The Murderer Lives at Number 21

Inspector Wenceslas Vorobeychik, known as Wens, is a precise and patient detective who uses disguise and cunning to navigate a roomful of quirky suspects. He relies on logical deduction and cool composure to separate truth from bluff. His commitment to solving the case drives the story and leads to a tense rescue at the end.

Mila Malou is a ditzy singer chasing publicity who nonetheless contributes to the investigation through bold actions and timely hints. She mixes flirtation and manipulation, creating misdirection that complicates Wens's pursuit. Her charm masks a pragmatic, self-interested streak that keeps the case lively.

Colin runs a small business making and selling Durand dolls with blank faces, embodying the boarding house’s oddball atmosphere. He can be clever and evasive, and his role in the murders becomes a key piece of the puzzle. His dolls symbolize the theme of facades masking intent.

Dr. Linz is a former abortionist turned doctor, part of the quirky cohort at the boarding house. He remains calm under pressure and is capable of unsettling methods. His involvement helps connect the different murders to a single mastermind’s larger scheme.

Kid Robert is a blind former boxer living among the tenants. He embodies vulnerability yet carries a surprising edge that can be crucial to the case. His past as a fighter and his current status as a tenant make him a compelling suspect amid shifting alibis.

Professor Lalah-Poor is a self-styled fakir and stage magician who steals items and improvises tricks. His hijinks contribute to the boarding house's eccentric atmosphere and to the sense of misdirection in the investigation. He, like the others, becomes entwined in the killer's web via opportunistic behavior.