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| 1916 1917 1918 | |
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Publishing: Blake author Norman Goddard is killed on the French front. A transport driver, he was making his way up the line under heavy fire during the Battle of Vimy Ridge when he was struck down. He died from his wounds on 2nd July aged just 36 and was buried at the Bailleul Comm. Cemetary. G. H. Teed begins his war service and is absent from the Sexton Blake saga for the next five years. Jack Lewis follows suit but is only away for two years. The paper shortage starts to bite harder; with issue 31 of THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY seeing the periodical reduced from 120 pages to 96 and issue 33 onwards reducing further to 72 pages. Blake: Sexton Blake has his first encounter with the mysterious Mr. Reece... a foreshadowing of his epic battle with the Criminals' Confederation. He also makes the acquaintance of a fellow defender of justice in the form of Ferrers Lord. | |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 23 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d TRAITOR AND SPY by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 24 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE MAN WITH THE GREEN EYES by Anon. (Norman Goddard) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This was Norman Goddard's final story before he was killed in France. The story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 25 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE SECRET OF THE DRAKER'S FOLLY; OR, THE MISER'S HOARD by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac and Professor Kew. This was later adapted, with Sexton Blake being replaced by Ferrers Locke, and was published as THE SECRET OF THE TOWER in THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY second series issue 279 (1931). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 26 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE EMBASSY DETECTIVE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Basil Wicketshaw and Fenlock Fawn. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 27 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d A CASE OF BLACKMAIL by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Captain Horatio Peak. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 28 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d SEXTON BLAKE, SPECIAL CONSTABLE; OR, HIS BROTHER'S CRIME by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: When John Langton, the assistant manager of a merchant company, is critically wounded in an accident, his younger brother admits to stealing £100 from the firm and asks Langton to confess to this crime to save him from imprisonment. Langton, believing that he has but hours to live, reluctantly agrees and writes a bogus confession. When Septimus Dempster, the general manager of the company, receives this note, he alters the amount to £10,000 and steals the money for himself, adding it to the huge amount he has already embezzled. When Langton unexpectedly recovers from his injury, he finds that his brother has been killed on the Front and he, John, has been accused of Dempster's crimes. He is committed to a seven year term at Bleakmoor Prison. A year later, he joins forces with Aubrey Dexter, who has been imprisoned for just over nineteen months of a fifteen-year sentence, and they escape. After Langton tells the cracksman his story, the two men part company in London and Langton gives himself up to Sexton Blake. The detective agrees to investigate the case and Langton leaves, escaping from beneath the nose of Detective-Inspector Coutts. Blake tells Tinker to shadow Septimus Dempster. Meanwhile, believing that Dempster is hoarding the stolen money, Dexter pays him a visit at his house. A struggle ensues during which a shot is fired from outside, killing Dempster. This attracts Tinker, who enters the house only to be knocked unconscious by Dexter. Thinking that Sexton Blake is hot on his heels, the crook flees, leaving the money behind. Tinker recovers long enough to summon Blake. He investigates the scene and discovers the hidden loot. Believing that Dexter will return for this, Blake joins the Special Constables who patrol a reservoir behind the house. He is thus able to keep watch and, a few days later, apprehends the ace cracksman as he enters the house. With Dexter captured, Blake investigates further and discovers that the shot that killed Dempster was fired by his disgruntled father-in-law. While he is examining this evidence, Dexter overpowers him and escapes. Dempster's killer is caught, John Langton is declared innocent of all crimes, but Dexter remains at liberty. Trivia: The governor of Bleakmoor Prison is named Colonel Newlands and he is not on good terms with Sexton Blake. Blake has a private dressing room in Dasset Street off the Strand. This was reprinted under the same title in SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 711 (1940). Rating: 
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 29 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE CATSPAW; OR, HOUNDED DOWN by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless, Count Ivor Carlac and Professor Kew. This was reprinted as THE SECRET OF THE MISSING CONVICT in THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY 2nd series issue 698 (1939). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 30 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE THREE TRAILS; OR, THE MYSTERY OF GREY GABLES by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 31 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d CRAFT AND CUNNING by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 32 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d TEN YEARS AFTER by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 33 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE HOUSE WITH THE DOUBLE MOAT; OR, THE TATTOOED MAN by Anon. (Edwy Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 34 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 35 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE HALF-CASTE by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 36 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE PERILS OF PETROGRAD by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story has been attributed to Andrew Murray but the style of W. M. Graydon is unmistakable. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 37 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE DIAMOND SUNBURST by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 38 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d VENGEANCE by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 39 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d A LEGACY OF SHAME by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Broadway Kate. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 40 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE SECRET OF THE PAST by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 41 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE MYSTERIOUS MR. REECE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mr. Reece and Dirk Dolland with his partner The Butterfly. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 42 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE BLACK BAT by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 43 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE CASE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURER; OR, AN INNOCENT ACCOMPLICE by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Broadway Kate, Glory Gale and Aubrey Dexter. