Daredevil

About the book

After her father's death, Susan Hawthorne accepts work with Lord Hannassay and tries to establish an independent life. A chance reunion brings her back into contact with Christopher Arden, known as Storm, whose adventurous career now includes confidential work for Scotland Yard. Inspector Teal has noticed a curious pattern: several experienced criminals have simultaneously become respectable, and their apparent inactivity looks more organized than innocent. Arden's inquiry leads toward the Alpha Triangle and a threat concealed behind ordinary appearances. Charteris gives the investigation a restless hero who jokes about danger and dislikes routine, while Susan's position connects the criminal puzzle with an influential household. The suspense grows from the possibility that a quiet underworld may be preparing something more serious than its usual offenses.

• Respectability and conspiracy
• Adventure and duty
• Independence and trust

Why read it

The mystery begins with criminals behaving too well, an effective reversal of the usual clue that something is wrong.

English text bearing the 1929 Leslie Charteris copyright