Sexton Blake Homepage  ·  Bibliography Master List
1914  1915  1916

"... by the way, I should like to know your name."
"I shall tell you with pleasure," responded Blake, with a faint smile. "It is Blake—Sexton Blake."
The doctor gaped at him open-mouthed.
"Sexton Blake!" he stammered. "Did I hear aright?"
Blake smiled again.
"I think you did. That is my name."
The Case of the Poisoned Telephones

Publishing: THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY begins its 53-year reign. PLUCK publishes a serial in which Will Spearing, Tinker and Pedro have an independent adventure without Sexton Blake.
Lewis Jackson (real name Jack Lewis) makes his debut. His most famous contribution to the saga was Leon Kestrel, the Master Mummer. Jackson died in 1958.

Blake: THE YELLOW TIGER reveals that Blake owns a self-designed monoplane named The Grey Panther. During the 1920s, this would also be the name of his Rolls-Royce car.

THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY · Issue 302 · Jun. 1915 · Amalgamated Press · 3d
THE MYSTERY OF THE DIAMOND BELT
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is a reprint of the BOYS' JOURNAL serial which ended this same year. Story features George Marsden Plummer.
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THE BOYS' JOURNAL · Issue 68 · 2/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MYSTERY OF THE DIAMOND BELT (Part 12)
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer.
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THE BOYS' JOURNAL · Issue 69 · 9/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MYSTERY OF THE DIAMOND BELT (Part 13)
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer.
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THE BOYS' JOURNAL · Issue 70 · 16/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MYSTERY OF THE DIAMOND BELT (Part 14)
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer.
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THE BOYS' JOURNAL · Issue 71 · 23/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MYSTERY OF THE DIAMOND BELT (Part 15)
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer.
Unrated
THE BOYS' JOURNAL · Issue 72 · 30/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 1)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This was the final issue of THE BOYS' JOURNAL. The story would be continued in DREADNOUGHT. Story features Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
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THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 136 · 2/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press 1d
THE SECRET PLOTTER (Part 3)
by Anon. (W. J. Lomax) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is a reprint of SEXTON BLAKE IN AMERICA which appeared in THE BOYS' FRIEND issues 252 to 268 in 1906 (see those issues for story notes).
Rating:
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 137 · 9/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press 1d
THE SECRET PLOTTER (Part 4)
by Anon. (W. J. Lomax) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is a reprint of SEXTON BLAKE IN AMERICA which appeared in THE BOYS' FRIEND issues 252 to 268 in 1906 (see those issues for story notes).
Rating:
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 138 · 16/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press 1d
THE SECRET PLOTTER (Part 5)
by Anon. (W. J. Lomax) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is a reprint of SEXTON BLAKE IN AMERICA which appeared in THE BOYS' FRIEND issues 252 to 268 in 1906 (see those issues for story notes).
Rating:
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 139 · 23/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press 1d
THE SECRET PLOTTER (Part 6)
by Anon. (W. J. Lomax) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is a reprint of SEXTON BLAKE IN AMERICA which appeared in THE BOYS' FRIEND issues 252 to 268 in 1906 (see those issues for story notes).
Rating:
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 140 · 30/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press 1d
THE SECRET PLOTTER (Part 7)
by Anon. (W. J. Lomax) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is a reprint of SEXTON BLAKE IN AMERICA which appeared in THE BOYS' FRIEND issues 252 to 268 in 1906 (see those issues for story notes).
Rating:
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 141 · 6/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 1)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
THE SECRET PLOTTER (Part 8)
by Anon. (W. J. Lomax)
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is the first issue to include the newly absorbed BOYS' JOURNAL. The initial installment of THE MERCHANT'S SECRET had appeared in the final issue of that periodical but was reprinted here for the convenience of the DREADNOUGHT readers. Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 142 · 13/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 2)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 143 · 20/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 3)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 144 · 27/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 4)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 145 · 6/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 5)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 146 · 13/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 6)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 147 · 20/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 7)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 148 · 27/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 8)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 149 · 3/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 9)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 150 · 10/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 10)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 151 · 17/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 11)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 152 · 24/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 12)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 153 · 1/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 13)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 154 · 8/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 14)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 155 · 15/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 15)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 156 · 22/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 16)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 157 · 29/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 17)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 158 · 5/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 18)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
THE DREADNOUGHT · Issue 159 · 12/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MERCHANT'S SECRET (Part 19)
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn, Ezra Q. Maitland and Broadway Kate.
Unrated
Rough Justice THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 117 · 2/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
ROUGH JUSTICE
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Trapped By Three! by Martin Clifford; Major Jenson's Misadventures! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 266 THE STOLEN BLOODHOUND (1908).
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Thwarting the Hypnotist THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 118 · 9/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THWARTING THE HYPNOTIST
by Anon. (D. H. Parry) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Nipped in the Bud! by Martin Clifford; Pete's Flirtation! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 268 THE HYPNOTIST (1908).
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The Last Stand THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 119 · 16/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE LAST STAND
by Anon. (D. H. Parry) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Circus Chums! by Martin Clifford; The King's Sentence! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 268 THE HYPNOTIST (1908).
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A Nation's Fate THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 120 · 23/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
A NATION'S FATE
by Anon. (D. H. Parry) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Checkmated by Martin Clifford; Laying Down the Law! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 271 THE KAISER'S MISTAKE (1908).
