Terror keep

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

75949

Title

Terror keep

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edgar Wallace's *Terror Keep* weaves a thrilling mystery centered on Larmes Keep, a sinister estate harboring a criminal underworld. Detective J.G. Reeder investigates a series of crimes linked to the escaped genius John Flack and his gang, uncovering secrets hidden within the house's very walls. With atmospheric tension and a cast of eccentric characters, this classic suspense novel delivers a gripping tale of crime, deception, and redemption.

Summary up to 500 words

In Edgar Wallace's *Terror Keep*, the narrative unfolds around the ominous Larmes Keep, a mansion built atop a network of ancient caves used for imprisonment and burial. The story begins with the escape of John Flack, a brilliant but insane criminal who spent six years in Broadmoor Asylum compiling an encyclopedic treatise on crime. Upon his release, Flack returns to Larmes Keep to reunite with his gang, unaware that his daughter, Olga Crewe, now resides there. Detective J.G. Reeder, a mild-mannered but sharp-witted investigator, arrives at the estate to investigate a break-in involving missing candlesticks. As he explores the grounds, Reeder becomes entangled in the complex lives of the household, including the spirited secretary Margaret Belman and the enigmatic Olga. The atmosphere grows increasingly sinister as Reeder discovers that the house itself is a trap; a secret tunnel connects a safe in the vestibule directly to the underground cave system. Tensions escalate with the arrival of Ravini, a dangerous associate of Flack who is unaware that he is dealing with Flack's daughter. Ravini's presence threatens to expose the gang's operations and the dark history of the estate. Reeder uncovers that the house is a fortress designed to protect Flack's hidden fortune and facilitate his criminal activities. The plot reaches its catastrophic climax during a landslide triggered by the gang's destabilizing activities. As the structure collapses, Reeder heroically rescues Margaret from the crumbling vestibule, narrowly escaping death himself amidst the roar of falling rock and earth. The disaster destroys much of the keep, burying the evidence of the gang's crimes. In the aftermath, the truth is revealed: Ravini is killed, and the gang's operations are dismantled. Olga confirms that her father had planned to eliminate Ravini, who had grown fond of her. The novel concludes with Reeder and Margaret finding happiness, having survived the terror of the keep. Wallace blends fast-paced detective fiction with gothic horror elements to create a suspenseful tale of crime, family secrets, and redemption.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

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Categories

• Adventure
• Romance
• Mystery
• England -- Fiction
• Castles -- Fiction
• Criminals -- Fiction