Books in the Crime Classics series

This police thriller opens with Scotland Yard Detective Surefoot Smith as he is called to a strange murder scene. Tom Tickler, a well-known petty thief has been brutally murdered, his corpse left in an abandoned taxi with a huge sum of money in his pockets. This sets Surefoot on a path that will take his investigation to the very top of British society and he will have to risk everything to get his man. The bodies continue to pile up in this mystifying thriller with an ever growing list of suspects. The plot is masterfully weaved to betray the reader at every turn creating an exhilarating and heartily enjoyable read for anyone who loves ‘Bosch’ or ‘Sherlock’.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.

'Tam o' the Scoots' is a book that cannot help but stand out from the rest of Wallace's fiction. In a good way, at that. It is a collection of ten short stories chronicling - in striking detail - the dire straits of a brilliant Scottish aircraft pilot whose heyday coincided with the First World War. Casting light on the historical accuracy of the situations Tam underwent with the 'scoots' (Tam's Scottish pronunciation of scouts, which was what fighter pilots were dubbed back in the day) and the psychological inner workings of what constitutes a reliable pilot, Wallace's collection is comprised of light and sometimes sketchy tall-tales, served with a quintessential inkling of humour and action. Insightful and attention-grabbing!Readers young and old alike will be excited to discover that Wallace's work has been adapted for the big screen many times with actors like Jack Black, Adrien Brody and Jamie Bell portraying characters from his books.-

"e;Jack O'Judgment"e; is a classic thriller novel by the inimitable Edgar Wallace. The memorable crime story revolves around a masked vigilante, who wreaks havoc among a successful gang of organised London blackmailers, leaving only a Jack of Clubs as a trace that he was there. The star of the novel is a male protagonist that is both light-hearted and frivolous, as well as cruel towards injustice and the larger-than-life villains. Just like in "e;The Four Just Men"e;, Wallace arguably promotes vigilantism as the only solution to a feeble justice system. An excellent mystery that leaves the reader guessing in suspense about the identity of the elusive masked man, perfect for lovers of the likes of Sherlock Holmes.-

"e;Captains of Souls"e; is an atypical piece of detective crime fiction work from Edgar Wallace, one of the most prolific British writers of the 20th century. Centring around Ambrose Sault, who has managed to find a rather suspicious way to merge a soul with a body of another, the novel unfolds into a tragedy circling around criminals, financial fraud, blackmail as well as cold murder. The novel takes a turn around the sinister objectives of Salt, whose encounter with the other characters leaves their lives changed forever. Mystery crime drama, comedy of manners and melodrama all at once, "e;Captains of Souls"e; makes for a thrilling and well-written read full of suspense and will be enjoyed by fans of Netflix shows such as "e;Behind Her Eyes"e;.-

In this intriguing novel, two business partners, Maxwell and Cartwright fall out and their relationship crumbles. Sometime later, Maxwell has been called to serve as a Justice and in a flagrant flouting of the laws, condemns his former business partner to a lengthy prison sentence to save himself. Maxwell has made a fatal error however and Cartwright will have his vengeance. In this fast paced novel, typical of Wallace's style, he has created an ensemble of brilliant characters that power the plot forward, to explosive and unexpected conclusions. It is a novel perfect for anyone who loved ' How To Get Away With Murder'.-

Prophetic and chilling at once, Edgar Wallace's alternate history crime novel "e;Private Selby"e; deals with the author's fear of a potential German invasion of Britain shortly before the outbreak of the Great War. Credited with being one of the writers who predicted the First World War, the novel follows the life of a young rascal Dick Selby, who enters the British military and whose life spins into unexpected disarray as a result of a sudden invasion. From that moment on, his life becomes an arena of conflicting feelings and emotions, reflecting his traumatic wartime experience. A true page-turner, the short novel combines the best of military fiction, love-filled drama and crime and is a must-read for fans of both classic crime fiction and military history.-

