Aristotle Detective
Tales of Mystery and Suspense 13 by Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha And back now to olden days, indeed very old days. At the Chalet, before I embarked on the Innes book, I had read another thriller which was also totally fitting for that place. Thriller is perhaps a misnomer, for this was a straightforward murder mystery. […]
In Margaret Doody's "Aristotle Detective," the narrative unfolds during Alexander the Great's Eastern conquests. The story centers on a murder mystery within a rich man's study, with the accused being the nephew of the victim. Upon discovering the body, Stephanos, the narrator, encounters a chorus of old men who believe the slave sent to find the culprit is the murderer.
However, Philemon, the accused and Stephanos' cousin, faces trial after being exiled for killing a man in a brawl. In search of answers, Stephanos turns to Aristotle, who aids in uncovering evidence and solving the case. Aristotle's investigation reveals a replica vase in the study, leading to the conclusion that the murder occurred inside the house, with the nephew being the killer.
The widow's death and the slave's drowning further point to the nephew's guilt. Despite Stephanos' findings, the nephew escapes and is ultimately killed during his escape attempt when his boat capsizes in a storm. The motive behind the murder is ultimately revealed: the rich man had adopted the nephew, and he wanted to include him in his inheritance.
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