Part V, The Finest Time Summary and Analysis

In a section made up of ten chapters, some of them extremely brief, the reader finally learns the details of the murder that has been foreshadowed since the book's beginning. The gruesome discovery of a decomposed body in the basement of the house at Hilltop Crescent is contrasted with the shipboard happiness of Crippen and Ethel, their "finest time."

The section leads off with an account of Dew's first interview with Crippen. The doctor explains that he wanted to find a way to cover up Belle's disappearance without scandal, and with that aim has invented her death. Crippen allows Dew to search his home, and agrees to place an advertisement to see if Belle can be located. After the detectives leave, Ethel tells Crippen that his deception has upset her greatly. Crippen proposes...