A Pocket Full of Rye

“‘Tea—what the hell—you put in the tea—get help—quick get a doctor—’ Miss Grosvenor fled from the room. She was no longer the supercilious blonde secretary—she was a thoroughly frightened woman who had lost her head.”

The punctuated dialogue, Rex Fortescue’s only speech while alive, emphasizes his anger and distress, signaling that the murder is in progress. Miss Grosvenor is transformed by fear. Her reaction may imply guilt, setting up one of the novel’s first red herrings.

“It was only the faintest suspicion of a question mark but the young woman responded. ‘I know. Percival made an appointment twice for him, but he wouldn’t keep it. He was quite unreasonable—they’ve all been worried—’ She broke off and then resumed in her former assured manner.”

This first exchange of many between Miss Dove and Inspector Neele emphasizes his ability to ask subtle questions and her own intelligence. She confides the family’s doubts about Rex’s health in short bursts, as if aware that she is betraying a confidence. This introduces the theme of family secrecy and Neele’s role in uncovering it as he seeks to solve the crime.

“‘Lovely legs she’s got,’ said Constable Waite with a sigh. ‘And super nylons—’ ‘Legs are no help to me,’ said Inspector Neele. ‘I’m left with what I had before. A pocketful of rye—and no explanation of it.’”

This exchange establishes Neele’s character as unlike his constable’s: He is not distracted by aesthetics. The nylons in particular are a marker of the postwar context—nylon was rationed for years during the war and afterward, so new stockings were difficult to acquire. Neele, however, is focused on the deeper mystery, which will turn out to be key to the case.