The narrative follows the intertwined lives of Agatha Wandsworth, a cunning and unscrupulous young woman, and Ramon Ellister, a criminal mastermind. Agatha, raised in orphanages, develops a cold, calculating demeanor, using her beauty to manipulate others. She becomes a servant for two elderly ladies, where she discovers a passion for literature, particularly crime novels, which shapes her worldview. After the death of one of her employers, Agatha's life takes a turn as she moves to a library job, where she meets Ramon, who is involved in various criminal activities. Their paths cross again when Agatha, now adopting the name Diana Montgomery, becomes a hostess at a nightclub run by Ramon and his partner, Douro. She quickly becomes an asset to the club, charming wealthy patrons and drawing them into the gambling scene. Meanwhile, Professor Mildmay, living in a secluded house by the coast, becomes the target of a gang interested in the treasures rumored to be hidden in the vaults beneath his home. After a failed break-in attempt, the professor kills one of the intruders, leading to a series of events that intertwine with Agatha and Ramon's criminal exploits. The professor's cousin, Commodore Smith, arrives to assist him, and together they plot to uncover the truth behind the gang's interest in the house. As the story unfolds, the tension escalates with the discovery of the murdered body of Braddock, a member of Ramon's criminal circle, leading to a race against time to cover their tracks. The narrative explores themes of greed, deception, and the moral ambiguity of its characters, culminating in a gripping tale of crime and survival. The characters' fates become increasingly intertwined as they navigate their respective ambitions and the consequences of their actions, ultimately leading to a confrontation that tests their cunning and resolve.
By Arthur Gask · First published 1933 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 8 chapters