A classic mystery novel and a cheeky sense of humour are often associated with the works of Conan Doyle, but Edgar Wallace's 'The Terrible People' is just as gripping and inventive as Sherlock Holmes. A gang of criminals return from the dead to haunt an heiress, as they seek to find redemption for crimes they didn't commit. It is a novel which never ages and has remnants of a Gothic horror, as the protagonist attempts to exert revenge on those who have wronged him - his executors. Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

A crooked merchant banker. The tantalising wealth of a distant relative. A bribe promising to wipe the slate clean. Stephen Narth needs pound50,000 to keep out of prison. When his uncle unexpectedly offers a solution, an exciting and dangerous journey to China begins. But Narth must pull the strings of fate to secure his future. And time waits for no one when seedy businessmen and corrupt assassins are at hand. Who will keep their side of the bargain? And more importantly, will Narth come out on top? Outlandishly fun and outrageously daring, Edgar Wallace’s thriller ‘The Yellow Snake’ is perfect for fans of ‘Peaky Blinders’.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. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

With tramps, gangsters and English nobility, ‘The Northing Tramp’ is step away from Edgar’s usual setting. This crime classic jumps right into it with a tramp making a run for the Canadian border after getting married in a drunken slumber. As you meet characters and visual various settings, make sure you don’t forget a detail because as the plot twists and turns, you’ll be flicking back through it to decipher the clever conclusion.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

‘The Tomb of Ts’in’ is an adventure novel from acclaimed British author Edgar Wallace, that follows an intrepid treasure hunter through beautiful Chinese vistas in the hunt for a long forgotten tomb. Interestingly the story predates the actual discovery of the tomb by some sixty years. The story itself is humorous, fast paced and exotic, perfect for anyone interested to see what a British Indiana Jones might be like. He probably hates snakes too.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 old-fashioned Maber and Maber department store is struggling for business. It’s not a patch on the modern Atterman’s store down the street. When Barbara, the goddaughter and secretary to Mr Maber, forges a plan, an unexpected turn of events unfolds. Mr Maber is found dead and Barbara is the prime suspect. Now, it’s up to Barbara to prove her innocence. But what really happened to Mr Maber and how will Barbara convince the police? A rollicking read full of laughs, ‘Barbara on Her Own’ is perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ and the runaway hit ‘Knives Out’ with Daniel Craig. 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. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screenplays, stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

There are three things that can keep John Morlake awake at night. For the last ten years, he has spent his life trying to solve the mystery of the unknown sailor that had been found dead close to a highway. During the same 10 years "The Black", a mysterious robber from London's underworld has been able to terrorise the city by carrying out daring robberies and evading capture.Outside of the criminal world, Morlake uses a lot of energy thinking about the big city financier trying to buy the Estate of Lord Carston with the idea that he can get the hand of the lord's daughter, Lady Joan, as part of the bargain. What is curious about the financier is that he has business connections in Morocco and the UK. Why Morocco? As time goes by and the plot unravels, Wallace begins to realise that the three mysteries he has spent so much time thinking about are not three mysteries, but one!Readers looking for the next didn't-see-that-coming thriller like 'Behind her Eyes' by Sarah Pinborough will fall for this novel immediately. A TV series based on the novel premiered on Netflix in 2021 with Eve Hewson, Tom Bateman, Simona Brown and Robert Aramayo in leading roles.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays and historical non-fiction. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

In the ancient Garre Castle, the dead walk again, the Green Archer hung in 1487 has returned...and he has killed again. The castle’s reclusive owner refuses to allow anyone to investigate however, he has his own secrets to hide and they are worth a few more bodies. As the bodies begin to pile up, Scotland Yard sends Captain Featherstone to track down this recluse and put and end to the madness once and for all. With incredible design, stunning characters and a plot that will leave the reader spinning, this iconic novel from Wallace is a must read for anyone who loved ‘Supernatural’ or ‘Sherlock’.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 handsome young man goes missing the night before his wedding-day, along with one million pounds. Detective James Sepping is assigned to the case, assisted by the intrepid Joan Walton, they will soon begin to uncover a trail of bodies leading to a sinister truth. They will tangle with the ‘Prince of Blackmailers’, the king of the criminal underworld in their search for the truth and a whole cast of brilliantly developed characters in this detective caper. Typical of Wallace, 'The Missing Million' is fast paced and engaging right till the explosive end., This book is perfect for anyone who loves the mystery of ‘Sherlock’.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.

