69 pages 2 hours read

Agatha Christie

The Mousetrap

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1950

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Act II-AppendicesChapter Summaries & Analyses

Act II, Pages 34-48 Summary

Act II starts 10 minutes after Mrs. Boyle’s body is discovered. The corpse has been removed from the lounge, and everyone has been gathered by Trotter. Trotter questions Mollie, who is upset, and Giles intervenes. Trotter believes there’s another person in Monkswell Manor who is connected to Longridge Farm (this turns out to be Mollie).

Trotter questions everyone about their whereabouts during the murder of Mrs. Boyle. Giles was checking the phone, Christopher was in his room, Paravicini was in the drawing-room, Miss Casewell was in the library, and Major Metcalf was in the cellar. Giles becomes frustrated and tries to leave the room, but Trotter calls him back. Trotter describes how no one had an alibi; everyone had opportunity.

Giles points out that Christopher fits the description of the oldest child at Longridge Farm. Christopher is upset by this and claims innocence. Metcalf and Mollie try to comfort Christopher. Mollie asks to speak to Trotter alone, and he orders the other people to go to the dining room. Giles tries to stay behind, but Mollie asks him to leave as well.

Once alone, Mollie asks Trotter about the eldest child at Longridge Farm being the primary suspect.