The man in the dark

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

79160

Title

The man in the dark

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this gripping mystery, journalist Godfrey Chance investigates the murder of the brilliant editor Ponsonby Paget. Amidst a thick London fog and a web of secrets, Chance teams with private detective Francis McNab to uncover the truth behind the crime, navigating deceitful alibis and hidden identities in a tale of wit, danger, and journalistic integrity.

Summary up to 500 words

In J. A. Ferguson's *The Man in the Dark*, the narrative begins with the shocking discovery of the murdered body of Ponsonby Paget, the feared and brilliant editor of the *Eye Opener*, found in his Ealing home. The story is driven by Godfrey Chance, a young journalist for the *Daily Record*, who was invited to dine with Paget but delayed by a political engagement. A thick fog descending on London that evening obscures the crime scene and aids the murderer's escape. Chance enlists the help of Francis McNab, a private enquiry agent known for his logical mind and history of solving complex crimes. Together, they investigate the night's events, uncovering a web of deceit involving Dr. Dunn, a doctor treating a blind man named Kinloch. Kinloch was present at the murder but claims innocence, shielding a woman who may be protecting the actual killer. The investigation takes a dramatic turn when the suspects flee the country, leading to a high-speed chase that ends with a car plunging off a cliff. Chance survives the fall, only to learn that Kinloch has died from his wounds. Through careful deduction, McNab and Chance identify Sir Stephen Wye as the murderer. Wye had fabricated an alibi involving his wife and the foggy night to cover his visit to Paget, where he likely sought to destroy evidence or silence the editor regarding a blackmail plot. The novel explores themes of public perception versus reality, the power of the press, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets. The story concludes with the exposure of the killer and the tragic fates of the innocent bystanders caught in the web of deceit.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/79160.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg79160.epub

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2026-08-13 12:34 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Mystery