The Avenger

A missing clerk draws Captain Mike Brixan away from diplomatic intelligence work and into a disturbing investigation. Francis Elmer has been found dead, and a typewritten message links the case to earlier killings attributed to the Headhunter. Mike receives instructions to visit Chichester and speak to Elmer's niece, Adele Leamington, an extra working for the Knebworth Film Corporation. Uneven lettering on an old typewriter offers a practical clue, while exceptions among the victims make the supposed pattern difficult to explain.

The film company's work gives this detective novel a second source of incident and humour. During a staged escape from a tower, actor Reggie Connolly struggles to carry his partner down a rope, and repeated rehearsals test both his strength and the director's patience. Edgar Wallace places the mechanics of screen adventure beside Mike's inquiries, telephone calls and preparations for danger. Readers can follow the physical clues while seeing how a camera turns awkward labour into a convincing scene.