Jesse Trasmere is a penny-pinching miser with no faith in banks, instead he keeps his vast fortune in a locked vault at his fortress mansion. Rex Lander his dependant nephew is unhappy with his allowance but before he can talk to his uncle, Jesse rushes out of town on business. The story takes a dramatic turn when Jesse’s body is uncovered inside the locked vault and all eyes fall on Rex. Typical of Wallace’s work there is a splendid cast of brilliant supporting characters in this beautifully designed ‘whodunnit’. With plenty of mystery, intrigue and subversion this book is perfect for anyone with a passion for mysteries or those of you who loved ‘Knives Out’.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.

When a man ignores his last warning to pay pund100,000, it is his son who finds him dead on the next morning. Revolving around a mysterious circle, specializing in blackmail, called The Crimson Circle, Wallace’s novel is filled with all the prerequisites for a perfect detective story: a brilliant, almost all-knowing detective, superbly crafted criminal mastermind, strong women characters, and a dramatic twist in the end. The cliched, old-fashioned "suspect everyone" plot is perfect for a summer read and for those who like solving crimes on paper.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".

Edgar Wallace was well-known for his passion for war fiction, no doubt inspired by his time as a journalist covering the Second Boer War. Wallace took his obsession with alternate realities to task in creating this stunning novel which imagines the world ten years after the First World War, where Germany is intent on breaking an uneasy peace. Rather prophetic. In this reality the Allies do not wait to be struck first and instead concoct a plan to draw the German army out, leaving their homeland completely defenceless. It is an incredibly fascinating read perfect for anyone who enjoyed ‘The Man in the High Castle’ or the YouTube series on ‘Alternate History Hub’.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 Books of Bart’ is an interesting entry in Wallace’s body of work as it is not a thriller or a mystery, it is in fact surprisingly up front about itself. The story centres on several unapologetically terrible people, who attack each other not with weapons but their words. The whole plot is one large double cross, littered with smoke and mirrors and betrayal at every corner. It does maintain many features typical of Wallace’s work however such as it’s fantastic cast of characters which power the story to great heights and his brilliant world building. For anyone that loved ‘Knives Out’ this book 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.

Stella Barrington a wealthy trainer and stable owner comes across a mysterious tramp one day at the stables after he has fended off an attack from some fellow tramps. Impressed by his demeanour and stature and assuming him to be a war veteran she offers him the position of Head Lad in her stable. Bill the tramp accepts, and joins the team as they compete at the worlds most renowned race tracks. However, a rival stable plots on their downfall, seeking to topple the premier stable once and for all they will stop at nothing to crush Stella. Soon Bill begins to raise questions in Stella’s mind as well, is he truly who he says he is? This mystery novel is threaded with a dynamic plot and a stunning cast, making this punchy novel a must for anyone who loved ‘Secretariat’ or ‘Black Beauty’. 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.

‘Angel of Terror’ is a tale of the femme fatale, a vast family fortune and the lengths people will go for money. Behind the mask of this sweet faced, beautiful woman is a cold, unflinching ‘Angel of Terror’ who will manipulate and bend those around her to her will with her forked tongue. It is an incredibly fast-paced book, with a riveting plot and phenomenal dialogue, intersected with bouts of humour and satire. It is a perfect read for anyone who loved ABC’s award winning show ‘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.

