Gunman's bluff

About this book

"Gunman's Bluff" by Edgar Wallace is a crime novel written in the early 20th century. It pits Mayfair society against gangland, following banker Luke Maddison, his fiancée Margaret Leferre, smooth schemer Danton Morell, relentless Detective “The Sparrow” Bird, and cool jewel thief “Gunner” Haynes as love, money, and power collide.

At the start of the novel, an engagement dinner links these worlds when Gunner briefly rescues Luke and is promptly arrested after Morell tips off the hotel detective. In a snowstorm, reporter Mary Bolford meets Bird, whose watch over the “children of the poor” frames a city teeming with swindlers and thieves, while Margaret’s brother Rex buckles under City losses. A forged check surfaces; Rex takes his life and leaves a note blaming Luke, which Morell exploits to poison Margaret’s trust. Luke confronts Morell and endures Bird’s probing, but Margaret, steered by Morell, marries Luke only after securing an antenuptial transfer of his fortune, then refuses him funds and sends him reeling. Wandering London, Luke crosses paths with petty crook Lewing and is stabbed in a gang ambush, as the police move and the upper and under worlds tighten their hold.