In the novel A Caribbean Mystery, Mr Daventry is a colonial administrator on the island of St Honoré where Miss Marple spends a holiday in the Caribbean. He is a friend of Dr Graham, and is described as a "grave young man of thirty-five".
When Dr Graham begins having doubts about Major Palgrave's death being due to natural causes, he goes to see Mr Daventry. Dr Graham suggests that if someone decided to get rid of the Major quickly, the poison would probably be administered in a drink. The bottle of Serenite tablets would be placed in his room to make the death appear to be due to natural causes, and the rumour about him having high blood pressure would be put about.
Mr Daventry is of the opinion that "it's all a mare's nest", but concedes that they must do something. He goes to the Admistrator, and the CID is informed. Major Palgrave's body is then exhumed, and an autopsy is conducted.
After the death of Victoria Johnson, Mr Daventry accompanies Inspector Weston during the investigation.
Portrayals[]
In the 1983 Warner Bros adaptation, Daventry becomes "Captain Daventry" and is portrayed by Zakes Mokae. Here he is a policeman and undertakes the investigative role given to Inspector Weston in the original novel. He is assisted by a sergeant who is not named.
In the BBC 1989 adaptation, Daventry is renamed "Napier" and is portrayed by Shaughan Seymour.
In the 2013 ITV adaptation, Daventry becomes "Inspector Daventry" and is portrayed by Anele Matoti. He conducts the investigation and is assisted by Sergeant Weston.