The Man Who Knew

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24933

Title

The Man Who Knew

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edgar Wallace's "The Man Who Knew" weaves a complex mystery involving identity theft, bigamy, and murder. With a noir tone and intricate plotting, it appeals to fans of classic detective fiction who enjoy unraveling secrets of the wealthy and the dangerous underbelly of society.

Summary up to 500 words

In Edgar Wallace's *The Man Who Knew*, the narrative unfolds around John Minute, a wealthy industrialist haunted by a prophecy from a Zulu witch doctor that he will die by violence. Living in fear, Minute relies on his scientific secretary, Jasper Cole, and his nephew, Frank Merrill, a bank accountant. The story introduces Rex Holland, a mysterious figure whose identity is shrouded in deception, and Sergeant Smith, a corrupt officer whose drinking and criminal past make him a dangerous ally to Minute. The plot intensifies with the disappearance of Minute's chauffeur and the suspicious behavior of Rex Holland. A pivotal revelation occurs when it is discovered that Frank Merrill is an impostor; he is not the nephew he claims to be but a forger who murdered John Minute to inherit his fortune. Furthermore, Frank's wife, May, is revealed to be John Minute's illegitimate daughter, a fact Frank concealed to secure his inheritance. The narrative weaves through various settings, from Minute's laboratory filled with noxious chemicals to the tense atmosphere of the bank where forged checks are suspected. Detective Saul Arthur Mann investigates the case, uncovering the layers of deceit. He learns that Frank, posing as Rex Holland, orchestrated the murder by staging a disappearance and planting evidence to frame his nephew. The story explores themes of class corruption, the danger of misplaced trust, and the destructive power of family secrets. As the truth emerges, Frank's elaborate web of lies collapses. Confronted by Mann and Jasper Cole, Frank is exposed as the killer. Despite the revelation of his crimes, including the murder of his servants and the death of John Minute, Frank Merrill is found dead before he can face trial, leaving the mystery resolved but the tragedy of the upper class's moral decay lingering. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of greed and the fragility of appearances.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-06 16:37 UTC

Categories

• Mystery
• Suspense