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An Imperial Blunder THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 121 · 30/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
AN IMPERIAL BLUNDER
by Anon. (D. H. Parry) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Friends in Need! by Martin Clifford; Left Stranded! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 271 THE KAISER'S MISTAKE (1908).
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The Gambler's Ruse THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 122 · 6/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GAMBLER'S RUSE
by Anon. (L. J. Beeston) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Runaways Return! by Martin Clifford; Getting Rid of Rufus! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 274 THE ADVENTURERS (1909).
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Foul Play THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 123 · 13/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
FOUL PLAY
by Anon. (L. J. Beeston) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Scaring the School! by Martin Clifford; Banished from the Camp! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 274 THE ADVENTURERS (1909).
Unrated
Restoring a Kingdom THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 124 · 20/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
RESTORING A KINGDOM
by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Trouble in the Third! by Martin Clifford; A Fight For Freedom! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 276 SEXTON BLAKE IN BORNEO (1909).
Unrated
The Man From Winnipeg THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 125 · 27/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MAN FROM WINNIPEG
by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: For the Honour of the House! by Martin Clifford; Buried Alive! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 275 £.s.d. (1909).
Unrated
Foiled at the Finish THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 126 · 6/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
FOILED AT THE FINISH
by Anon. (G. Carr) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Football Heroes! by Martin Clifford; Lonely Island! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 278 THE MANHUNT (1909).
Unrated
Clearing His Name THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 127 · 13/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
CLEARING HIS NAME
by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: A Test of Honour! by Martin Clifford; Rounding up the Raiders! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 281 £20,000 BAIL (1909).
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A Fresh Start THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 128 · 20/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
A FRESH START
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: A Lucky Escape! by Martin Clifford; Don Jose's Dilemma by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 280 THE THREE BROTHERS (1909).
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The Signal of Distress THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 129 · 27/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE SIGNAL OF DISTRESS
by Anon. (Edgar Pickering) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Holding Their Own! by Martin Clifford; Sentenced By Pete! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 285 C.Q.D. (THE SIGNAL OF DISTRESS) (1909).
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Run To Earth THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 130 · 3/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
RUN TO EARTH
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Fags Triumph! by Martin Clifford; For the Sake of a Comrade! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 284 EAST AND WEST (1909).
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The Wrong Man THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 131 · 10/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE WRONG MAN
by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Top Dog! by Martin Clifford; The Fortune Finders! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 289 THE FIVE TOWNS (1909).
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Colonel Talford's Valour THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 132 · 17/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
COLONEL TANFORD'S VALOUR
by Anon. (E. J. Gannon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The St. Jim's Investigators! by Martin Clifford; The Mutineers of the Mary Ann! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 291 THE CASE OF THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE (1909).
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The Wonder Gun THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 133 · 24/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE WONDER GUN
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Schoolboy Spendthrift! by Martin Clifford; Barred by the Boarders by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 292 THE NOISELESS GUN (1909).
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The Isle of Mystery THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 134 · 1/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE ISLE OF MYSTERY
by Anon. (G. Carr) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Shaming the School! by Martin Clifford; The Spectre Ship! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 293 GREGORY SANDERSON'S WILL (1909).
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Rivals For Fortune THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 135 · 8/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
RIVALS FOR FORTUNE
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: D'Arcy's Dilemma! by Martin Clifford; The Gold Raiders! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 294 THE GREAT PEERAGE ROMANCE (1909).
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Simon Leach - Swindler THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 136 · 15/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
SIMON LEACH - SWINDLER
by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Bowling Out the Bounder! by Martin Clifford; Pete's Submarine! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 295 THE EMIGRANTS (1909).
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The Hidden Heiress THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 137 · 22/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE HIDDEN HEIRESS
by Anon. · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Glyn's Monster Sensation! by Martin Clifford; Routing the Rebels by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is an abridged reprint of UNION JACK issue 297 SEXTON BLAKE, PUBLICAN (1909).
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An Errand of Justice THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 138 · 29/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
AN ERRAND OF JUSTICE
by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Under Suspicion! by Martin Clifford; Scheming for a Fortune! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 298 SEXTON BLAKE, SHOWMAN (1909).
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His Own Betrayer THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 139 · 5/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
HIS OWN BETRAYER
by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Tracking a Truant! by Martin Clifford; Pete's Great Race! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 298 SEXTON BLAKE, SHOWMAN (1909).
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Reaping the Whirlwind THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 140 · 12/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
REAPING THE WHIRLWIND
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Barred from the Team! by Martin Clifford; Pete's Heroism! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 299 THE BLUE ROOM MYSTERY (1909).
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Unveiling the Past THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 141 · 19/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
UNVEILING THE PAST
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Rylcombe Steeplechase by Martin Clifford; Rodriguez's Roguery! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 303 THE STEPNEY MYSTERY (1909).
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The Fatal Verdict THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 142 · 26/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE FATAL VERDICT
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Outsider's Daring! by Martin Clifford; Spoofing the Savages! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 300 UNFROCKED (1909).
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Restored To His Son THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 143 · 3/7/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
RESTORED TO HIS OWN
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Haunted Mill! by Martin Clifford; A Mistaken Identity! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 300 UNFROCKED (1909).
