The Man who Bought London

The Man who Bought London

The narrative follows the intertwining lives of several characters in London, primarily focusing on a wealthy American businessman, King Kerry, who is determined to buy up significant portions of the city. The story begins with a bustling scene in the West End, where the allure of wealth and the nightlife captivates various social classes. Amidst this backdrop, a sensational headline captures public attention: "King Kerry to Buy London." Kerry, a charismatic millionaire, is introduced as he navigates the streets of London, often followed by a mysterious figure, Hermann Zeberlieff, who harbors a deep-seated animosity towards him. Zeberlieff, a man of aristocratic descent, is portrayed as cunning and manipulative, seeking to undermine Kerry's ambitions while also dealing with his own financial troubles. As the plot unfolds, we meet Elsie Marion, a young woman working as a cashier at Tack and Brighton's, a struggling department store. She becomes entangled in Kerry's plans when he expresses interest in acquiring her employer's business. Elsie's life takes a dramatic turn when she is invited to lunch by Kerry, who is intrigued by her intelligence and charm. Their relationship develops, and she becomes his secretary, gaining insight into his grand schemes. The tension escalates when Zeberlieff attempts to sabotage Kerry's plans, leading to a series of events that involve murder, deception, and betrayal. A beggar, manipulated by Zeberlieff, is coerced into attacking Kerry, resulting in a violent confrontation. The beggar's subsequent death raises questions about Zeberlieff's involvement and intentions. As Kerry's business flourishes, he faces mounting opposition from rival store owners, including Leete and Goulding's, who band together to resist his aggressive expansion. The narrative explores themes of ambition, greed, and the moral complexities of business practices in a rapidly changing society. Amidst the chaos, Elsie finds herself torn between her growing affection for Kerry and the dangers posed by Zeberlieff. The climax builds as secrets are revealed, alliances shift, and the stakes become increasingly high. Ultimately, the story culminates in a confrontation that tests the characters' loyalties and reveals the true nature of their ambitions. In the end, the narrative serves as a commentary on the cutthroat world of business, the pursuit of power, and the personal sacrifices made in the name of success. The characters' fates intertwine in a web of intrigue, leaving readers to ponder the cost of ambition and the complexities of human relationships in the face of overwhelming desire.

By Edgar Wallace · First published 1921 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 30 chapters · 69,811 words

First lines

Night had come to the West End, but though the hour was late, though all Suburbia might at this moment be wrapped in gloom -- a veritable desert of deadness relieved only by the brightness and animation of the busy public-houses -- the Strand was thronged with a languid crowd all agape for the shady mysteries of the night world, which writers describe so convincingly, but the evidence of which is so often disappointing.

What this Textopian page supports

The Man who Bought London is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1921 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Good citation fit

Discussion starters

Similar titles

Genres

Tags

mystery · thriller · crime · Edgar Wallace · London · detective · suspense · adventure · fiction · historical · urban · plot twist

Contents

More by Edgar Wallace