The Clue of the Twisted Candle

The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace is a suspenseful locked-room mystery with a surprising twist. Here's a breakdown of the plot:

A Murder Most Foule:

• A Renowned Victim: John Lexman, a famous mystery writer known for his detective character The Avenger, is found murdered in his locked study. The only clue is a single, twisted candle found beside the body.
• A Friend in Need: Lexman's friend, the Scotland Yard Commissioner T.X. Meredith, is called upon to investigate the case. He finds himself baffled by the seemingly impossible crime scene.

A Cast of Suspects:

• The Family: Lexman's estranged wife, Lady Diana, and her lawyer, the enigmatic Mr. Forrest, become prime suspects due to their potential motives.
• The Business Partner: Lexman's business partner, the ruthless Silas Warcliff, also comes under suspicion due to their tense relationship and potential financial conflicts.
• The Disappearing Butler: Adding to the mystery, Lexman's loyal butler, Evans, mysteriously disappears around the time of the murder.

A Twisted Trail:

• A Frame Job: As the investigation progresses, Meredith uncovers evidence suggesting Lexman might have been framed for his own murder. The clues point towards a meticulously planned scheme, with the twisted candle serving as a deliberate red herring.
• A Daring Escape: Meanwhile, Lexman himself, very much alive, stages a daring escape from prison, having faked his own death as part of a larger plan.

The Shocking Revelation:

• The Mastermind Revealed: The true culprit behind the elaborate scheme is revealed to be none other than Lexman's estranged wife, Lady Diana.
• A Motive of Revenge: Driven by a desire for revenge and financial gain, Lady Diana orchestrated the entire plot. She framed Lexman for his own murder and planned to inherit his wealth. The twisted candle was a deliberate ploy to mislead the investigation.

A Thrilling Climax:

• A Race Against Time: With the truth revealed, Lexman and Meredith must work together to stop Lady Diana before she completes her plan. A thrilling chase and confrontation ensue.
• Justice Prevails: In the end, justice prevails. Lady Diana's crimes are exposed, and she faces the consequences for her actions.

Significance of The Clue of the Twisted Candle:

• The Locked-Room Mystery: The story plays on the classic locked-room mystery trope, where the crime scene seems impossible to enter or exit from the outside.
• A Deceptive Plot: The use of a red herring, the twisted candle, adds a layer of deception and keeps the reader guessing.
• A Twist on Identity: The revelation that Lexman is alive and part of the plan adds a surprising twist to the narrative.

This fast-paced mystery offers a unique blend of suspense, betrayal, and a clever plot twist that will keep you reading until the very end.