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The Penniless Playwright THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 144 · 10/7/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE PENNILESS PLAYWRIGHT
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Redeeming the Past! by Martin Clifford; The Sorrows of Soames! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 314 SEXTON BLAKE, PLAYWRIGHT (1909).
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The Unfinished Drama THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 145 · 17/7/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE UNFINISHED DRAMA
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: A Box of Mystery! by Martin Clifford; The Feud Against the Blacks! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 314 SEXTON BLAKE, PLAYWRIGHT (1909).
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The River-House Mystery THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 146 · 27/7/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE RIVER-HOUSE MYSTERY
by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Broken Bonds! by Martin Clifford; Rogues of the Road by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 305 SEXTON BLAKE, LOCK-KEEPER (1909).
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Police-Constable Tinker THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 147 · 31/7/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
POLICE-CONSTABLE TINKER
by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Suspects All! by Martin Clifford; A Stroke of Luck! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 305 SEXTON BLAKE, LOCK-KEEPER (1909).
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Through Prison Bars THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 148 · 7/8/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THROUGH PRISON BARS
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Rolling in Wealth by Martin Clifford; His Just Deserts by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 302 IN DEADLY GRIP (1909).
Unrated
A Fugitive From Justice THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 149 · 14/8/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
A FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Fatty Wynn's Failure by Martin Clifford; Sold Into Slavery by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 302 IN DEADLY GRIP (1909).
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The Missing Scoutmaster THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 150 · 21/8/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MISSING SCOUTMASTER
by Anon. (Edgar Pickering) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Squaring Accounts by Martin Clifford; The Man Without a Memory! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 319 SEXTON BLAKE, SCOUTMASTER (1909).
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The Mystery of Highdown Heath THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 151 · 28/8/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MYSTERY OF HIGHDOWN HEATH
by Anon. (Edgar Pickering) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Cosin Ethel's Prize! by Martin Clifford; The Captive of the Caves! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 319 SEXTON BLAKE, SCOUTMASTER (1909).
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Partners in Peril THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 152 · 4/9/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
PARTNERS IN PERIL
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Ten with a Secret! by Martin Clifford; Rank Cowardice! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 315 THE SWELL MOBSMAN (1909).
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The Doors of Dartmoor THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 153 · 11/9/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE DOORS OF DARTMOOR
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: A School Run Riot! by Martin Clifford; At Daggers Drawn! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 315 THE SWELL MOBSMAN (1909).
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At Crossed Swords THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 154 · 18/9/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
AT CROSSED SWORDS
by Anon. (L. J. Beeston) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Tom Merry's Last Term! by Martin Clifford; The Wonder Cavern! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 318 BRIDGE (1909).
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The Night Riders THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 155 · 25/9/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE NIGHT RIDERS
by Anon. (L. J. Beeston) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Farewell to St. Jim's by Martin Clifford; The Palace of Fear! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 318 BRIDGE (1909).
Unrated
The Secretary's Ruse THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 156 · 2/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE SECRETARY'S RUSE
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Facing the World! by Martin Clifford; Doctor Pete! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 307 THE MYSTERY OF DUCHY HOLLOW (1909).
Unrated
Tinker's Daring THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 157 · 9/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
TINKER'S DARING
by Anon. (Ernest Sempill aka Michael Storm) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Seeking His Fortune! by Martin Clifford; The Unseen Foe! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 307 THE MYSTERY OF DUCHY HOLLOW (1909).
Unrated
The Rescuer's Reward THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 158 · 16/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE RESCUER'S REWARD
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Shadow of Guilt! by Martin Clifford; The Arab's Vengeance! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 322 SEXTON BLAKE, SANDWICH MAN (1909).
Unrated
Exiled From England THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 159 · 23/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
EXILED FROM ENGLAND
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Tom Merry, Form-Master! by Martin Clifford; The Hindu's Honour! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 322 SEXTON BLAKE, SANDWICH MAN (1909).
Unrated
Fooling With Fate THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 160 · 30/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
FOOLING WITH FATE
by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Tom Merry's Protege! by Martin Clifford; Meeting His Match! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 308 SEXTON BLAKE, BOOKMAKER (1909).
Unrated
The Road to Ruin THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 161 · 6/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE ROAD TO RUIN
by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Holding His Own! by Martin Clifford; The Golden Talisman by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 308 SEXTON BLAKE, BOOKMAKER (1909).
Unrated
Rivals for the Right THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 162 · 13/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
RIVALS FOR THE RIGHT
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Outsider's Return! by Martin Clifford; Freed From Bondage! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 323 THE THIRD DEGREE (1909).
Unrated
An Amazing Masquerade THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 163 · 20/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
AN AMAZING MASQUERADE
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Black Sheep! by Martin Clifford; Prisoners At Large! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 323 THE THIRD DEGREE (1909).
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Birds of a Feather THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 164 · 27/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
by Anon. (A. C. Murray) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Lumley-Lumley's Plot! by Martin Clifford; Baffling the Bushranger! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 301 THE GREAT MOTOR CAR MYSTERY (1909).
Unrated
In Convict's Guise THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 165 · 4/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
IN CONVICT'S GUISE
by Anon. (A. C. Murray) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Terrible Three's Task! by Martin Clifford; A Secret Mission by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 301 THE GREAT MOTOR CAR MYSTERY (1909).
