Magpie Murders

Atticus is walking around town, feeling refreshed and reflecting upon the details of the case. He walks to Mary’s grave, where he meets Robin Osborne. He tells Robin he has solved the case and asks him about the photos Mary saw on his desk. Although Robin tries to pretend Atticus doesn’t know what he’s talking about, he’s clearly nervous. Atticus reveals that the Osbornes are nudists and enjoy exploring Dingle Dell without clothes. Atticus promises not to reveal the Osbornes’ secret to anyone else.

Atticus writes James a farewell letter, in which he confesses to suicide using the poison he took from Clarissa Pye, and requests that his ashes be scattered in Dingle Dell. He writes that it is “a very peaceful place” and “seems right” (369).

Chubb, Atticus, James, Joy, and Robert gather in the police office. Atticus walks everyone through the crime, tying together all the loose ends. Atticus accuses Robert of drowning his brother and killing his dog. He also suggests that Mary had seen what had happened while sitting in her sewing room, which looked out onto the lake. Atticus explains that Mary knew about her son’s violent inclinations and wrote a letter to Magnus explaining everything to open in the event of her death.