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 44 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d WHERE THE TRAIL ENDED; OR, THE SHADOW ON GREY TOWERS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Fenlock Fawn. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 45 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d THE BARRIER REEF MYSTERY by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. It was later adapted as a non-Blake tale (he was replaced by Ferrers Locke) and appeared as THE SECRET OF THE REEF in THE BOYS' FRIEND LIBRARY second series issue 366 (1933). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 46 · Date unknown · Amalgamated Press · 3d WHEN CONSCIENCE SLEEPS by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 691 · 6/1/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MARK OF THE THUMB by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 692 · 13/1/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SUNKEN SCHOONER; OR, JOHN BAXTERS SECRET by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Sea Waif by David Goodwin Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier and Dr. Huxton Rymer. My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 693 · 20/1/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CLUE OF THE BOWLER HAT; OR, THE VENGEANCE OF TOM GOLDING by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Sea Waif by David Goodwin Notes: My copy is missing the cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 694 · 27/1/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE LOST JOURNALIST by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Sea-Waif by David Gordon Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 695 · 3/2/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING MANAGER by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Sea Waif by David Goodwin. Notes: My copy is missing the cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 696 · 10/2/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE TREASURE OF SONORA; OR, THE GOLD CACHÉ by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: Story features Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 697 · 17/2/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE BROKEN SPAN by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Sea-Waif by David Goodwin Notes: Story features Jim Potter. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 698 · 24/2/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A CASE OF ARSON; OR, THE GREAT INSURANCE FRAUD by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Sea-Waif by David Goodwin Notes: While in an illicit gambling den, Dirk Dolland aka The Bat learns that an American railroad tycoon named Cyrus C. Crag wishes to buy a painting, the Corottzi Venus, from Colonel Eustace Roden. The Colonel refuses to sell despite being offered £100,000. It just so happens that Dolland is currently illegally occupying a property just four houses away from Roden which belongs to Bernard Mellish, a man currently in New York. Dolland shares the residence with three criminals: Nicholas Mark, a forger; Brandon Delmas, a crooked lawyer; and Dr. Stephen Stone, a drug-addicted medical man. The four crooks invade Roden's premises and keep him and his servant prisoner upstairs. Dolland, in the guise of Mellish, visits an insurance agent and uses forged documents to insure the Mellish house and the painting for a £110,000. He then makes himself up as the Colonel and sells the painting to Crag. A few weeks later the Mellish residence, supposedly with the painting inside, is burned to the ground and the insurance is paid. When the real Mellish is found to be abroad, Sexton Blake is called in. He goes to interview Colonel Roden, arriving at the same time as Detective-Inspector Coutts who has received an anonymous telegram instructing him to search the house. They find the Colonel and his servant tied up. When Roden discovers that his painting has gone, he explodes with anger. But then Cyrus Crag arrives and accuses the Colonel of selling him a fake. Blake begins to unravel the swindle; his investigation leads to Paris but there he falls into the hands of the gang. Unknown to The Bat, Delmas places the detective into a chamber which slowly fills with water. At the last moment before he drowns, Blake is rescued by Dolland. In return, he allows the gentleman thief to escape while the rest of the gang are rounded up. Rating: One of the best ever Sexton Blake tales.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 699 · 3/3/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE STOLEN FACTORY by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Sea-Waif by David Goodwin Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 700 · 10/3/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d SEXTON BLAKE IN ARMENIA by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 701 · 17/3/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE BLACK RAT by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier and The Black Rat. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 702 · 24/3/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE TYPEWRITTEN CLUE by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 703 · 31/3/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE EMERALD NECKLACE; OR, A MARKED MAN by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Wrestling Champion by T. C. Hall; The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 704 · 7/4/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY OF CELL SIX; OR, THE MAN WITH THREE LIVES by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 705 · 14/4/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY OF FALLOW SIDE FARM; OR, SEXTON BLAKE - FOOD GROWER by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: G. M. Dodshon Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 706 · 21/4/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CREST OF THE FLOOD by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 707 · 28/4/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE OPIUM SMUGGLERS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Fellow of His Word by Anon.; The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: Story features The Black Rat. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 708 · 5/5/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GRIMSDALE ABBEY AFFAIR by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: My copy is missing the cover. Story features Humble Begge. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 709 · 12/5/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE TWO IMPERSONATORS by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dirk Dolland. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 710 · 19/5/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d AT THE FULL OF THE MOON by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Marie Galante. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 711 · 26/5/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE GREAT OFFICE MYSTERY by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: My copy is missing the cover. Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 712 · 2/6/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A CASE OF EXTRADITION by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: Story features The Black Rat. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 713 · 9/6/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE MYSTERY OF DEAD TREE HILL by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 714 · 16/6/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE THREE MILLIONAIRES; OR, CAUGHT NAPPING by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 715 · 23/6/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d UNCUT DIAMONDS; OR, THE RETURN OF THE BLACK RAT by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle Notes: Story features Camille Despard and The Black Rat. