Room 13

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

76168

Title

Room 13

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this gripping thriller by Edgar Wallace, Johnny Gray, wrongly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, uses his time in Dartmoor Prison to investigate the notorious 'Big Printer,' Jeffrey Legge. With the help of a mysterious ally and a double who takes the fall, Johnny uncovers a vast international forgery ring. A tale of suspense, clever deduction, and redemption, it explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit against overwhelming odds.

Summary up to 500 words

In Edgar Wallace's *Room 13*, the narrative follows Johnny Gray, a man of integrity wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit. Framed by the cunning and elusive 'Big Printer,' Jeffrey Legge, Johnny is sentenced to three years at Dartmoor Prison. There, he befriends the lifer Lal Morgon and learns of the prison's grim reality, including the notorious history of Legge, who forged banknotes flooding Europe. Upon his release, Johnny discovers his fiancée, Marney, is marrying Major Floyd due to his prison record. A letter from Marney's father, Peter Kane, reveals the marriage is proceeding because Peter believes Johnny is dead or untrustworthy, shattering Johnny's world. Determined to clear his name, Johnny uncovers a complex conspiracy involving his own servant, Parker, and even Inspector Flaherty. The truth emerges that Johnny had a 'double' who took the blame for the crime, allowing the real Johnny to escape prison and investigate Legge. Utilizing this secret, Johnny infiltrates Legge's operation, posing as a prisoner in a captured jail. He manages to escape and confronts Legge, exposing the master forger's network with the help of Peter Kane and Inspector Craig. The climax features a dramatic shootout where Legge is forced to confess and reveal the locations of the printing presses. The story concludes with Johnny's identity fully restored. He is reunited with Marney, and they are married, while the 'Big Printer' is brought to justice and the international forgery ring is dismantled. Johnny's journey from a convicted criminal to a celebrated hero highlights the power of truth and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against you. The novel underscores themes of innocence, betrayal, and the resilience required to overcome a system designed to crush the innocent.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Mystery
• England -- Fiction
• Ex-convicts -- Fiction
• Detectives -- Fiction
• Reeder, J. G. (Fictitious character) -- Fiction