Constable Magruder is a constable in the London police force.
Events of the Lord John Series[]
Lord John and the Private Matter[]
Constable Magruder is the superior officer on the scene when Lord John and Tom Byrd comes to examine McConnell's body. Magruder is initially concerned that Lord John will escalate the case to the magistrate, Sir John Fielding, thereby creating more work for Magruder. When Lord John shows no sign of planning to do so, Magruder relaxes and speaks to him about the details of the case. At Lord John's request, he promises to speak to the other constables about any other suspicious reports that night.
Just after Lord John leaves, however, Magruder hears a disturbance and finds Lord John Grey in the middle of a dispute between O'Connell's widow Francine O'Connell and O'Connell's mistress Iphigenia Stokes. He and his men hasten to assist Lord John in keeping the peace. Afterward, Magruder and some of the other constables enjoys a drink in the Blue Swan as a reward for their help.
Later, Magruder's men find a coat possibly belonging to O'Connell at a local pawnshop. Magruder questions pawnbroker himself, but the man remembers very little. Magruder writes to Lord John about the coat, taking the time to sketch the coat as well.
Macgruder continues to investigate any suspicious events on the night of O'Connell's death and questions the witnesses at the pub where he was last scene. The witnesses insist that O'Connell left alone and under his own volition. This information leads both Magruder and Grey to believe that Finbar and Francine Scanlon are responsible for O'Connell's death.
Early on Wednesday morning, a body is found in St. James' Park and Magruder is called to the scene. Magruder recognizes the green velvet dress and discreetly arranges for the body to be taken to the regimental headquarters rather than to the coroner. Magruder allows Lord John, Harry Quarry, and Tom to examine the body. When Tom points out that the body is that of a man, Magruder is surprised but not particularly disturbed. He rules out the idea of the body being that of a male prostitute, on the grounds that the man is too old.
After seeing the body, Magruder agrees to arrest the Scanlons and Magda, the madam who owned the green dress. However, when Magruder, Malcolm Stubbs, and several other men visit the Scanlons to make the arrest, they find the place abandoned. Magruder arrests and questions several of the neighbors, but gleans little information.
Personality[]
Magruder is a competent officer of the law. He is wary of John Grey's interference creating additional work for him, but ultimately proves helpful and discreet.
Physical Appearance[]
Constable Magruder is a small foxy-looking man with narrow eyes and harsh features.[1]
Trivia[]
References[]
- ↑ Lord John and the Private Matter, Chapter 4