Subject
Great Britain. Metropolitan Police Office -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edgar Wallace
Angel Esquire
"Angel Esquire" by Edgar Wallace is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Angel Esquire, an unorthodox officer at Scotland Yard, who is embroiled in a complex investigation involving a hidden fortune, a cryptic verse, and a series of nefarious characters, including the cunning Jimmy Stannard and the dubious Patrick Connor. The plot combines elements of intrigue, suspense, and crime as these characters navigate their way through a web of deception and greed. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the concept of a great safe that contains the fortune of the deceased gambler, Old Reale. It details the reading of Old Reale’s will, revealing that several characters, including Jimmy Stannard and members of the notorious "Borough Lot" gang, are in pursuit of his wealth, the secret of which lies within a doggerel verse acting as a cryptogram. Tensions rise as various characters, driven by their ambitions, prepare to outsmart one another, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable tale filled with twists and turns.
Walter S. (Walter Sidney) Masterman
The wrong letter
"The Wrong Letter" by Walter S. Masterman is a detective mystery written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Superintendent Sinclair and amateur detective Sylvester Collins as they unravel the shocking murder of the Home Secretary, Sir James Watson. As they delve into the complexity of the case, they encounter intriguing characters and a masterfully woven plot that suggests deception and hidden motives abound. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for a gripping crime scene at Sir James's house, where Sinclair receives an unsettling phone call announcing the murder. Collins joins him as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crime, revealing inconsistencies and mysteries such as a missing revolver and a potentially incriminating phone call. As they interrogate those connected to the victim, including the enigmatic housekeeper, Mrs. Simmons, and the suspicious private secretary Eric Sanders, they find themselves entangled in a puzzle that challenges their deductive skills and highlights the social and personal stakes enveloping the investigation. The initial chapters establish a tense atmosphere filled with intrigue and raise questions about trust, betrayal, and the nature of justice.
Walter S. (Walter Sidney) Masterman
The curse of the Reckaviles
"The Curse of the Reckaviles" by Walter S. Masterman is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story intertwines the themes of mystery and suspense, centering on the sudden death of Lord Reckavile and the rumors surrounding a family curse. The main character, Jack Sefton, is a medical student who, while dealing with personal difficulties after his father's passing, becomes embroiled in the investigation of the murder and the eerie events linked to Reckavile Castle. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a vibrant rugby match attended by the crowd, where Sefton shines as a player. However, the celebratory atmosphere shifts dramatically when Sefton receives devastating news about his father's imminent death, igniting feelings of loss and responsibility. As Sefton returns home, he discovers the dire financial state left behind by his father, compelling him and his sister Ena to relocate to the coastal town of Portham-on-Sea. Here, they encounter mysterious figures and unsettling rumors regarding a recent murder linked to Reckavile Castle, setting the tone for a thrilling investigation that delves into the past and the secrets of the Reckavile family.
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