Dr James Whistler

In the novel Death in the Clouds, Dr James Whistler is a police surgeon. He was summoned to Croydon when it was discovered that Madame Giselle had died on board the Prometheus enroute from Le Bourget to Croydon. Dr Whistler examined the body and later gave evidence at the inquest.

According to Dr Whistler, he had noticed a circular puncture on the side of the neck directly on the jugular vein, consistent with having been caused by the sting of a wasp or by the insertion of a thorn which had been found on the floor. On further examination, he concluded that death was caused by the introduction of a powerful toxin into the blood stream causing acute paralysis of the heart. The victim would have died instantaneously.

Dr Whistler is described as a thin, scraggy little man.