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Edgar Wallace

In ‘Angel Esquire’ an eccentric casino owner on his death bed, proclaims that whoever can complete a complex cipher of his own design will be the sole inheritor of his vast fortune. The would-be benefactors turn against each other quickly and when things turn deadly Scotland Yard’s Christopher Angel is thrust in to the bloody mess. Wallace has weaved a plot with innumerable twists and turns, where nothing is certain and only the most shrewd will be left standing. It is a brilliant, fast paced read with an explosive conclusion emblematic of Wallace’s style. If you loved ‘Knives Out’ you will love this classic.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

SAGA Egmont

Crime Classics

Angel Esquire

An unusual novel in Wallace’s collection, it is not told linearly but instead it is an adventure novel told in the form of witness statements to a journalist. It follows Captain Tatham as he and his crew strike it rich by finding gold and a fine race horse on an abandoned pacific island. Determined to settle the island he races the horse in England to raise the money necessary. In doing so he also finds love, but soon the troubles begin to mount as he must face legal and real battles by foreign powers to keep a hold of his beloved island. It is a brilliant adventure novel, with beautiful world building, fascinating characters and an explosive conclusion. If you loved ‘Poldark’ you’ll love this stunning novel.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Captain Tatham of Tatham Island

James Bond meets Sherlock Holmes in this classic, high-octane, spy thriller.

When the police can’t find the evidence to put away master criminal Caesar Valentine, there’s only one man for the job.

Number Six, a secret undercover agent that operates outside the law. 

The only problem is, nobody knows who Number Six is, not even Scotland Yard...

This action-packed page-turner will keep you hooked until the end. A must-read for fans of James Bond, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Buchan.

Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.

He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book, ‘The Four Just Men.’

Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).

However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad.’

Number Six

A gripping diamond heist page-turner from the father of the modern thriller.

When a valuable diamond is stolen, a private investigator is sent to track him down. However, the trail turns cold when the perpetrator turns up dead. Where is the diamond, and who murdered him?

This action-packed thriller will keep you hooked until the very end. A must-read for fans of James Bond, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Buchan.

Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.

He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book, ‘The Four Just Men.’

Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts).

However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad.’

The Man Who Was Nobody

A novel full of intriguing characters who you can never fully trust, if you loved Netflix’s ‘You’ you’ll love this.

This shadowy mystery novel follows Lois an unassuming young girl who has just been hired as the secretary for a wealthy countess. As the days progress she begins to notice a man everywhere she goes, following her, relentlessly. Soon she becomes wrapped in a web of secrets, betrayal and deceit that might cost her life. 

It is a carefully crafted plot that tears ahead with blinding pace never letting you catch your breath. Its fact paced structure make the book perfect for someone on the go looking for a mighty injection of classic mystery in to their lives.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Strange Countess

‘Those Folk of Bulboro’ is a fascinating entry in Wallace’s long list of fictional works as it is neither a thriller nor a mystery novel as you may expect from Wallace. This novel is instead, a drama which takes place in a small town in Northern England following the life of a young doctor who has returned from the Congo to take over his uncle's practice. Likely informed by Wallace’s own time in the Congo reporting on the brutality and violence of Belgian colonialism, this novel follows the young doctor as he fights the intolerance and ignorance of his local townsfolk. It is a passionate and sympathetic read, with a brilliantly drafted cast of characters and truly compelling dialogue. It is a book that remains relevant to this day and is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys detective novels. 

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Those Folk of Bulboro

Another brilliant novel from the king of mystery ‘ A King by Night’ is a signature turn for famed British author Edgar Wallace. A series of murders has left Scotland Yard puzzled, to solve this one they will need to employ some more unconventional methods. It is a novel with high stakes and biting humour, weaved in to a plot that will have you spinning. This novel is perfect for anyone that loved ‘How to Get Away With Murder’.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

A King by Night

In this thriller, Wallace introduces us to John Lexman a formidable mystery writer who is lured in to a murder plot only to be betrayed and thrown in prison. Lexman’s intrepid Detective friend T.X Meredith is on the case to prove his friend's innocence but before he can, Lexman disappears from prison. It is a breathless thriller, packed with brilliant characters and stunning plot design typical of Wallace’s formidable writing. Wallace weaves an intriguing plot, romantic interests and unexpected plot twists in to a potent thriller perfect for anyone with a love for classic gangster movies.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Clue of the Twisted Candle

In ‘The Daffodil Mystery’, Lyne a womanising shop owner sets out to frame a former employee for embezzlement for spurning his crude advances. Before his contrived plan can come to fruition however, he is found murdered in Hyde Park, daffodils strewn across his corpse. Enter renowned Detective Jack Tarling and his ace assistant Ling Chu who are tasked with finding Lyne's murderer. Their methods are unusual but they might be just what this case needed. This novel is packed with a stunning ensemble of fantastic characters and brilliant plot twists that continually muddy the water leaving everything in doubt. It is a perfect read for fans of Benedict Cumberbatch’s ‘Sherlock’ or anyone who loves the Detective genre.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Daffodil Mystery

‘Double Dan’ is a globe-trotting detective caper which takes us from the streets of London to the sprawling heat of Australia. Someone has been masquerading as our protagonist to abscond with huge sums of money, but who? In a tale with a brilliantly compelling cast of characters, secret passage ways, plot twists and even a little bit of the supernatural, comes another brilliant detective novel from acclaimed author, Edgar Wallace. It is a novel perfect for anyone that loves a bit of ‘Sherlock’ in their lives.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Double Dan

To the world Maurice Tarn is merely the magnate behind a successful shipping company, little does anyone know that all the real money is made off the books in shady backroom deals. In a drunken stupor Tarn accidentally reveals the truth of his firm to his young secretary: the drug running, document forging and smuggling to name a few. Soon this begins a cataclysmic series of events that will suck in everyone in its vicinity. 

