The settings of the two stories are integral to creating the right mood and atmosphere. One is a derelict, sinister mansion, whilst the other is a loving, neat, orderly family home. The first of which is Doctor Roylott's house, and the setting is perfect for the atmosphere of a murder. It is dull, huge, scary, and furthermore its got gypsies roaming freely around the estate. The setting here is like a prison for Miss Stoner. Her house is like a prison because she has no visitors due to Dr. Roylott's wandering wild animals, and his aggressive mood to everyone. She needs to lock her doors at night, as the animals may try to attack her. Also the village hates Doctor Roylott as he murdered his native butler and they are scared of him. Half of it is derelict and broken and there is no one near them to help so it is ideal to commit murder here, because there is so much secrecy and a sinister environment.
“The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, his a high central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, thrown out on each side” “The claws of a crab” this description makes it seem even more perfect for a murder scene, as it brings the thought of a crab crushing its prey into mind just as thought the Stoner girls are trapped in a lair of some kind. “In one of these wings, the windows were broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly caved in, a picture of ruin” This shows the house is derelict and broken. The image is also one of neglect, as though no one really cares about the people there. “The central portion was in little better repair” This shows that the rest of the building is ruined as well, the whole scene is unfriendly and frightening.
The family home of the Maloney's, however is the opposite. Its warm, cared for, light and neat. Obviously Mrs. Maloney cares for her house and how people view her status very much. “The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight… two tall glasses, soda water, whisky. Fresh ice cubes in the Thermos bucket.” Her attention to comfort shows she is well organised and cares for her home and her husband very much. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, there is little suggestion of a murder here. “There's plenty of meat, and stuff in the freezer” She keeps her house well stocked with food; this house isn't a typical murder scene, it's a scene of domestic contentment. They seem to have an easy, happy life at this point.
The methods of murder in both stories are unique in their own way. One is irrational and unplanned, the other is well thought through but needs medical and scientific knowledge to commit, and also to solve. The average person wouldn't have a chance at committing or working out this murder, but Doctor Roylotts background prepares him for it and makes it more believable, as he was a doctor in India. “Enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, where, he established a large practice” The murder fails because it's the second run attempt of the method and the clues are more easily recognised. When Helen Stoner announces her wedding plans she begins to experience the same sounds and events as her sister. Sherlock Holmes used his extraordinary observation skills, rather than those techniques of a normal detective like in the other story, and so these similarities were very quickly identified. Holmes tests the theory first which is effective because the reader is left still guessing. Many clues lead to the weapon and there are some red herrings too which have been added for intrigue and a better storyline. “ “There isn't a cat in it, for example?” “No. What a strange idea!” “Well, look at this!” He took up a small saucer of milk which stood on the top of it “No; we don't keep a cat, but there is a cheetah and a baboon” ”.The detail of the animals which are feared by the stoner girls lead the reader to assume that they must be somehow linked with the murder. Again this is effective in maintaining the readers' involvement as they continue to try piecing together the range of clues.
In Lamb to the Slaughter, however, the murder is spontaneous, irrational and unplanned. The murder was simplistic, the weapon was easily disposed of, and Mary had a good alibi so was prepared to conceal her involvement in the murder of Patrick. The fact she loves her husband makes it even less likely she will become a suspect - Her actions seem to come from extreme shock and anger. Even here we expect her to fall to pieces rather than become such a skilled manipulator. Mary easily deceives the detectives into eating the evidence “There was a good deal of hesitating among the four policemen, but they were clearly hungry” The fact that at the end Mary thought it was funny that she had killed her husband so easily and got away with it again surprises the reader. ““Personally, I think its right here on the premises.” “Probably right under our very noses. What do you think, Jack?” And in the other room, Mary Maloney began to giggle” It adds another twist to the already unusual investigation.
