The Daffodil Mystery

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20912

Title

The Daffodil Mystery

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this classic detective thriller, Edgar Wallace pits the brilliant but arrogant Thornton Lyne against the enigmatic Jack Oliver Tarling, a Shanghai-based detective. When Lyne's beloved employee Odette Rider is accused of murder, Tarling investigates a web of deceit involving a Chinese assistant, a corrupt manager, and a tragic romance, ultimately revealing a shocking truth behind the 'Daffodil Mystery.'

Summary up to 500 words

In Edgar Wallace's *The Daffodil Mystery*, the narrative centers on Thornton Lyne, a wealthy but morally corrupt businessman, and his complex relationships with his staff. Lyne employs Odette Rider, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, whom he attempts to seduce. After she firmly rejects his advances and insults his character, Lyne becomes obsessed with revenge. He hires Jack Oliver Tarling, known as 'The Hunter of Men,' to investigate suspicions regarding his manager, Mr. Milburgh, whom Lyne believes is embezzling funds. However, Tarling soon uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving Lyne's Chinese assistant, Ling Chu. Ling Chu is revealed to be Lu Fang, a detective seeking vengeance for the death of his sister, Odette's counterpart in China, who was killed by an Englishman. Meanwhile, Sam Stay, a former convict and taxi driver, harbors a grudge against Lyne due to Odette's influence and plans to throw acid on her. Stay hides in Lyne's office and discovers Milburgh's pistol. When Odette returns, Stay attacks her, but Milburgh intervenes. In the ensuing struggle, Stay accidentally shoots and kills Lyne. Realizing his mistake, Stay attempts to save the dying man but fails. Tarling's investigation clears Milburgh of all wrongdoing and exposes Stay's guilt. The story also delves into the tragic backstory of Lu Fang and the complex emotional entanglements between the characters. The novel concludes with Tarling leaving London for South America, leaving Odette behind, while Stay is arrested for the murder.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20912.epub.noimages

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Categories

• Mystery