
In a bustling early‑20th‑century office, a lanky clerk named Torchy is thrust into the world of private investigation the moment his boss, Mr. Robert, spots him fresh‑dressed in a crisp two‑button suit. With a voice full of streetwise humor and a flair for vivid detail, Torchy narrates his sudden promotion from the “head office boy” to a gumshoe tasked with more than just filing papers. The day unfolds with witty banter, a comically meticulous grooming routine, and the first hint of a looming case involving the enigmatic Miss Verona’s return from Bermuda.
As Torchy navigates office hierarchies, quirky co‑workers, and the oddities of city life, his sharp eye catches clues that suggest trouble is afoot. The narrative blends slapstick moments with a genuine detective’s curiosity, offering listeners a lively portrait of a reluctant sleuth stepping into a role he never imagined. It’s a light‑hearted, period‑rich adventure that promises humor, charm, and the early stirrings of a mystery yet to be solved.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (398K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2007-02-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1868–1946
Best remembered for the lively "Torchy" and "Shorty McCabe" stories, this American writer built a large popular readership with brisk, humorous fiction. His work moved easily between magazine entertainment and longer novels, giving early-20th-century readers plenty of wit and energy.
View all books