Murder on the Blackboard

A sharp, observant teacher who doubles as an amateur sleuth. She pieces together clues the police overlook, interpreting the chalkboard tune and a fragment of a love letter to reveal the killer. Her calm, skeptical demeanor drives the investigation and challenges the police's assumptions.

The seasoned police inspector and friend of Withers who becomes a foil to her methods. He values procedure but learns to respect Withers’ deductive eye. His practical approach contrasts with her intuitive leaps, providing balance to the investigation.

The music teacher whose murder sparks the mystery. Her relationship web and financial ties generate multiple motives, making her a focal point for suspects and clues alike. Her absence leaves a trail of secrets for the investigation to uncover.

The charming head of the school with a history of romantic entanglements. He emerges as a central suspect due to jealousy and complexities in Halloran’s relationship with him. He is revealed as the murderer, driven by possessive love and fear of losing control.

A school secretary and close associate of Halloran who shares in the ticket intrigue. Her proximity to the victim and involvement in the ticket creates plausible motives for complicity or suspicion.

A detective who briefly regains memory after a basement ambush, serving as a conduit for information and a plot point to reveal the killer’s identity. His role helps connect the various clues to the culprit.

The school janitor, described as a frequent drunkard with financial tensions connected to Halloran. Though arrested early on, he is ultimately not the killer, serving as a red herring that challenges the investigator’s assumptions.

The head of the school who exerts authority and is drawn into the investigation through his suspicions and concerns about staff behavior. He represents institutional pressure and suspicion within the school setting.

A schoolboy observer whose presence hints at a broader community within the school. His perspective adds to the sense of a contained, watchful environment where every action matters.

A doctor associated with the school setting, contributing to the ensemble of staff involved in the mystery. He participates in the network of relationships that shape motives and alibis.

Another doctor in the school environment who is part of the cast of faculty and guests involved in the mystery. His presence adds another layer to the medical and personal dynamics at play.