Covering for your sister can lead to the most unexpected of outcomes, as Audrey Bedford discovers in Edgar Wallace's 'The Face in the Night'. Selling her chicken farm and relocating to London to join her stepsister, Audrey Bedford is arrested shortly thereafter, having been caught transporting the Queen of Finland’s stolen jewelry. Audrey decides to admit culpability and go behind bars for a year rather than "rat out" her sibling, who is in fact the true perpetrator of the crime. Once released, she takes on a position as scribe to the mysterious Mr. Malpas, who broods for days on end in his apartment and permits visitors to approach him no closer than from across a vast darkened room. When Malpas’ neighbour Mr. Marshalt is discovered murdered, Audrey rapidly finds herself ensnared in a web of missing diamonds, raging ill-forgotten feuds and a budding romance in the unlikeliest of places.Wallace’s work has been adapted for the big screen many times with actors like Jack Black, Adrien Brody and Jamie Bell portraying characters from his books.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays and historical non-fiction. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, 'King Kong'.

A gripping, fast-paced mystery by the prolific Edgar Wallace, 'The Three Oak Mystery' puts forth a tale of two whimsical London detectives, Socrates and Lexington Smith, who become inadvertently intertwined in a chain of inexplicable paranormal events one evening whilst staying overnight at a friend's manor house. "Come three oaks" a ghostly light dashing across the lawn spells in Morse code. Shaken by the happenings of the night before, the brothers elect to take a walk down the same route the following morning and, horrified, discover the body of a petrified elderly gentleman tied to an oak tree, a purple bullet wound gleaming in the sunlight. This gruesome unearthing is only the first of a menagerie of mysterious occurrences which the two men stumble upon that day, leaving them with no choice but to bite the bullet and unravel the curse of the Three Oaks.Readers will be delighted to find that Wallace’s work has been adapted for film many times with actors like Jack Black, Adrien Brody and Jamie Bell portraying characters from his books.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays and historical non-fiction. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, 'King Kong'.

'The Valley of Ghosts' squarely plants you smack-bang in the middle of a tiny close-knit aristocratic English town that is beset by more than just ghosts alone, as he is all too quick to discover. The guilt-ridden past and present of the town's inhabitants together with the ever-growing restlessness of the "ghosts" transforms the plot into a wild goose chase of buried secrets intertwined with blackmail, love intrigues, and shady under-the-table dealings. The mysterious murder around which the story revolves and the troubled lives of the town’s residents lend many levels of complexity and suspense to this detective tale, which is why it is perhaps not surprising to find it was later adapted into a silent movie in 1928. In fact, Wallace’s work has been adapted for film many times with actors like Jack Black, Adrien Brody and Jamie bell portraying characters from his books. Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays and historical non-fiction. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, 'King Kong'.

Just as they are about to depart from London for a dazzling holiday in Montecarlo, Inspector Holt and his valet Sunny are abruptly summoned by Scotland Yard to investigate a string of sudden, bizarre instances of untimely death that had been met by numerous wealthy men in recent days. With hardly anything to go on besides an eery similarity in the life insurance policies taken on the names of the deceased, a baffled Holt attempts to draw out a link between these suspicious deaths. With his assigned case secretary Diane at his side, whose analytic prowess leave him in speechless admiration and awe, little does Holt expect he will be thrown into a surreptitious yet adrenaline-packed world of adventure and romance threatening to sweep him off his feet. Will the monsters behind these atrocities ever see the light of day, or will they continue staring out of the dark?A perfect read for a dark and stormy night , 'The Dark Eyes of London' is a gripping crime thriller penned by the renowned British writer Edgar Wallace, best known for creating the iconic 'King Kong'. 'The Dark Eyes of London' was also adapted for the silver screen and screened in America as 'The Human Monster' starring Bela Lugosi. Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was a prolific English mystery and crime writer with such an impressive output that one of his publishers claimed he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England at that time. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays and historical non-fiction. Over 160 films inspired by his work have been made worldwide, more than any other author ever and over 50 million copies of his books were sold during his lifetime. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting stages of his most famous and enduring work, 'King Kong'.