Unrated
The Chinese Rivals THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 166 · 11/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CHINESE RIVALS
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: The Outsider's Reformation! by Martin Clifford; Bowled Out! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 310 THE YELLOW CORD (1909).
Unrated
The Sacred Room THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 167 · 18/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE SACRED PARDON
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: A Credit to the School! by Martin Clifford; The Ghost at the Grange! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the second half of UNION JACK issue 310 THE YELLOW CORD (1909).
Unrated
The Fate of the 'Mermaid' THE PENNY POPULAR · Vol. 5 Issue 168 · 25/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE FATE OF THE 'MERMAID'
by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Led Astray! by Martin Clifford; The Persian Plotters! by S. Clarke Hook.
Notes: This is a reprint of the first half of UNION JACK issue 325 SEXTON BLAKE IN NEWFOUNDLAND (1910).
Unrated
The Prize Ship PLUCK · Issue 555 · 19/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE PRIZE SHIP (Part 1)
by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: G. M. Dodshon
THE MYSTERY OF THE HINDU TEMPLE (Part ?)
by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis
Other content: Broncho Billy and the Rustlers by Edgar West; The Hidden Marksman by Anon.
Notes: The main story features Hammerton Palmer. The serial installment features Will Spearing with Tinker and Pedro but not Sexton Blake.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 556 · 26/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE PRIZE SHIP (Part 2)
by Anon. (G. H. Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 567 · 11/9/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 1)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: This is probably a serialisation of the silent film of the same name which was released earlier this same year.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 568 · 18/9/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 2)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 569 · 25/9/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 3)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 570 · 2/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 4)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
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PLUCK · Issue 571 · 9/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 5)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 572 · 16/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 6)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
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PLUCK · Issue 573 · 23/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 7)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 574 · 30/10/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 8)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 575 · 6/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 9)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 576 · 13/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 10)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 577 · 20/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 11)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 578 · 27/11/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 12)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 579 · 4/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 13)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 580 · 11/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 14)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
PLUCK · Issue 581 · 18/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 15)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
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PLUCK · Issue 582 · 25/12/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT CHEQUE FRAUD (Part 16)
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Yellow Tiger THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 1 · Sept. 1915 · Amalgamated Press · 3d
THE YELLOW TIGER
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: A. Jones
Other content: The Great Cup-Tie by Anon.
Notes: Wu Ling, working as an agent for Germany, employs Baron Robert de Beauremon and the Council of Eleven to help him kidnap the British Munitions Minister and his friend, Sir Hector Amworth. They are snatched from a golf course in Devon and flown away in a biplane. Commissioned by the Secret Service to find the men, Sexton Blake and Tinker head to the west country; Tinker in the Grey Panther, Blake's self-designed monoplane, while the detective follows in the car. But Blake arrives first; Tinker is delayed after engine trouble forces him to make a landing on a remote island where he is shot at before taking off again only to be pursued by a biplane. Unknowingly, he has stumbled upon de Beauremon's base. He and Blake return there the next day. They find and rescue the two prisoners and discover evidence that suggests the Council of Eleven and the Brotherhood of the Yellow Beetle have joined forces. Wu Ling, in response to Blake's interference, vows to sacrifice the detective to the god Mo. When Blake tracks the oriental master criminal to an opium den, Wu Ling captures him and plans to transport him to Kaitu, his island base in China. Tinker, meanwhile, falls in with Mademoiselle Yvonne and they set off in pursuit of Wu Ling's steamship. En route to the island, Blake manages to jump ship. Caught in a raging storm in a sinking lifeboat, exposure and lack of food get the better of him and he falls into a fever. Fortunately, Tinker and Mlle. Yvonne rescue him but they are then attacked by Wu Ling's ship and taken prisoner. Blake evades capture and is picked up by a British warship which follows Wu Ling. On Kaitu, Baron de Beauremon objects to Wu Ling's plan to sacrifice Tinker and place Yvonne into his harem. He breaks off his alliance with the oriental and leads Blake and the naval men to the temple where a fierce fight ensues. Blake rescues Tinker and Yvonne but Wu Ling escapes.
Tivia: Wu Ling evidently worships the god Mo. This is a real deity; the Chinese god of martial valour.
Rating:The first ever edition of the Sexton Blake Library is a fine example of Blake at his best. This case has everything: chases by air, road and sea; edge-of-death escapades; rough-housing and shoot-outs; evil villains and a strong love interest. The detective's relationship with Mademoiselle Yvonne is intense and moving; they are obviously in love with one another but his dedication to work holds him back, adding much poignancy to the story. Another point of interest: by the 1920's 'the Grey Panther' would be established as the name of Blake's car, rather than of his monoplane.
