Frimbo’s murder
The source of conflict in the narrative is Frimbo’s first ‘murder’ which prompts the investigations by multiple detectives. Ironically after being pronounced dead he turns out alive since he was not the victim. Consequently, he participates in his own murder investigation as the murderer mistook his servant for him. Absurdly in the process of recreating the murder scene, Frimbo is killed in actuality. He predicts this second murder but claims he can do nothing to prevent it.
Identity of the killer
The murder suspects in the case are not scarce as several individuals have motives to kill Frimbo. The investigation directs the blame to Jinx as the chief suspect because of his presence and his handkerchief at the scene. Besides Doty Hicks admits to cursing the conjure man as revenge for his brother. Ironically the killer is revealed to be the least likely suspect with or without the disguise. Moreover, his motive to kill Frimbo was much simpler than the prospects of the investigations.
The light
The light in Frimbo’s consulting room is the source of situational irony in the narrative. The light only being shone on the client causes the identity of the murderer and the first victim to go unnoticed. It is revealed that the purpose of the dimly lit room is to obscure Frimbo’s illusions and trickery. Ironically the wired light switch solves the case as it incapacitates the murderer after shooting at Frimbo.
The murder victim
After Frimbo is pronounced dead but rises from the dead shortly after the identity of the victim becomes a mystery. It is revealed to be Frimbo’s servant the murderer mistook for Frimbo but all is not as it seems. The servant has been assuming the role of Frimbo during sessions while Frimbo plays the servant. All as an elaborate plan to protect Frimbo from his enemies therefore the servant’s as the scapegoat was strategic not a mistake.
Frimbo’s primitivism
Initially, Frimbo is portrayed as a man who dabbles in the dark arts with a superstitious way of thinking. However, as the story progresses Frimbo reveals he is indeed African royalty and a Harvard philosopher too. Ironically he is more a man of philosophy and science than mysticism. He admits to using illusions and modern science to convey a sense of magic and mysticism.
