The Angel of Terror

The Angel of Terror by Edgar Wallace is a crime novel published in 1922. It features a unique twist on the classic "femme fatale" trope and explores themes of deception, greed, and the power of appearances. Here's a breakdown of the plot:

The Intriguing Victim and the Beautiful Suspect:

• A Sudden Tragedy: The story opens with the shocking murder of Ferdinand Bulford, a wealthy man with no known enemies. The case seems baffling, leaving the police perplexed.
• Enter Meredith and Jean: The investigation leads them to Meredith, Bulford's nephew and heir. However, Meredith has a solid alibi and seems genuinely distraught by his uncle's death. Adding to the complexity, suspicion falls on Jean Briggerland, a beautiful woman who recently befriended Bulford.

The Web of Deceit:

• Jean's Strange Behavior: Despite her beauty and charm, Jean exhibits some strange behavior that raises red flags. She seems overly interested in Bulford's will and expresses a concerning lack of grief for him.
• Meredith's Plight: Meredith is ostracized by society due to his association with Jean. He becomes increasingly desperate to prove his innocence and clear his name.

The Unmasking of the Angel:

• A Shocking Revelation: As the investigation progresses, a shocking truth comes to light. Jean Briggerland, the seemingly innocent woman, is revealed to be a cunning sociopath and the mastermind behind Bulford's murder.
• A Calculated Scheme: Jean had used her beauty and charm to manipulate Bulford, gaining his trust and maneuvering herself into a favorable position in his will. She then orchestrated his murder to inherit his wealth.

The Resolution:

• A Race Against Time: With the truth revealed, a race against time ensues. Meredith and his allies must expose Jean's true nature before she can claim her inheritance.
• Justice Prevails: In the end, justice prevails. Jean's crimes are exposed, and she faces the consequences of her actions.

Significance of The Angel of Terror:

• The "Angel of Terror": The title refers to Jean Briggerland, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances. Despite her angelic beauty, she harbors a dark and manipulative personality.
• Twists and Turns: The story keeps the reader guessing with its unexpected twists and turns. The seemingly innocent suspect is revealed to be the true villain.
• A Cautionary Tale: The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting appearances and the manipulative nature of some individuals.