The narrative follows a complex web of deception, crime, and intrigue surrounding a Russian actor named Vladimir Litnoff, who is found dead under suspicious circumstances. The story begins with Litnoff's arrest for disorderly conduct, where he boasts about a valuable diamond brooch, hinting at a larger scheme. The plot thickens as Jake Alsby, a habitual criminal, becomes embroiled in the case after being found with a gun shortly after Litnoff's murder. As the investigation unfolds, Mr. J. G. Reeder, a detective known for his unconventional methods, becomes involved. He learns that Litnoff was part of a con orchestrated by Casius Kennedy, a former criminal who has assumed the identity of a respectable clergyman. Kennedy, along with his wife, has been using Litnoff to lure wealthy individuals into a scheme involving a fictitious treasure hidden in Switzerland, promising riches in exchange for investments. Reeder's inquiries lead him to uncover a network of deceit involving several characters, including Joan Ralph, whose father has also gone missing in connection with the scheme. The narrative reveals that Kennedy and his accomplices have been kidnapping victims to silence them and maintain their fraudulent operation. The tension escalates as Reeder pieces together the connections between the missing individuals, the Pizarro Syndicate, and the motivations behind the crimes. The climax occurs when Reeder confronts Kennedy at Grayne Hall, where he discovers the truth about the kidnappings and the murder of Gelpin, a former associate who threatened to expose the scheme. In a dramatic showdown, Reeder uses a signal to alert the police, leading to Kennedy's capture and the rescue of the kidnapped victims. Ultimately, the story explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the lengths to which individuals will go for wealth, culminating in a resolution that sees justice served and the criminal network dismantled. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, showcases Reeder's deductive skills and highlights the darker aspects of human nature.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1930 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Thriller, Mystery