The Avenger: Classic Thriller Novel (Annotated)

About the book

About The Avenger: Classic Thriller Novel (Annotated)

Unique Elements Detailed 20th Century Historical Map A Timeless Murder Mystery! Synopsis: The Avenger by English author Edgar Wallace is a classic mystery novel first published in 1926. The unexplained death of Francis Elmer, a sinister secret, and a movie set all intertwine in this page-turning thriller. The hunt for the killer is sparked by the discovery of a mysterious message signed by "The Head Hunter." A subsequent string of disappearances sends Captain Mike Brixan, an urbane investigator, on a frantic search for the hunter. Excerpt: ‘“The Head-Hunter!” repeated Michael mechanically, and whistled. “We found the box, and of course we found the unfortunate Elmer’s head, sliced neatly from his body,” said Staines. “This is the twelfth head in seven years,” Staines went on, “and in almost every case—in fact, in every case except two—the victim has been a fugitive from justice. Even if the treaty question had not been settled, Mike, I should have brought you back.” “But this is a police job,” said the young man, troubled. “Technically you’re a policeman,” interrupted his chief, “and the Foreign Secretary wishes you to take this case in hand, and he does this with the full approval of the Secretary of State, who of course controls Scotland Yard. So far, the death of Francis Elmer and the discovery of his gruesome remains have not been given out to the press. There was such a fuss last time that the police want to keep this quiet. They have had an inquest—I guess the jury was picked, but it would be high treason to say so—and the usual verdict has been returned. The only information I can give you is that Elmer was seen by his niece a week ago in Chichester. We discovered this before the man’s fate was known. The girl, Adele Leamington, is working for the Knebworth Film Corporation, which has its studio in Chichester. Old Knebworth is an American and a very good sort. The girl is a sort of super-chorus-extra, that’s the word——”’

Reader conversation

Discuss this book