Ill-Gotten Gains THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 2 · Oct. 1915 · Amalgamated Press · 3d
ILLGOTTEN GAINS, OR, THE SECRET OF SALCOTH ISLAND
by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: A. Jones
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Tinker meets a young man named Hector MacLeod whose mentor, a banker named James Phillips, has inexplicably banished him from his home. When Hector receives a plea for help from the banker's daughter, Ruth, whom he loves, he learns that her father has gone into hiding. It seems he is terrified of a man named Marle who is about to be released from gaol. Meanwhile, in Laidstone Prison, Marle dies after revealing to a fellow inmate, Professor Kew (who has been in the gaol for two years), that many years ago he took the rap for £20,000 which was swindled from Hector's now-deceased father. The money was placed in the bank but Phillips used it to pay off an equal amount which he had embezzled. Kew conspires with another prisoner, Count Ivor Carlac to obtain this money. They escape from the gaol and track down Phillips. With Carlac disguised as Marle, they insist that Phillips pays them £20,000 — plus interest. Phillips escapes their clutches and catches a merchant ship to San Francisco. He hopes to make his way to Salcoth Island off the coast of Alaska where evidence is hidden which will prove Marle was the perpetrator of the original crime rather than himself. Ruth engages Sexton Blake to find her father and he discovers that Kew and Carlac intend to sail after Phillips in the Anastor. The detective sends Hector to watch over the ship and, later, sneaks aboard himself. Both are present when the vessel leaves port, as are the two villains. When the latter men overpower Blake and heave him overboard, Hector manages to throw a lifebuoy out to the detective. After spending a day lost at sea, Blake rescued and sets off in pursuit accompanied by Tinker and Ruth Phillips. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Hector is captured and left bound hand and foot in a flooding sewer. Carlac and Kew make their way to Salcoth Island where they find James Phillips who has yet to discover the evidence. The criminals have better luck and, after recovering the records of the original crime, they depart leaving Phillips for dead. Sexton Blake rescues Hector and saves the injured Phillips. When all the parties return to Britain the two villains try to resume their blackmailing of the banker but are defeated when Blake snatches the evidence from Kew. The criminals get away but their plot is foiled.
Rating:
The Shadow of His Crime THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 3 · Nov. 1915 · Amalgamated Press · 3d
THE SHADOW OF HIS CRIME, OR, HOUNDED DOWN
by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: A. Jones
Other content: Unknown
Notes: Swindler Richard Cavendish betrays his partner, Jasper Clench, and flees the country with their ill-gotten gains. Clench, arrested and imprisoned, vows revenge. Twenty years later, Ezra Q. Maitland and his wife, Broadway Kate, rob Sir Digby Cranston of his collection of precious stones. Sexton Blake and Detective-Inspector Martin attend the crime scene and quickly pick up Maitland's trail. It leads to the Royal Hotel, where their investigations are overheard by a man named Melson. A half-burned note takes Blake from the hotel to a shop owned by a fence named Israel Samuels. Entering in disguise, he finds Maitland offloading the gems and tries to capture him but the criminal flees into the street. Melson appears in a car, urges Maitland to jump in, and drives him to safety. Melson reveals his real identity — he is Jasper Clench. After being released from prison some eleven years ago, he had taken his daughter, Violet, to America where he had amassed a fortune. In the meantime, Richard Cavendish had repented, anonymously returning almost all of the swindled money to its rightful owners. Cavendish had then changed his name to John Riverton and had become a race horse owner. He is now hoping that one of his horses will win the Gold Cup, which will earn him enough money to pay the last of his debts. However, his son, Laurence, is to become the means of Melton's revenge. The ex-swindler wants Maitland to alter a cheque which will make it seem as if Riverton junior is embezzling the bank at which he's employed. This is done and Laurence is duly arrested while visiting his sweetheart, Violet, at the stables which Melson has purchased close to Cavendish's own. Sexton Blake discovers Maitland's fingerprints on the evidence and, after Sir Henry Fairfax gives him permission to interview the imprisoned Laurence, he hears the story of Cavendish and Clench and learns that a disguised Maitland is a guest at Melson's. When the criminal's servant, Wang is spotted lurking at the Riverton stables, Blake pounces but is knocked cold by Maitland and left bound and gagged to starve to death in a nearby quarry. The next day, John Riverton's horse wins the Gold Cup and he can finally pay the last of his debts. After the race, Tinker misses his Guv'nor and uses Pedro to trace him. Blake is rescued and he rushes to Riverton's place where Maitland is in the process of blackmailing the ex-swindler. Maitland is arrested and handed over to the police from whom he then escapes. Riverton and Melson — Cavendish and Clench — are reunited and forgive one another. Laurence and Violet get married.
Trivia: Blake has a friend on Villiers Street who keeps a collection of disguises handy for the detective. At Blake's Baker Street house, there are nine pictures on the wall of the Consulting Room. There are twenty stairs leading up from the hall to the landing and five from the hall down to Mrs Bardell's domain. There is also a cellar in which the detective has stored over twenty years worth of newspaper clippings. Sexton Blake claims that he was 'just a lad' twenty years ago (1895). This is plainly untrue, since he was an adult at the time of THE MISSING MILLIONAIRE which was published in 1893.