Wallace has once again crafted a plot with a vibrant cast, stunning plot design and innumerable twists that will leave readers stunned. 

For anyone that loved Mark Wahlberg’s ‘Contraband’ this novel is for you.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Sinister Man

Kate, an orphan with a brilliant mind, leads a massive underground criminal organisation. She pulls of daring heists using the insider knowledge she gleams from her position as a powerful aristocrat's secretary. Scotland Yard is suspicious, they know something is not right about this brilliant young woman but they can never trace the crimes back to her, and her Colonel uncle makes her practically untouchable. Inspector Pemberton is assigned to the case but can he take her down without breaking the law himself? This daring novel of the femme fatale rages along at a blinding pace, populated with brilliantly devised characters and an intricate plot this is a must read for anyone who loved ABC’s ‘Revenge’.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Kate Plus Ten

‘The Man Who Bought London’ follows the American King Kerry, an absurdly rich real estate tycoon who spends his time buying up swathes of London real estate to redevelop for the benefit of the poorer members of society. However his plans are disrupted by a former business associate who threatens to thwart his efforts. Under this immense pressure will the Good Samaritan persona crumble? 

It is a novel with brilliantly fast action, a stunning cast of characters and punchy dialogue layered over with a healthy dose of subversion. If you loved ‘Succession’ we guarantee you’ll love this classic caper.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Man Who Bought London

‘The Book of All Power’ takes place in the years before the First World War and until many years after the Bolshevik revolution in Russia. Malcom Hay, an engineer for a Ukrainian-English oil firm, comes into possession of ‘The Book of All Power’ from the elderly Israel Kensky who tells him it can turn people in to his puppets. Upon arriving in Russia, Hay becomes embroiled in a web of conspiracy that will strike at all levels of society from the Grand Duchess of the royal Russian family to the heads of the underground mob. This novel is packed with conspiracy, assassinations, murder and intrigue with plot twists at every turn that will leave the reader spinning. If you loved ‘The Man in the High Tower’ you’ll love this action packed novel.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Book of All Power

A classic thriller novel ‘The Blue Hand’ is built on intrigue, mystery and the strength of its cast. Packed full with the mysterious, the supernatural and the threat of an unrelenting villain it is a fast-paced read interjected with moments of beauty and romance. It is a potent thriller with wonderfully crafted plot twists and a powerful conclusion. The novel was loosely adapted in the West German horror film ‘Creature with the Blue Hand’ starring acclaimed actor Klaus Kinski.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Blue Hand

The Ringer, the legendary killer is dead, his body pulled from the Sydney harbour, the world may now breathe a sigh of relief. That is until the Ringer’s sister is found dead in the Thames. Inexplicably, the killer lives once more and he has returned to London for cruel vengeance, starting with those who were supposed to protect his sister, among them a top lawyer who represents most of the wealthy families in London. When the bodies begin to pile up, Scotland Yard’s Detective Wembury is assigned to the case once more, determined to catch his man once and for all. It is a thrilling detective novel with a brilliant cast of characters, a fast pace and beautiful description. It is a novel perfect for anyone who loved ‘Elementary’.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Ringer

This novel is dedicated to one of Wallace’s favourite pastimes, horse racing. It follows the rough neck Australian gambler Brian Pallard as he arrives in England to meet his distant relatives. Over the course of this fast paced novel, Pallard transforms from degenerate gambler to winning the hearts of his relatives in a sympathetic and dynamic tale. The story itself seems to draw significant parallels to Wallace’s own horse racing addiction which landed his family in serious financial difficulty. With this kernel of truth at its core ‘Grey Timothy’ is a brilliant, captivating tale with a brilliant cast of characters and divine plot twists. 

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Grey Timothy

A psychological thriller, woven with fantastic characters and delicious plot twists that will leave you spinning. 

‘The Strange Lapses of Larry Loman’ tells the story of Scotland Yard detective Larry Loman on a special mission to Asia. Once there he contracts a particularly vicious bout of malaria that causes him to have amnesiac blackouts for up to eight hours at a time. Nevertheless he is assigned to the Criminal Trust case, taking on an organisation that has gathered every major criminal in England under one banner but his blackouts worsen, making him unsure of the very reality he inhabits. 

If you loved the James Bond film ‘Spectre’ this book is perfect for you.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

The Strange Lapses of Larry Loman

‘Down under Donavan’ follows an ex-convict who strikes it rich gambling, but as the famous philosopher from Brooklyn, Notorious B.I.G once suggested "Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems", and soon a murder lies in the wake of his new found fortune. Wallace weaves an intricate and detailed plot around an ensemble of brilliant characters of gangsters, colonial officers, vile aristocrats and damsels in distress. It is a book with a phenomenal pace and stunning plot twists, a perfect read for fans of the thriller mysteries or anyone who loved Mark Wahlberg’s ‘The Gambler’. 

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Down Under Donovan

‘The Daughters of the Night’ follows Jim Bartholomew, an unconventional bank manager as his life is turned upside down. Thrust in to a chaotic situation with an ensemble of brilliant characters ,from the sweet Margot, to the beautiful Mrs. Markham and a mysterious American, Jim will have to think fast if he hopes to survive. With a potent dose of supernatural from the Roman deities of punishment, this mystery novel is a thrill from start to finish and is a must read for anyone who loved ‘Supernatural’.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Crime Classics - The book series

Crime Classics - The book series

Crime Classics books in order

Listen and read