The Black Abbot by Edgar Wallace

Name: The Black Abbot
Author: Edgar Wallace

The story revolves around the mysterious Black Abbot, a ghostly figure said to haunt Fossaway Manor. The narrative begins with Lord Harry Chelford, who is deeply involved in the search for the legendary Chelford treasure, believed to be hidden somewhere on the estate. His brother, Dick Alford, is skeptical of the treasure's existence but is drawn into the mystery as strange events unfold. The manor is filled with intrigue, including the presence of Mary Wenner, a former secretary with her own designs on the treasure, and Arthur Gwyn, a lawyer with questionable motives. The plot thickens with the arrival of Fabrian Gilder, a former head clerk with a hidden agenda, and the mysterious appearances of the Black Abbot, which unsettle the residents and staff of the manor. As the story progresses, alliances shift, and secrets are revealed. The characters are driven by greed, ambition, and fear, leading to confrontations and unexpected twists. The treasure hunt becomes a dangerous game, with the Black Abbot's legend casting a shadow over the manor. In the end, the truth about the treasure and the Black Abbot is uncovered, revealing the lengths to which people will go for wealth and power. The story is a blend of mystery, suspense, and drama, set against the backdrop of an old English manor with a haunting past.

By Edgar Wallace · First published 1926 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 60 chapters · 111,524 words

First lines

"Thomas! ". "Yes, m'lord."

Thomas the footman waited, a look of concentrated interest on his unprepossessing face, whilst the pale man behind the big library desk sorted out a small pile of treasury notes. The battered steel box from which they were taken was full to the brim with bank and treasury notes of all denominations in hopeless confusion.

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Genres

Mystery — The plot centers on uncovering secrets and solving puzzles, a hallmark of the mystery genre.
Thriller — The narrative builds tension and suspense through high-stakes scenarios and rapid pacing.
Crime — The investigation of criminal activities and dark deeds is a central element of the story.
Gothic — The use of eerie settings and an atmosphere of decay contributes to a gothic tone.

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The Black Abbot is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1926 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edgar Wallace
Date: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Gothic, Horror
Length: 111,524 words
Structure: 65 chapters, 3,270 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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The Black Abbot by Edgar Wallace

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