Rating:
The Rajah's Revenge THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 4 · Dec. 1915 · Amalgamated Press · 3d
THE RAJAH'S REVENGE
by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: A. Jones
Other content: Unknown
Notes: The Rajah of Puljara is donating an antique chest filled with gold to Britain's war effort. It is to be transported from India by Colonel Bryce and the Rajah expects to follow his envoy to London a week later. Bryce hires two men as bodyguards — Count Kaldross and Doctor Kay — little realising that they are, in fact, Count Ivor Carlac and Professor Kew. Upon arrival in London, the chest is placed in the Colonel's house in Downe Square. That night, chance takes Tinker to the square where he encounters Bryce's daughter and witnesses the murder of a taxi driver. The passenger, who unknown to Tinker, was Kew, had panicked at the sight of Sexton Blake's assistant. Blake starts investigating the murder and the trail leads him to an antiques shop where a facimile war chest has been recently built to order. This, in turn, leads him back to Downe Square where, together with their cohort, Flash Harry, Carlac and Kew have taken the house next door to the Colonel's. Digging through the fireplace, they steal the chest, replacing it with the forgery. While they prepare to leave the country, Blake exposes the burglary and recovers the chest from the neighbouring house. The Rajah arrives and learns of Carlac and Kew's crime. He vows revenge and sets a trap for them. They fall into it and, captured, are transported to India. Sexton Blake pieces together what happened from the clues and, despite the fact that they are his great enemies, decides to rescue the two villains. He travels to India and there establishes himself in the guise of a wise fakir near the Rajah's palace. Within, Carlac and Kew endure long days of torture as they are tormented by a starved man-killing tiger while the Rajah looks on. As they weaken, their ability to avoid the beast's claws lessens, and they realise that death is not far away. Unknown to them, neither is Sexton Blake. He concocts a clever plan by which he gains entry to the palace, poisons the tiger, and frees the two men. Their successful escape is reported to the Rajah who grudgingly admits that he admire's the detective's audacity. Finally, en route to England, Carlac and Kew flee from Blake leaving him with a note: they have taken back their vow to kill him and now consider that their relationship with him is starting from a clean slate.
Trivia: According to the author, Pedro does not live at the Baker Street house but in kennels in the East End. This issue was later adapted as a non-Blake tale (he was replaced by Nelson Lee) entitled THE BEGGAR OF KASHAPORE which appeared in THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY second series issue 646 (1938).
Rating:
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 5 · Dec. 1916 · Amalgamated Press · 3d
'MIDST BALKAN PERILS
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown
Other content: The Case of the Shrivelled Fingers by Anon.
Notes: In the official records at Amalgamated Press, this story was attributed to Edwy Searles Brooks. The reason for this is unclear — the tale is plainly by W. M. Graydon. Story features Laban Creed.
Unrated
The Case of the Missing Reservist UNION JACK · New series · Issue 586 · 2/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE MISSING RESERVIST
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis
Other content: None
Notes: Issue features George Marsden Plummer.
Unrated
The Millionaire Traitor UNION JACK · New series · Issue 587 · 9/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MILLIONAIRE TRAITOR
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: Unknown (The signature looks like Eric Parker but the style is different and surely this is too early?)
Other content: None
Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer.
Unrated
The Case of the German Colony UNION JACK · New series · Issue 588 · 16/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE GERMAN COLONY
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
Private Tinker - A.S.C. UNION JACK · New series · Issue 589 · 23/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
PRIVATE TINKER - A.S.C.
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Case of the Concentration Camp UNION JACK · New series · Issue 590 · 30/1/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE CONCENTRATION CAMP
by Anon. (Lewis Carlton) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.)
Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer.
Unrated
The Mystery of the Banana Plantation UNION JACK · New series · Issue 591 · 6/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MYSTERY OF THE BANANA PLANTATION
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading
Other content: The 21st F. A. Review (article); A Word from the Skipper (ed.)
Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. This was reprinted in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 346 as THE CASE OF THE BLAZING ISLAND (1939).
Unrated
The Holding of the Kana Pass UNION JACK · New series · Issue 592 · 13/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE HOLDING OF THE KANA PASS
by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: H. L. Shindler
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.)
Notes: Story features Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu.
Unrated
Plummer's Dilemma UNION JACK · New series · Issue 593 · 20/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
PLUMMER'S DILEMMA
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.)
Notes: Auther J. W. Bobin takes over the Plummer character from Lewis Jackson. Story features George Marsden Plummer.
Unrated
The Conniston Diamonds UNION JACK · New series · Issue 594 · 27/2/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CONNISTON DIAMONDS
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: To celebrate the coming of age of his eldest son — who is away fighting on the Front — Lord Conniston is planning a lavish party at the family estate in Devon. On the occasion, the Conniston diamonds — a priceless necklace — will be worn by Lady Conniston. What the family don't know is that The Council of Eleven intend to use the occasion to steal the jewels. Sexton Blake is among the invited but, during his journey to Devon, he is inexplicably attacked by a stranger on the train. The man escapes. Shrugging it off as the act of a lunatic, the detective arrives at Conniston Hall and meets his fellow guests who are helping to prepare the banquet. Among them is a Mr Gordon who is wheelchair-bound. There is also a beautiful young woman named Miss Farquhar, who seems strangely familiar to Blake. Later, while strolling in the woods, the detective is nearly hit by a bullet fired from a rifle. Once again, his mystery assailant gets away. That night, the banquet is held and during its course the lights go out and the diamond necklace is stolen. While investigating, another shot narrowly misses Blake. The rifleman flees but leaves behind a knife which was taken from the room in which Gordon is staying. This raises Blake's suspicions and he suddenly pierces the disguises and realises that Gordon is Duke Paul Servitch and Miss Farquhar is Madame Rénée Montara of the Council of Eleven. He sends for Tinker and Pedro but his cablegram is intercepted and his assistant is captured en route. Pedro escapes and, later that night, finds Blake and leads him to the house where the boy is being held captive. There, Blake engages in a terrific fight with Baron Robert de Beauremon. The detective triumphs and takes the Baron and other members of the Council prisoner. He rescues Tinker and recovers the diamonds but, at the last moment, all the Council members escape thanks to a bungling police officer.
