Clues by Edgar Wallace (1925)

Name: Clues
Author: Edgar Wallace

A detective sergeant is introduced, known for his obsession with solving complex cases. He reflects on the simplicity of historical crimes compared to modern ones, using the biblical story of David and Uriah as a reference point. The narrative shifts to Penderbury Jonnes, a wealthy Welshman with a troubled marriage to a woman whose brother was a notorious criminal. Jonnes is the subject of anonymous letters accusing him of various misdeeds, which the police largely ignore. Jonnes's cashier, Horace Angel Banford, is depicted as a struggling musician with a penchant for crime literature. He is married to Dora, who enjoys dancing and is often out with friends. The plot thickens when Jonnes is caught drinking with Dora at a club, leading to a fine but no serious repercussions. However, the story takes a darker turn when Banford is arrested for embezzlement, revealing a web of deceit involving Jonnes and his wife. As Banford serves his sentence, he expresses a desire for revenge against Jonnes, who he believes has wronged him. Meanwhile, Jonnes's wife reveals her dissatisfaction with her marriage, hinting at potential violence against her husband. The narrative escalates when Jonnes is found dead in his estate, shot under mysterious circumstances. The investigation reveals a series of clues, including a glove and a hidden burglary kit, leading the detective to suspect multiple individuals. The detective interviews various characters, including Banford and Jonnes's wife, uncovering their motives and alibis. Tension builds as the detective pieces together the events leading to Jonnes's death, ultimately discovering that the gunshot was accidental. The story concludes with no one being charged for the crime, leaving the detective to ponder the complexity of human relationships and the nature of justice. The intricate web of clues and character interactions highlights the themes of betrayal, jealousy, and the consequences of past actions.

By Edgar Wallace · First published 1925 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction · 5,778 words

First lines

I'VE got a smart Aleck of a detective-sergeant in my division who is strong for clues. The harder they are the better he likes 'em. He reckons finger-prints are too childishly easy for a full-grown officer of the C. I. D.

"I believe there is a lot in that tobacco-ash theory, Sooper," he said. "It's fiction, I know-but there's a lot of truth in stories."

What this Textopian page supports

Clues is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1925 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edgar Wallace
Date: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction, Thriller, Drama
Length: 5,778 words
Structure: 1 section, 138 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder investigation, featuring detectives, clues, and the unraveling of a complex crime.
Crime — The narrative focuses on criminal activities, including embezzlement and murder, highlighting the motivations and consequences of crime.
Detective Fiction — The story is centered on a detective's investigation, typical of the detective fiction genre, with a focus on solving a case.
Thriller — The tension and suspense surrounding the murder and the characters' interactions create a thrilling atmosphere.