Chapter 1 Summary

Part 1, which is Chapter 1 to 3, takes place in London, on July 24th of 1930. Christopher starts Chapter 1 recalling the summer of 1923, the first summer after he came to London after finishing school in Cambridge. In the first chapter, Christopher mentions that he had no family, except for an old aunt in Shropshire and that he is a detective.

He runs into a school friend, James Osbourne, who was famous for his well-connectedness. James unknowingly offends Christopher by making a comment about Christopher having been an "odd-bird." However, Christopher decides to accept James' invitation to come to a fancy dinner party.

At the party, Christopher sees Sarah Hemmings for the first time. Christopher is advised by an older gentleman at the party against speaking to Ms. Hemmings, who explains that it would be a waste of his time. As a result, Christopher does not introduce...