Trivia: Blake uses his pseudonym of John Carter. This tale was reprinted in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 365 as THE CASE OF THE CONISTON DIAMONDS (1940).
Rating:
Abdulla the Horse Dealer UNION JACK · New series · Issue 595 · 6/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
ABDULLA THE HORSE DEALER
by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: G. M. Dodshon
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Case of the Poisoned Telephones UNION JACK · New series · Issue 596 · 13/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE POISONED TELEPHONES
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: A Japanese inventor named Soto has developed a light ray — the H-ray — through which airplanes can be guided remotely. The ray also causes blindness when directed at a person. When his co-inventor, Colonel Temple, is found dead and the blueprints are stolen, Soto calls in Sexton Blake. The investigator discovers that death was caused by a fine poisonous dust placed in the telephone receiver. He also discovers that Temple had frequently visited a woman named Madam Tressidar at a nearby hotel. When Blake goes there, he finds that the woman has been killed. He also discovers that she had travelled extensively in China and that she had rented her house, near the Colonel's, to some Chinamen. Tinker and Soto are both captured and taken to this house — its tenants being Wu Ling and The Brotherhood of the Yellow Beetle. The prisoners are tightly bound and left in a room where wireless equipment has been set up. They manage to get free long enough to transmit a message to Sexton Blake before being recaptured. Meanwhile, at Baker Street, an intruder places poison dust in Blake's telephone but is caught in the act and made a captive. The detective receives the radio message from Tinker and Soto, so leaves the Chinese prisoner guarded by Pedro while he rushes off on a rescue mission. With policemen led by Inspector Thomas, he raids the house, rescues the prisoners and retrieves the H-ray blueprints.
Trivia: The author accurately predicts laser technology in this story. The layout of part of the Baker Street house is revealed when Blake passes 'down the corridor running from the laboratory past Tinker's room to the consulting room.' Also, Blake's dressing room is said to adjoin the consulting room.
Rating:A disappointing tale which seems rather too dry and lacking in thrills.
The Army Contract Scandal UNION JACK · New series · Issue 597 · 20/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE ARMY CONTRACT SCANDAL
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: E.A.S.(?)
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier.
Unrated
The Great Remount Swindle UNION JACK · New series · Issue 598 · 27/3/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE GREAT REMOUNT SWINDLE
by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Harry Lane
Other content: Detective-Sergeant Plummer by Anon. (This serial was continued in PLUCK)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Vengeance of the Eleven UNION JACK · New series · Issue 599 · 3/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE VENGEANCE OF THE ELEVEN
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: Double Easter issue. Upon his marriage, Sir Henry Phildrake receives a gift of precious rubies from an Indian Rajah whose life he once saved. These gems are delivered by a courier named Intrab Ahj but while in London he is taken prisoner by the Council of Eleven and placed on a ship bound for the South Seas. A new member of the Council — Gunda Mingh — then impersonates the courier in order to gain access to the jewels. The following day, Sexton Blake and Detective-inspector Thomas of Scotland Yard are called to the Phildrake estate to investigate the mysterious theft. The jewels have vanished from a sealed room. While Blake is making his initial examinations, Intrab Ahj escapes from the ship and returns to the Venetia Hotel in London where he is murdered by Gunda Mingh, who takes the rubies and flees, intending to betray the Eleven and keep the treasure for himself. However, Baron Robert de Beauremon realises what has happened, has Mingh killed, and takes the gems. Sexton Blake finds evidence of the Eleven's involvement and traces them to a house where he is, unfortunately, captured. Taken to the coast of Cornwall, the detective is bound and placed in a booby-trapped plane. It is sent flying out over the sea with a time-bomb in it's tail. Blake manages to wrest control of it long enough to lower its altitude but when the bomb detonates he is thrown out and plummets into the waves. Fortunately, Tinker is on hand to race to the rescue. The Council members flee with the rubies in their possession. Blake's only triumph is that he manages to work out how the gemstones were stolen in the first place.
Trivia: By the time of this story, Herr Schmidt has left the Council of Eleven to join the German army. The Venetia Hotel has featured in the Blake saga before, most notably in THE CASE OF THE POISONED TELEPHONES (UNION JACK issue 596, 1915), which is mentioned in this story.
