In the narrative of "Death in the Andamans" by M.M. Kaye, the protagonist navigates a murder mystery where the lack of solid evidence leads to speculation about the culprit. The protagonist suggests Leonard Stock as the murderer, emphasizing his seemingly improbable guilt. This observation reflects a common trope in mystery storytelling, where the least expected character often turns out to be the true offender.
This reasoning highlights a traditional theme in crime literature, where writers frequently employ the twist of an unsuspecting individual being the perpetrator. The protagonist's choice of Stock aligns with the notion that, despite the absence of definitive proof, the possibility of the unassuming character being involved can't be dismissed. This creates a tantalizing layer of intrigue, encouraging readers to consider the dynamics of appearances and reality in murder mysteries.