In the novel Sparkling Cyanide, Chief Inspector Kemp is investigating the death of George Barton. He is well acquainted with Colonel Race, and worked under Superintendent Battle for several years.
He is slightly reminiscent of Battle, and it is suggested that he has unconsciously copied many of Battle's mannerisms. Like Battle, Kemp bears the suggestion of being "carved all in one piece". However, where Battle had suggested a wood like teak or oak, Kemp suggests a more showy wood, like mahogany or rosewood.
Kemp is familiar with working on delicate cases which involve important people, such as the death of the Bartons which involved a politician Stephen Farraday.
Kemp invites Colonel Race to go with him to interview some witnesses who were present at the Luxembourg when George died. Later, he goes to Kidderminster House on his own, taking a bus there, as he is mindful of his expense account.
Kemp is sensitive, in spite of hos wooden appearance. When he tells Lord Kidderminster and the Farradays that George Barton had believed that his wife was killed, and had organised the dinner at the Luxembourg as a way to find out who the murderer was, Kemp feels "the presence of something" he classifies as dismay, although it is not shown on any face.
After the interview, Lord Kidderminster describes Kemp as a "courteous fellow", who was very pleasant in his manner and who handled everything with tact.
Kemp later has a conference with Colonel Race and Anthony Browne to discuss the case. During this meeting, Kemp puts several lumps of sugar into his tea. He also expresses the opinion that the case will never be brought to trial due to lack of evidence. However, he is certain in his own mind that the murderer is Lady Alexandra Farraday.
Portrayals[]
Sparkling Cyanide (1983)[]
In the 1983 Warner Bros adaptation, this character is named Captain Kemp of the Pasadena police. He is portrayed by Harry Morgan (Colonel Potter in "M*A*SH"). In this adaptation he is a personal friend of Eric Kidderminster. They had worked together on a similar case "during the war", suggesting that they were both intelligence agents or military police. Kemp gladly accepts the inputs and assistance from Kidderminster, and also from Tony Browne, especially after Kemp checks with Interpol and discovers that Tony is "one of us". Eric Kidderminster calls Kemp by his first name "Jim".