The story begins with the murder of Horace Tom Tickler, burglar, who is "taken for a ride" in the best Chicago fashion and then delivered to Scotland Yard in a stolen cab -- and all of England will be turned topsy-turvy until the clue of the silver key unmasks the ruthless murderer!
as impassive. But for the periodical puffs of smoke which came from his big briar pipe he might have been a statue carved out of red brick.
'Hey!'
Reluctantly Tickler turned. He had been quick to identify the silent watcher. By straightening his shoulders and adding something of jauntiness to his stride he hoped to prevent the recognition from becoming mutual.
Surefoot Smith was one of the few people in the world who have minds like a well-organized card index. Not the smallest and least important offender who had passed through his hands could hope to reach a blissful oblivion.
'Come here--you.'
Tickler came.
'What are you doing now, Tickler? Burglary, or just fetching the beer for the con. men? Two a.m.! Got a home?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Ah, somewhere in the West End! Gone scientific, maybe. Science is the ruin of the country!'
Rights or no rights, he passed his hands swiftly over Tickler's person; the little man stretched out his arms obediently and sm
I really like Edgar Wallace's stories. This one was especially good; I had no idea who the criminal was and suspected everyone but him. The characters were believable. The only thing I have a problem with is the title; the key is a very small factor in the story.
Good murder mystery. Some intriguing twists, and the murderer’s identity is quite well hidden.
