The Case of Joe Attymar
The narrative revolves around a complex murder case involving Joe Attymar, a barge-master suspected of smuggling and ultimately found dead. The story begins with Scotland Yard's investigation into a drug smuggling operation, which leads to the introduction of Mr. Reeder, a detective known for his unconventional methods. Reeder is called upon to assist in the case, which becomes intertwined with the lives of several characters, including Johnny Southers, a young man in love with Anna Welford, and Clive Desboyne, who has a complicated relationship with Anna. As the investigation unfolds, it is revealed that Attymar was involved in illicit activities, and his murder is shrouded in mystery. The narrative explores themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal, particularly through the lens of Johnny's unrequited feelings for Anna and Clive's manipulative actions. Clive, who is revealed to have a darker side, orchestrates a plan to frame Johnny for Attymar's murder while attempting to eliminate any threats to his own interests. Reeder's investigation leads him to uncover crucial evidence, including a letter that suggests a deeper connection between the characters and the crime. The tension escalates as Reeder navigates through lies and deception, ultimately leading to a confrontation with Clive, who is revealed to be the true mastermind behind the murder. Clive's arrogance and belief in his own cleverness lead to his downfall, as he underestimates Reeder's abilities. The climax of the story occurs when Reeder, having pieced together the puzzle, confronts Clive in a dramatic showdown. Clive's attempts to escape justice are thwarted, and the truth about Attymar's murder is revealed. The resolution sees Johnny exonerated, while Clive faces the consequences of his actions. Throughout the narrative, Reeder's character is portrayed as a methodical and insightful detective, whose keen observations and understanding of human nature allow him to unravel the complexities of the case. The story concludes with a sense of justice served, as the characters' fates are sealed by their own choices and the intricate web of deceit they wove.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1926 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction · 25,388 words
First lines
THERE are gaming houses which harass the police, strange little clubs and other establishments less easy to write about, but Mr Attymar was not associated with one of these. Such problems are, in one shape or another, perennial! Occasionally they grow acute and just at that moment the question of systematic smuggling was worrying Scotland Yard considerably.
Chief Constable Mason sent for Inspector Gaylor.
What this Textopian page supports
The Case of Joe Attymar 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: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Detective Fiction, Drama
- Length: 25,388 words
- Structure: 1 section, 658 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Case of Joe Attymar by Edgar Wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Case of Joe Attymar?
- How does this novel by Edgar Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around solving a crime or uncovering secrets, typical of mystery narratives.
- Thriller — The story likely contains suspenseful elements and tension, characteristic of thrillers.
- Crime Fiction — The narrative focuses on criminal activities and their implications, aligning with crime fiction themes.
- Detective Fiction — The presence of a detective or investigator working to solve the case is a hallmark of detective fiction.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · thriller · Edgar Wallace · suspense · investigation · fiction · novel · whodunit · plot twist · London