The Clue of the Twisted CandlePaperback, 1 January 2023

Edgar Wallace, a British author, published his first mystery book, The Clue of the Twisted Candle, in 1918. A rich benefactor lures famed mystery author John Lexman into a murderous scheme in this story, but Lexman is ultimately betrayed and imprisoned. When his buddy, Scotland Yard Commissioner T.X. Meredith, tries to show that the murderer was tricked into doing the crime, the man only manages to escape from jail. A number of unexpected things happen as a result of the events. Edgar Wallace could complete a novel in three days while writing The Clue of the Twisted Candle on wax cylinders while sipping tea and smoking cigarettes. Even though the story is inconsistent, it is excellent entertainment that never becomes tedious or irritatingly implausible. The relationship between T.X. and Mr. Kara's secretary is also developing, and Edgar deserves praise for his ability to write strong, capable female characters.