The Glass Library, #1
The Librarian of Crooked Lane
by C.J. Archer
Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
News of Tommy Allan’s death forces Sylvia and Gabe to reexamine suspects. Ludlow admits helping Lady Stanhope identify magical paintings but denies theft or murder. Sylvia deduces Bolton is a rubber magician; Gabe confirms it and has Bolton arrested for the Delaroche theft, the Partridge attempt, and Tommy’s murder. With the case seemingly concluded and evidence still tenuous, Sylvia parts from Gabe, uncertain if their paths will cross again.
Summary
Sylvia wakes at Gabe’s to the news that Tommy Allan’s body has been found in the Thames with signs of a fatal head wound. She and Gabe visit Ludlow, who nervously admits he identified magical paintings for Lady Stanhope so she could buy early and profit, but he denies any role in the thefts or murder. He claims payment without the promised reference and begs them not to tell her.
Reflecting on Tommy’s likely realization, Sylvia and Gabe consider other magicians. Sylvia recalls Bolton’s cherished box of stamps and suspects he is a rubber magician. Gabe discreetly confirms Bolton’s magic before they confront him at Burlington House on a quiet Sunday.
In Bolton’s office, Gabe reveals the rubber stamps and Bolton’s past in a rubber-manufacturing family, arguing Bolton could detect magic, steal the Delaroche, and attempt the Partridge theft. Bolton denies everything, but Cyclops arrives with constables and arrests him for the thefts and Tommy’s murder. Gabe asks Cyclops to question Bolton about the earlier attempt to kidnap Gabe, which remains unresolved.
Afterward, the adrenaline fades. Sylvia, feeling her role is finished and wary of deepening feelings, decides to leave Gabe’s house and find her own lodging. She says warm goodbyes to the household staff, accepts a small posy, and departs in Dodson’s motorcar, while Gabe offers only a brief handshake and wave as they part.
Who Appears
- Sylvia AsheNarrator; deduces Bolton is a rubber magician; aids interrogation and calls police; chooses to leave Gabe’s home.
- Gabriel (Gabe) GlassLeads questioning; confirms Bolton’s magic; engineers Bolton’s arrest; asks about his own attempted kidnapping.
- Mr. BoltonRoyal Academy official; revealed as rubber magician; confronted over stamps; arrested for thefts and Tommy’s murder.
- Mr. LudlowEx-cook and magician; admits identifying magical art for Lady Stanhope for payment; denies theft and murder.
- CyclopsDetective; informs of Tommy’s death; oversees Bolton’s arrest; will question Bolton about Gabe’s kidnapping attempt.
- AlexGabe’s friend; returns home tired; hears about Bolton’s arrest; light family tension noted.
- BristowButler at Park Street; assists with arrangements and farewells as Sylvia departs.
- DodsonChauffeur; drives Sylvia away in the Hudson with her luggage.
- Mrs. BristowHousekeeper; leaves Sylvia a kind farewell note, reflecting the household’s affection.
- Mrs. LingCook; receives Sylvia’s thanks and offers a future Chinese specialty.
- Lady StanhopeOff-page; revealed to scheme buying magical art early using Ludlow’s identifications.
- Tommy AllanPacker; found dead with head wound; his death accelerates the investigation.