The crimson circle

About the book

The Crimson Circle sends demands backed by a reputation for carrying out its threats, leaving wealthy targets to choose between compliance and apparent defiance. Its leader remains concealed even from people drawn into its operations, making the organization difficult to pursue through an ordinary chain of witnesses. The investigation brings together the apparently unimpressive Inspector Parr, the celebrated Derrick Yale, and the enigmatic Thalia Drummond, whose conduct invites sharply differing interpretations. Wallace establishes an earlier incident at a French execution as a distant source of consequences, then lets the present mystery accumulate through intimidation, theft, and uncertain allegiances. The plot depends on the gap between visible ability and actual knowledge, asking readers to reconsider which figures deserve confidence as the circle of danger widens.

• Extortion and fear
• Hidden authority
• Trust and appearances

Why read it

The contrast between the investigators and the uncertainty surrounding Thalia keep attention divided between clues and character judgments.

English text of the Hodder and Stoughton edition