A 1915 short story by Edgar Wallace, ‘The Melody of Death’ is a thrilling crime story. A mysterious melody causes a young man to descend into mania whenever he hears the tune. Newly married, he is convinced that death is coming for him, and wants to make sure that his new wife will be well provided for following his demise. A fast-paced page-turner, this is an exhilarating and dramatic tale from the famous author.Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English author, journalist, and poet. Born into poverty in London, Wallace left school at 12 and joined the army at the age of 21, where he worked for the Press Corps as a war correspondent for Reuters and The Daily Mail during the Second Boer War. Following the war, Wallace turned to writing for his income, writing numerous stories for serialisation in newspapers and magazines. Hugely prolific, Wallace wrote over 170 novels and over 900 short stories over the course of his career. In later life Wallace moved to Hollywood where he worked as a scriptwriter, and it was here that he died unexpectedly in 1932 whilst working on a draft of what was to become perhaps his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

The Red Hand is a secret organization that specializes in blackmail and countless other subversive practices. In this novel, Wallace creates a reality in which all levels of society are intermingled into a complex network that threatens to destroy the very foundations of Britain. Fast-paced narration, a captivating plot, and genuine villains make this novel unmissable for fans of the thriller genre.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer. Alongside articles and poems, it was once suggested that he was responsible for a quarter of all of the books sold in the United Kingdom. He wrote countless novels, short stories, and stage plays. The most notable of which were ‘The Council of Justice’, ‘The Green Archer’, and ‘The Forger’. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work, and he appeals to fans of the thriller genre, from Stephen King to Anthony Horowitz

Dukes aren’t meant to be Texas Cowboys. But the Duc de Montevillier is just that. Having made his fortune in silver, he relocates to the leafy London suburb of Kymott Crescent—much to the dismay of his new middle-class neighbours. Hijinks ensue as the Duke falls in love, does battle with enemies from back out west, and gets to grip with polite society. Edgar Wallace is best known for his thrillers, but this comedy shows off his incredible range as a writer. Droll and fizzy, "The Duke of the Suburbs" has the flavour of a P.G. Wodehouse story. Edgar Wallace (1875–1932) was a hugely prolific English author, best known for thrillers and crime fiction. Born into poverty in London, he joined the army as a teenager. On a posting to South Africa he met Rudyard Kipling, and was inspired to take up writing.Wallace’s productivity was unmatched. He was capable of writing tens of thousands of words a day. In his thirty year career, he produced hundreds of novels, short stories, articles, and stage plays. In his later years, he moved to Hollywood and became a screenwriter. He died working on the project which would become his most famous—the script for "King Kong".

"A Debt Discharged" is a gripping thriller novel about gangs and forgery by the acclaimed British author Edgar Wallace. The gifted Thomas Maple and his niece Verity live together on Crystal Palace Road in London, although she’s unaware of the details of his mysterious past. Working for bank engraving company, he becomes involved with a forgery scandal, gang violence and life-threatening complications with an American millionaire. Eventually, a detective smells a rat and sets on their trail, but will Verity get the full truth about her uncle? A perfect thriller mystery, "A Debt Discharged" is a classic must-read for fans of early crime fiction and for those, who enjoy shows including ‘Lupin’ and ‘Peaky Blinders’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was a prolific English mystery and crime writer with such an impressive output that one of his publishers claimed he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England at that time. An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays and historical non-fiction. Over 160 films inspired by his work have been made worldwide, more than any other author ever and over 50 million copies of his books were sold during his lifetime. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting stages of his most famous and enduring work, "King Kong".

A classic whodunit crime story, "The Man Who Knew" is about the death of a rich South Africa magnate, dealing with diamonds. The actual man who knows so much is Saul Arthur Mann, a walking encyclopedia and the constant envy of Scotland Yard. Wallace’s narrative pace is slow at times, hectic at others, but the overall effect is one of a decent detective novel with a lot of irony and parallel mysteries all around the place. Resembling the style of Agatha Christie, the complicated situations and style of Wallace is a perfect read for any diehard fan of detective fiction.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that one of his publishers claimed that he was behind a quarter of all books sold in England. An author, journalist and poet, he wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, historical non-fiction, etc. Today, more than 160 films have been made from his work. He died suddenly in Hollywood in 1932, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, "King Kong".