Rating:
The Case of the Agent from Austria UNION JACK · New series · Issue 600 · 10/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE AGENT FROM AUSTRIA
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: While in Rome, Sexton Blake is approached by the Chancellor and asked to keep an eye on an agent, Guiseppe Gianelli, who is about to deliver top secret documents pertaining to London. An enemy spy named Carl Brunburg is expected to make a play for the documents and the Chancellor wants Blake to ensure that he doesn't succeed. In disguise, the detective traces Gianelli to a cafe where he finds him enjoying the company of Broadway Kate. Also in the cafe and watching this pair are Brunburg and his companion, Ezra Q. Maitland. The American couple are aiding the spy in his attempt to snatch the papers. After the various parties have departed, Maitland's Chinese servant, Wang spots Sexton Blake and sends a trained ape to kill him. The animal stabs the sleeping Blake in the chest but is shot dead by the seriously wounded detective. Bedridden, the injured man gives Tinker the job of following the spies. The lad trails them across Europe to Britain. During the journey, Broadway Kate works her magic on Gianelli and asks him to betray his country in return for £10,000; money they can use to marry and set up life together in a distant country. The Italian agent agrees and sells her the documents. However, he has seen through her game and the papers he hands over are forgeries. Tinker follows Kate as she meets with Maitland and Brunburg and witnesses their discovery of Gianelli's trick. They catch him spying upon them and take him captive. Sexton Blake arrives from Italy and is met by Inspector Martin. In Dover, they discover the dead body of Gianelli; the documents entrusted to him have been stolen, as has the money Kate gave him. A complication causes the finger of suspicion to be pointed at an innocent man but Blake cuts through the fog to reveal the truth that Brunburg was the killer. Realising that Tinker is missing, Blake uses evidence from the crime scene to put Pedro on the scent and arrives at the house where his assistant is held prisoner. The detective organises a police raid during which Ezra Q. Maitland is captured. As a spy, he will face the firing squad. The documents are recovered but Burnburg takes a suicide pill while Broadway Kate and Wang escape.
Trivia: A nice quote from this story:
“My name is Sexton Blake,” the detective said quietly, looking up from the contemplation of his weed. “You may have heard of me?”
Inspector Appleby started, then recovered himself and looked supercilious.
“I have heard of you,” he admitted loftily. “You are a private investigator, I believe?”
“I must plead guilty to the charge,” Sexton Blake murmured. “I sometimes do a little detective work when the police are kind enough to allow it.”
Rating:
An Officer and a Gentleman UNION JACK · New series · Issue 601 · 17/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN; OR, "DOWN UNDER"
by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Leonard Shields
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Case of the Canadian Brothers UNION JACK · New series · Issue 602 · 24/4/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE CANADIAN BROTHERS
by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: H. L. Shindler
Other content: The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The £10,000 Insurance Case UNION JACK · New series · Issue 603 · 1/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE £10,000 INSURANCE CASE; OR, THE MARCUS SAVILLE MYSTERY
by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Val Reading
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Case of the Turkish Bonds UNION JACK · New series · Issue 604 · 8/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE TURKISH BONDS; OR, THE CLUE OF THE FLATTENED THUMB
by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe
Other content: The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Abbey Mystery UNION JACK · New series · Issue 605 · 15/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE ABBEY MYSTERY; OR, THE TREASURE OF THE TRENTS
by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: W. Tayler
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present. Story features Sir Richard Losely.
Unrated
The Case of the Nihilist's Daughter UNION JACK · New series · Issue 606 · 22/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE CASE OF THE NIHILIST'S DAUGHTER
by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: A. Jones
Other content: The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Quest of the Grey Panther UNION JACK · New series · Issue 607 · 29/5/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE QUEST OF THE GREY PANTHER
by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis
Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: Sexton Blake and Tinker are flying in the Grey Panther, looking out for enemy submarines, when they spot a biplane which, as they draw close, attacks them. They force it down in a terrible storm which conceals its landing place, though they later find out that it descended onto a large estate in Essex owned by a Spaniard named Guitterrez. Later, they return to the estate by night and observe suspicious activity. Almost caught by guards, they manage to escape after a fight during which Blake recognises one of his assailants as San of The Brotherhood of the Yellow Beetle. Back in London, the head of the Secret Service ('Sir John') informs the detective that a German of immense importance is believed to be in the country. Clues lead Blake to believe that this mysterious visitor might be hidden at Grindley Hall on the Guitterrez estate. Meanwhile, Tinker explores that locale and discovers a secret passage opening into the hollow trunk of an oak tree. Following this, he comes upon a chamber in which sits, to Tinker's astonishment, Wilhelm, Crown Prince of Germany. He watches as Guitterrez arrives with a guest: Wu Ling. Wilhelm offers the Chinaman a deal; if Wu Ling causes an uprising in the Far East it will split the British forces, allowing Germany to win the war. In return, Germany will support Wu Ling as he claims leadership of the Orient. Wu Ling accepts the offer and Tinker retreats to return to Baker Street with his report. Sexton Blake and his assistant try to leave the house to warn the Secret Service of the plan but find themselves besieged by Wu Ling's agents. The detective fetches pickaxes from the cellar and knocks through the wall to the neighbouring house, escaping, in disguise, through its front door. Gathering men from Scotland Yard, he organises a raid on Grindley Hall. Guitterrez is captured and proof of the plot is recovered but Prince Wilhelm and Wu Ling flee in the biplane. With the evidence in hand, the British government is able to warn the Chinese authorities of Wu Ling's intentions.
Trivia: Mrs Bardell's first name is given as Amelia (usually it's 'Martha', though sometimes 'Maria').
Rating:
The Mob Leader UNION JACK · New series · Issue 608 · 5/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MOB LEADER; OR, THE CASE OF THE PAID AGITATOR
by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe
Other content: The Bogus Policeman (featuring Detective Spearing) by Anon.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Mystery of the Mosque UNION JACK · New series · Issue 609 · 12/6/1915 · Amalgamated Press · 1d
THE MYSTERY OF THE MOSQUE
by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis
Other content: A Word from the Ski