Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Brighton Rock is a murder mystery set in Brighton, England, in the 1930s. This story of a series of gang murders takes the tone of a morality play, concerning a clash between two characters equally obsessed with the relationship of good and evil.

Chapter One focuses on Fred Hale, a journalist for the Daily Messenger. He has come to Brighton as part of one of the popular "scavenger hunts" British papers would sponsor during the summer seasons. Hale, under the name Kolley Kibber, wanders Brighton - and other resort towns - until he is recognized by a Messenger reader and challenged. That reader is given a prize. Hale also leaves cards around town that can be redeemed for smaller prizes.

As Hale arrives in Brighton, he knows his life is in danger. He does not want to shirk his Kibber responsibilities...