Gunman's Bluff by Edgar Wallace

Name: Gunman's Bluff
Author: Edgar Wallace

"Gunman's Bluff" by Edgar Wallace is a gripping tale of intrigue, deception, and crime. The story begins with Margaret Leferre, a poised and dignified woman, engaged to Luke Maddison, a wealthy banker with a seemingly impeccable background. However, the narrative quickly unfolds into a complex web of relationships and hidden motives. Margaret's brother, Rex Leferre, is a volatile character with a penchant for gambling and financial instability. His interactions with Danton Morell, a charming yet dubious figure, add layers of tension and suspicion. Danton, who harbors a dislike for Luke, becomes a confidant to Margaret, influencing her perceptions and decisions. The plot thickens with the introduction of Gunner Haynes, a notorious jewel thief with a mysterious past. His unexpected encounter with Luke at a hotel sets off a chain of events that intertwine the lives of the main characters. As the story progresses, Luke's seemingly perfect life begins to unravel, revealing his vulnerabilities and the precariousness of his financial dealings. The narrative is further complicated by a daring robbery at Taffanny's, a high-end jewelry store, where Luke is implicated as an accomplice. This incident propels him into a world of crime and deception, challenging his moral compass and testing his relationships. Margaret, caught between loyalty to her brother and her feelings for Luke, faces a moral dilemma. Her interactions with Danton Morell reveal the depths of manipulation and deceit that surround her. As she grapples with the truth about Luke's involvement in criminal activities, her own motivations and decisions come under scrutiny. The story reaches a climax as the characters' paths converge in a dramatic confrontation, where alliances are tested, and true intentions are revealed. Edgar Wallace masterfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. "Gunman's Bluff" is a testament to Wallace's ability to craft a suspenseful and engaging story, filled with unexpected twists and complex characters. The novel delves into the human psyche, examining the choices individuals make when faced with moral and ethical dilemmas.

By Edgar Wallace · First published 1929 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Thriller, Mystery · 32 chapters · 82,821 words

First lines

"But you _are_ going to marry him, Peggy?"

There was an agitation in the voice of Rex Leferre that almost startled his sister: it certainly diverted for the moment the resentment that was growing toward her unpunctual fiancé.

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Gunman's Bluff is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1929 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Edgar Wallace
Date: 1929 CE
Language: English
Genres: Crime Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Adventure
Length: 82,821 words
Structure: 32 chapters, 2,541 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Crime Fiction — The narrative centers on criminal activities and the underworld, typical of Edgar Wallace's work.
Thriller — The story employs high tension and suspense to drive the plot forward.
Mystery — Elements of investigation and enigmatic circumstances are central to the narrative.
Adventure — The book includes action and risky undertakings that contribute to an adventurous tone.