Kate plus 10

by Edgar Wallace

"Kate plus 10" by Edgar Wallace is a novel written in the early 20th century. It’s a brisk crime thriller about Kate Westhanger, a brilliant young strategist at the center of a refined criminal network, and Inspector Michael Pretherston, the sharp, sardonic detective who knows her best. Set amid London’s high society and the notorious “Crime Street,” it promises a cat‑and‑mouse game of audacious schemes, social satire, and personal sparring. The opening of the novel follows a seemingly simple mystery—Lady Moya Felton’s missing pearl necklace—swiftly solved by Pretherston, who then exposes Moya’s efficient secretary “Miss Tenby” as Kate. Over lunch, Kate defends her choices while Michael probes why she insinuated herself into Lord Flanborough’s affairs, suspecting she copied sensitive documents. We’re introduced to Crime Street’s elite crooks, including Kate’s uncle, Colonel Westhanger, and the suave Gregori, as Kate coolly debates morality and outlines a far larger plan. Posing as a chorus girl, she charms wealthy innocent Reggie Boltover at Sebo’s until a vengeful ex-associate lunges at her—foiled by Michael. Soon after, Michael traces Kate’s calculated approach to Boltover’s business and lays a trap at his own flat, where Kate breaks in and the two face off, setting the stage for their duel.