Discovering Rex by Edgar Wallace
A young lawyer, Keddler, disillusioned with the legal system, leaves his position to become an investigating agent in London. He quickly gains fame and wealth, but this notoriety complicates his work. He is tasked with capturing Rex Jowder, a notorious criminal wanted for multiple offenses, including a significant insurance fraud. Jowder, aware of Keddler's pursuit, attempts to eliminate him but fails. Keddler's investigation leads to a police raid that uncovers stolen money linked to Jowder. As Keddler continues his work, he becomes involved in the case of Lady Bresswell's stolen jewelry, which introduces him to the Marchessa Della Garda, an American woman married to an Italian nobleman. The Marchessa's life is marred by her husband's abusive behavior, leading her to a desperate act of self-defense that results in his death. Fearing for her life, she flees to London, where she assumes a false identity. The Della Garda family, seeking justice, hires Keddler to track her down. Unbeknownst to him, the woman he is searching for is the same Marchessa he had seen on the lake. Meanwhile, she is in a precarious situation, contemplating a marriage of convenience to escape her past and avoid arrest. Keddler's investigation intensifies, and he learns of her whereabouts through a newspaper article. The Marchessa, in a moment of panic, decides to marry a stranger to gain British citizenship and evade extradition. She meets a man on the streets, who agrees to the arrangement, but he is also a fugitive, complicating her plans. On the day of their marriage, Keddler confronts Jowder, who has been tracking him. A confrontation ensues, leading to Jowder's arrest. Keddler, now married to the Marchessa, navigates the complexities of their situation, including the potential for divorce. The Italian government ultimately decides not to pursue charges against her, allowing them to live a relatively peaceful life. As time passes, Keddler reflects on his feelings for the Marchessa, revealing that his actions were motivated by love. The story concludes with the Marchessa sailing back to America, carrying a letter from Keddler that expresses his true feelings, leaving their future uncertain yet hopeful.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1928 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 6,553 words
First lines
In the office of the Public Prosecutor was a young lawyer named Keddler, for whom the prospects were of the brightest until he grew impatient with the type of evidence which was supplied him by the painstaking but unimaginative constabulary, and went out single-handed to better their efforts. And he succeeded so remarkably well that a reluctant Commissioner of Police admitted his superiority as a detective and offered him a post at New Scotland Yard.
What this Textopian page supports
Discovering Rex is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Wallace, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Wallace
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Romance, Drama
- Length: 6,553 words
- Structure: 1 section, 158 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Discovering Rex?
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a detective, John Keddler, solving crimes related to Rex Jowder, making mystery the most relevant genre.
- Thriller — The narrative includes elements of suspense and danger, particularly with Keddler's encounters with criminals and the urgency of the cases he handles.
- Crime — The story focuses on criminal activities such as fraud, theft, and murder, central to the plot and character motivations.
- Romance — The relationship between John Keddler and Mona Della Garda adds a romantic subplot that influences character decisions and outcomes.
Tags
mystery · crime · detective · suspense · thriller · adventure · investigation · secrets · plot twists · suspenseful · characters · narrative