUPLICATE DEATH

Senior partner in the firm which employed Beulah Birtley, and from which she was accused of stealing.

Meg

DUPLICATE DEATH

A friend of Cynthia Haddington who was holding a party the day after Daniel Seaton-Carew was murdered. Mrs. Haddington wouldn’t let Cynthia attend.

Melchizedek

DUPLICATE DEATH

Tomothy Harte’s black cat.

Meriden

DUPLICATE DEATH

Relatives of Beulah Birtley. Described by Timothy Harte as a ‘rather stuffy Warwickshire family, full of good form and inhibitions’.

Meriden, Francesca

DUPLICATE DEATH

AKA Beulah Birtley

Beulah Birtley’s actual name, but one she chose not to use after her conviction.

Methwold, Miss

DUPLICATE DEATH

Godfrey Poulton’s secretary.

Minsterley, Lord

DUPLICATE DEATH

Previous employer of Thrimby, Mrs. Haddington’s butler.

Moira

DUPLICATE DEATH

A friend of Cynthia Haddington. She tells Cynthia she saw Timothy Harte and Beulah Birtley have dinner at Armand’s.

Nanny

DUPLICATE DEATH

Benevolent despot ruling over the Kane household, much to Jim’s exasperation. She is more than just a nanny, always eager to help with whatever crises occur.

Pershore, Inspector

DUPLICATE DEATH

The first senior officer called to the scene of Daniel Seaton-Carew’s murder. Chief Inspector Hemingway has little respect for his abilities.

Petersfield, Mary

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mentioned by Mrs. Haddington as having held the party where Mrs. Haddington met Lady Harte.

Petworth

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington is concerned that ‘people like the Petworths’ might see Cynthia drunk in a nightclub with Lord Guisborough and would not invite her to their parties any more.

Pickhill, Mr.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Daughters: Violet, Lily (Lilias Haddington)

Violet says that Lily and Cynthia’s ‘grand parties’ must have him turning in his grave.

Pickhill, Violet

DUPLICATE DEATH

Only sister of Mrs. Haddington. Interests herself in ‘worthy enterprises’ and strongly disapproves of her sister’s lifestyle. She is especially concerned about Cynthia’s behaviour. Unlike her sister, Miss Pickhill does not resort to cosmetics and though she wears clothes of good material, they are of tasteless design.

Poulton, Godfrey

DUPLICATE DEATH

Wife: Lady Nest

‘A stockily built man, with a square, impassive countenance’ Godfrey Poulton is a successful businessman in the City. One of the suspects in both the Seaton-Carew and Haddington murders.

Poulton, Lady Nest. (née Ellerbeck)

DUPLICATE DEATH

Husband: Godfrey

Father: Lord Greystoke

‘A little wisp of a woman, with great eyes in a heart-shaped face’, Lady Nest was a famous debutante in her youth. Married to a wealthy businessman. Blackmailed by Mrs. Haddington into sponsoring Cynthia Haddington and in society. She has a cocaine addiction & was supplied by Daniel Seaton-Carew.

Ramsbury, Lady Caroline

DUPLICATE DEATH

Miss Spennymoor mentions seeing her pictured in a newspaper with Sir Rodney Vickerstown.

Rozhdesvenskiy, Baroness

DUPLICATE DEATH

Shared a bridge table with Daniel Seaton-Carew the evening of his murder.

Seaton-Carew, Daniel

AKA Daniel Carew

DUPLICATE DEATH

Popular in society but of unknown background, rumoured to be Mrs. Haddington’s ex-lover, but now seemingly more interested in her daughter Cynthia. Got Beulah Birtley her job as Mrs. Haddington’s secretary. Described as ‘some kind of financier’. Seaton-Carew had a very shady past but everybody is shocked when he is murdered at Mrs. Haddington’s duplicate bridge party. Inspector Grant remembers that he was once involved in a drugs case and had disappeared to France after that incident.

Snettisham, Sergeant

DUPLICATE DEATH

Plainclothes policeman. Brought Beulah’s note to her landlady, allowing him permission to enter her flat.

Snettisham, Sergeant

DUPLICATE DEATH

Assigned to Chief Inspector Hemingway in the Seaton-Carew murder investigation.

Spennymoor, Miss

DUPLICATE DEATH

A dressmaker called in to alter Cynthia’s frock on the morning of the duplicate bridge party. Previously worked as a theatrical dresser. She knows of Lance & Trixie Guisborough through her association with their mother, who was an actress.

Stratton, Maudi or Maisie

DUPLICATE DEATH

Maiden name of Hilary Guisborough’s wife.

Terrington

DUPLICATE DEATH

Cynthia Haddington referred to the ‘ghastly Terrington woman’ who tacked on to Philip Arnecliffe and her when they were out the night Mrs. Haddington died.

Thirsk, Charlie

DUPLICATE DEATH

Thrown over by Mrs. Haddington (then Lily Pickhill) when she met Mr. Haddington, who had twice his income.

Thrimby

DUPLICATE DEATH

Mrs. Haddington’s supercilious butler.

Turncock

DUPLICATE DEATH

Dickens character??????? CHECK!!!

Uffington, Bill

DUPLICATE DEATH

In her hysteria after hearing of her mother’s death, and fear of having no one to take care of her, Cynthia Haddington wishes she had married ‘that dreary Bill Uffington’.

Underbarrow, Inspector

DUPLICATE DEATH

Involved in the case that resulted in Beulah Birtley’s conviction for theft.

Vickerstown, Sir Rodney

DUPLICATE DEATH

‘Noted sportsman and bon viveur’, a regular visitor to Mrs. Haddington’s house and a guest at the duplicate bridge party.

Wake

DUPLICATE DEATH

Former policeman who left the force to marry ‘a widow with a snug business’, and has three or four children. Was assistant to Chief Inspector Hemingway before the war.

Westruther, Dr. Theodore

DUPLICATE DEATH

A ‘fashionable consultant’ and with rooms on Harley St. Attends society women, including Lady Nest Poulton and Mrs. Haddington. ‘Not precisely known to the police but once or twice the breath of ugly scandal had wafted perilously near to him’. With Sir Rodney Vickerstown, the scorer and general manager of Mrs. Haddington’s duplicate bridge party.

Whalley

DUPLICATE DEATH

Family name of Mrs. Haddington’s mother. Considered by Mr. Pickhill (Mrs. Haddington’s father) to be ‘irreligious’ and ‘uncongenial people’.

Winnie

DUPLICATE DEATH

Housemaid in the Kane household. Considered ‘mentally defective’.

Yoxall, Dr.

DUPLICATE DEATH

Police surgeon called in to examine the body of Daniel Seaton-Carew, and later the body of Mrs. Haddington.