
A genteel supper at the modest Daisy Villa turns into the catalyst for an unexpected adventure when the shy, book‑selling Spencer Fitzgerald arrives as a prospective son‑in‑law. Amid polite conversation and the clatter of carving knives, the evening’s ordinary veneer begins to crack, hinting at hidden motives and a looming danger that will pull the guests into a world far beyond their quiet neighbourhood.
The narrative follows the unassuming Mr. Peter Ruff, whose quiet life is soon entangled with a mysterious “Double‑Four” scheme and a cast of colorful figures—from the flamboyant Letty Shaw to the enigmatic Miss Brown. As Ruff navigates a series of curious encounters and covert assignments, the story weaves together intrigue, subtle humor, and the promise of a larger conspiracy waiting just beyond the dinner table.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (660K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by An Anonymous Project Gutenberg Volunteer, and David Widger
Release date
1999-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1866–1946
Best known for fast-moving thrillers and political mysteries, this prolific English novelist helped shape early 20th-century popular suspense. His stories mixed high society, international intrigue, and sharp, readable plotting that kept generations of readers hooked.
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