Chapter 1: The Dying Message
* Summary: Lord Peter Wimsey, a wealthy and eccentric detective, is summoned to the hospital to witness the death of his friend, Paul Alexis, a well-known pathologist. Alexis was poisoned, and before dying, he scrawled the enigmatic message "STRONG POISON" on a piece of paper.
* Real Example: Alexis' dying message could have been "PARALYSIS," referring to the effects of a nerve agent like curare.
Chapter 2: The Body in the Library
* Summary: Wimsey and Inspector Charles Parker investigate the death of a young woman found dead in the library of Merton Priory, the country home of the wealthy Duke of Denver. The victim, identified as Ruby Keene, was a cabaret dancer with connections to several influential men.
* Real Example: Ruby Keene's body could have been dumped in the library by someone with access to the house, such as a servant or family member.
Chapter 3: The Poisoned Chocolates
* Summary: Wimsey and Parker discover a box of poisoned chocolates in Ruby Keene's room, implicating one of the houseguests as the killer. They interview each guest, including the Duke, his wife, Lady Mary, and their various acquaintances.
* Real Example: The poisoned chocolates could have been laced with cyanides, which can be easily obtained and is lethal in small doses.
Chapter 4: The Acid Bath
* Summary: Wimsey and Parker narrow down the suspects and investigate the victim's past. They uncover a connection between Ruby Keene and a chemical engineer, Dr. Henry Thomas. They search Thomas's laboratory and discover an acid bath that could have been used to dispose of the victim's body.
* Real Example: Acid baths are commonly used in laboratories to dissolve organic matter, but they can also be used to dispose of bodies.
Chapter 5: The Handwriting on the Wall
* Summary: Wimsey and Parker analyze Ruby Keene's dying message and identify the killer's handwriting. They confront the murderer, who confesses to killing Ruby Keene out of jealousy and fear of blackmail.
* Real Example: Handwriting analysis, known as graphology, can be used to identify the writer of a particular text by examining its characteristics, such as pen pressure and letter formation.
Chapter 6: The Motive
* Summary: The investigation reveals that the killer, who turns out to be the Duke's wife, Lady Mary, was driven by a desire to protect her husband's political career. Ruby Keene had threatened to expose his affair with her and blackmail him for money.
* Real Example: Jealousy and blackmail are common motives for murder, as they can lead to intense feelings of anger and desperation.
