The Lone House Mystery

Name: The Lone House Mystery
Author: Edgar Wallace

A police superintendent investigates a murder case involving a wealthy man, John Field, who is found dead in his study with a sword embedded in his back. The investigation reveals a complex web of relationships, including Field's secretary, Marjorie Venn, who is also the daughter of his former partner, Lewis Venn. Field had a troubled past in Africa, where he discovered a gold mine with Lewis, who later died under mysterious circumstances. Field had married a native woman, Lita, and had a son, Joseph, who is also introduced into the narrative. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Field had enemies, including his secretary, who had a complicated relationship with him. Tensions rise as suspicions grow around various characters, including Garry Thurston, a local young man in love with Marjorie, and Veddle, Field's servant with a criminal past. Veddle is later found dead, suggesting he was involved in a conspiracy against Field. The plot thickens with the introduction of a smoke signal and a series of mysterious events, including a shooting at the superintendent and the disappearance of key witnesses. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the consequences of past actions, ultimately leading to the revelation of the true murderer and the motivations behind the crimes. The story culminates in a dramatic confrontation, where the superintendent pieces together the clues, revealing the intricate connections between the characters and their shared history. The resolution leaves lingering questions about justice and morality, as the characters grapple with their pasts and the impact of their choices on their futures.

By Edgar Wallace · First published 1929 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller · 13 chapters · 31,662 words

First lines

I AM taking no credit out of what the newspapers called the Lone House Mystery. I've been long enough in the police force to know that the man who blows his own trumpet never gets into a good orchestra. So that, if anybody tells you that Superintendent Minter of Scotland Yard is trying to glorify himself, give them a dirty look for me.

"Superintendent" is a mouthful, and anyway, it is not matey. Not that I encourage young constables to call me "Sooper" to my face. They never do. I want " sir " from them and every other rank, but I like to overhear 'em talking about the old Sooper, always providing they don't use a certain adjective.

What this Textopian page supports

The Lone House Mystery is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1929 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edgar Wallace
Date: 1929 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Detective Fiction, Adventure
Length: 31,662 words
Structure: 13 chapters, 730 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around solving a central enigma, typical of mystery narratives.
Crime — The story likely involves criminal elements and investigations, common in crime fiction.
Thriller — The narrative may include suspenseful and tense situations, characteristic of thrillers.
Detective Fiction — The presence of a detective or investigator aligns with the conventions of detective fiction.