
Contents
Preface
Chapter I. The Crime
Chapter II. Speculations
Chapter III. At the Vale
Chapter IV. The Missing Letter
Chapter V. A Mysterious Visit
Chapter VI. At Leveson Square
Chapter VII. Valuable Information
Chapter VIII. Enter Mr. Allery
A cleverly crafted detective tale invites listeners to slip into the bright‑eyed optimism of a Dr. Watson, savoring each clue while the author gently toys with the desire to be misled. Set against the fog‑laden streets of London, the story opens with a baffling crime that spurs a cascade of speculation, mysterious visits, and shadowy encounters. From the first chapter onward, the narrative balances wit and suspense, offering a fresh take on classic whodunits without resorting to grand conspiracies or implausible twists.
As the investigation proceeds, the listener is led through a series of vivid scenes—an eerie vale, a puzzling missing letter, and a haunting apparition—that deepen the mystery while keeping the true motive just out of reach. Each episode adds a new piece to the puzzle, encouraging careful listening and a willingness to be delightfully deceived. By the time the final act approaches, the tale remains a satisfying blend of intellect and intrigue, perfect for anyone who enjoys being gently outwitted by a well‑drawn crime.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (222K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: Grosset & Dunlap, 1926.
Credits
Brian Raiter
Release date
2023-06-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1876–1946
A prolific English storyteller, he wrote eerie, offbeat mysteries that often mixed detection with horror, fantasy, or science fiction. His novels from the 1920s and 1930s are especially remembered for their strange atmosphere and locked-room style intrigue.
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