Red Aces by Edgar Wallace (1926)

Name: Red Aces
Author: Edgar Wallace

The narrative follows Kenneth McKay, a young bank clerk deeply in love with Margot Lynn, who abruptly ends their relationship through a heart-wrenching letter. Distraught, Kenneth confides in his friend Rufus Machfield, who suggests he seek help from J. G. Reeder, a detective known for his unconventional methods. Meanwhile, a murder occurs: a lawyer named Wentford is found dead on a snowy road, and the investigation reveals that he had been expecting a visit from Reeder. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Wentford had a secretive life, marked by paranoia and isolation. He had a niece, Margot, who worked as his secretary and was privy to his eccentricities. The plot thickens when it is revealed that Wentford had been involved in dubious financial dealings, and his death is linked to a conspiracy involving Machfield and a croupier named Lamontaine, who had a history of cheating at cards. Reeder, through his investigation, uncovers a web of deceit involving forged cheques and missing money from the bank. Kenneth becomes a suspect when it is discovered that he cashed a large cheque for a veiled woman, later identified as Ava, who is entangled in the conspiracy. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of greed, culminating in a tense confrontation where Reeder exposes the culprits. The climax reveals that Machfield and Lamontaine orchestrated Wentford's murder to cover up their financial crimes, using Kenneth as a pawn in their scheme. Reeder's meticulous detective work leads to their arrest, and the story concludes with a reflection on the nature of trust and the hidden darkness within seemingly ordinary lives. The resolution emphasizes the importance of truth and justice, as Reeder's efforts bring the criminals to justice while restoring some semblance of order to the lives affected by their actions.

By Edgar Wallace · First published 1926 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 26,020 words

First lines

When a young man is very much in love with a most attractive girl he is apt to endow her with qualities and virtues which no human being has ever possessed. Yet at rare and painful intervals there enter into his soul certain wild suspicions, and in these moments he is inclined to consider the possibility that she may be guilty of the basest treachery and double dealing.

What this Textopian page supports

Red Aces is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Adventure, Drama
Length: 26,020 words
Structure: 1 section, 796 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Red Aces by Edgar Wallace
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Red Aces?
How does this novel by Edgar Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Crime Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Crime Fiction — The plot revolves around criminal activities and investigations, typical of the crime genre.
Mystery — The narrative includes elements of suspense and the unraveling of secrets, characteristic of mystery stories.
Thriller — The book features tension and excitement, engaging readers with fast-paced developments.
Adventure — The story includes elements of adventure, with characters facing challenges and risks.