I read the book “And Then There Were None” I followed 2 of the characters through the book, and made a case file for them saying why or why not they were the murder.
Case Files: Indian Island Deaths Detective: Natalie Barrett
Date of Case: September 19, 2017
Suspect: Dr. Edward George Armstrong
Description:
Successful doctor, Worked with women, 15 years of work, Mannered man, Hight- 6ft. 2in., Weight- 210lb. Had syringe of cyanide on the island in his medical kit.
Evidence:
• “Perfectly clear. The murderer must have crept up behind him, swung the chopper once and brought it down on his head as he was bending over.” (pg. 185) It sounds like he knew what happened pretty well.
• “I certainly couldn’t give a certificate. I have no knowledge whatsoever of the woman’s state of health.” (pg. 98) Armstrong was the only doctor there if he said that he couldn’t do something it could have been because he was trying to cover something up.
• “That’s right. Not long enough to do a murder, I assure you.” (pg. 162) He said this like he knew how long it took to kill someone.
• “A question of time- time? We can’t afford time! We shall all be dead…” (pg. 213) He was going a little bit crazy by the end, he could have easily killed someone just to ease his mind.
• “If a doctor went mad, it would be a long time before any one suspected. And doctors overwork and have a lot of strain.” Vera Claythorne (Pg. 170) Vera has a good point, later she says, “He’s the only person here with medical knowledge. He can swear the body’s been dead at least an hour and who’s to contradict him?” He could have easily done it without them know.
Motives:
Dr. Armstrong was a while known man and a beloved doctor. He was polite and cared for people. He was over worked and due for a vacation if he was getting stressed out he could easily kill without people guessing he did it on purpose. He knew how to kill without getting caught because he was a doctor.
Case Files Indian Island Deaths Detective: Natalie Barrett
Date of Case: September 19, 2017
Suspect: Emily Caroline Brent
Description:
65 years old, hight- 5ft. 5in., Weight- 120lb., high classed, very religious, nicely dressed, not married.
Evidence:
• “Where’s Miss Brent got to—that’s another mystery?” (Pg. 183) They couldn’t find her when they were trying to find Rogers, who they soon found dead.
• “Religious mania.” Vera Claythorne (pg. 200) She thought that Brent was
killing people for her religion, like it would give her better.
• “Why did I make a hysterical fool of myself? That was a mistake. Keep calm,
my girl, keep calm.” Brent thoughts (pg. 192) She was trying to keep herself together like she might break at any moment.
Motives:
Vera could have been on the right track with the religious motives. She would have been doing because she thought it would make her better. She also could have been doing it because she thought didn’t like society now and she wanted to kill some of the people who were making it bad. She also could have been doing it because she had grown up being a well taught child who had manners and had to act
perfect. Maybe she just wanted to be free and do something crazy, like go on a murdering spree.