The Crimson Circle by Edgar Wallace

Name: The Crimson Circle
Author: Edgar Wallace

The narrative unfolds around a clandestine organization known as the Crimson Circle, which operates through blackmail and murder. The story begins with a man contemplating suicide due to financial ruin and a threatening enemy. He is approached by a mysterious driver who offers him a way out in exchange for his services as an agent for the Crimson Circle, revealing that he is now part of this secretive group. As the plot progresses, we are introduced to various characters, including James Beardmore, a wealthy man who receives a threatening letter from the Crimson Circle demanding a large sum of money. His son, Jack Beardmore, becomes embroiled in the unfolding drama, particularly as he develops feelings for Thalia Drummond, a secretary who previously worked for Harvey Froyant, another character linked to the Crimson Circle. The tension escalates with the murder of James Beardmore, which is attributed to the Crimson Circle. Derrick Yale, a detective with psychometric abilities, becomes involved in the investigation, seeking to uncover the identity of the Circle's leader. The narrative explores themes of deception, loyalty, and the moral complexities of crime, as characters navigate their relationships and the dangerous world of blackmail. As the investigation deepens, it is revealed that Froyant has his own secrets and connections to the Circle. The story culminates in a series of confrontations, where characters must confront their pasts and the consequences of their actions. The Crimson Circle's influence looms large, and the characters' fates intertwine as they grapple with the implications of their choices. Ultimately, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of crime, intrigue, and the quest for redemption, as the characters seek to escape the clutches of the Crimson Circle and find their own paths amidst the chaos.

By Edgar Wallace · First published 1926 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 43 chapters · 78,876 words

First lines

It was an hour when most respectable citizens were preparing for bed, and the upper windows of the big, old-fashioned houses in the square showed patches of light, against which the outlines of the leafless trees, bending and swaying under the urge of the gale, were silhouetted. A cold wind was sweeping up the river, and its outriders penetrated icily into the remotest and most sheltered places.

The man who paced slowly by the high iron railings shivered, though he was warmly clad, for the unknown had chosen a rendezvous which seemed exposed to the full blast of the storm.

What this Textopian page supports

The Crimson Circle 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, Adventure, Fiction
Length: 78,876 words
Structure: 43 chapters, 2,293 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Edgar Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a complex investigation and the unraveling of secrets.
Thriller — The narrative includes suspenseful elements and tension that keep readers engaged.
Crime — The story involves criminal activities and the pursuit of justice.
Adventure — The characters embark on a journey filled with unexpected twists and challenges.