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 716 · 30/6/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE £20,000 WITNESS by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Aubrey Dexter. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 717 · 7/7/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d TWICE CHARGED by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 718 · 14/7/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE LORIMER TWINS; OR, A MILLION DOLLARS RANSOM by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle. Notes: Story features Camille Despard and The Black Rat. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 719 · 21/7/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d ON THE NIGHT OF THE STORM by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 720 · 28/7/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d 'TWIXT SUNSET AND DAWN by Anon. (Edward Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 721 · 4/8/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE THUMBNAIL CLUE by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 722 · 11/8/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF REINCARNATION by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features the first appearance of Prince Menes. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 723 · 18/8/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SECRET HAND by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Prince Menes. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 724 · 25/8/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d WHEN ROGUES FALL OUT! by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Aristocrat of the School by Andrew Gray and Ambrose Earle. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 725 · 1/9/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d WHEN GREEK MEETS GREEK by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: None Notes: Story features Humble Begge. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 726 · 8/9/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE RIDDLE OF YEW HOLLOW by Anon. (Edward Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: D. M. Dodshon Other content: None Notes: No.2 of Tinker's "Case-Diary" series. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 727 · 15/9/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE PEARLS OF SILENCE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 1) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: Unknown Notes: main story features Wu Fong. The serial is a story of Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu. Blake and Tinker feature in the final chapters. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 728 · 22/9/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE CRIMSON TERROR by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 2) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Prince Menes. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 729 · 29/9/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE VALLEY OF CRAGS by Anon. (Edward Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: No.3 of Tinker's "Case-Diary" series. When Roger Leverton's house is broken into by thieves, his papers are left scattered over the floor. Among them is a letter to Harvey Dorrington which isn't meant to be sent until after Leverton's death. But after tidying up, Leverton's secretary inadvertently posts it. Ordered to Dorrington's house to recover the missive, the secretary leaps through a window and snatches it out of the young man's hand just as he's about to read it. A struggle ensues and Dorrington is stabbed in the shoulder. Thinking he's killed him, the secretary panics and runs, dropping the letter. Dorrington manages to call Sexton Blake before passing out. The detective finds the letter and tends to Dorrington's wounds before reading it. It's a 'death bed confession' in which Leverton reveals that his stepdaughter, Joyce Maitland, who has been missing for a year, is being held prisoner in a remote valley hidden in the Rocky Mountains of Montana to prevent her from marrying Dorrington. Blake, Tinker and Dorrington set out on a rescue mission but Leverton has sent a message ahead and the trio is captured by Lean-Jaw Luke and his gang. They are left tied up in a hut in the shadows of the Rockies while the Luke gang heads off to move Joyce to another hiding place. Rescued by Pedro, Blake and co. set off in pursuit. Journeying by canoe through a narrow canyon into the Valley of Crags, they find Joyce in a small house and sneak her away. The Lean-Jaw Luke gang gives chase but their canoe is capsized by a trap set by Blake. Outside the canyon, Leverton is waiting. His attempt to attack the detective backfires and he accidentally shoots himself. As he dies, he confesses that he was trying to fake Joyce's death so that he'd inherit the fortune left to her by her mother. Rating:  A bit of a slight tale but one that sticks in the memory thanks to the wonderfully evocative canoe journey into the Valley of Crags. Brooks was a master of this sort of description and it shows here; the darkness, the echoes, the unknown lying just ahead; you really feel like you're there.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 730 · 6/10/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE UNCENSORED LETTER; OR, UNTRUE TO HIS TRUST by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 3) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 731 · 13/10/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE INVISIBLE RAY by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 4) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Prince Menes. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 732 · 20/10/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE STRANGE CASE OF THE RED POCKET BOOK; OR, THE MYSTERY OF DR. OTTO SCHLENG by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 733 · 27/10/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE SECRET OF THE THIRD PANEL; OR, THE CLUE OF THE CAMEO by Anon. (Edward Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 5) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: None Notes: Another adventure from Tinker's Case Diary. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 734 · 3/11/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE BROKEN BAIL by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 6) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Aubrey Dexter. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 735 · 10/11/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE HEIR OF QUARTERLANDS by Anon. (W. J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 7) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 736 · 17/11/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE ORDEAL OF GORDON WOOD by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 8) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 737 · 24/11/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE PEARL OF THE TREHERNES by Anon. (Edward Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: Christmas double issue. My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 738 · 1/12/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d RUN TO EARTH; OR, DETECTIVES IN HIDING by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Vine IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 9) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 739 · 8/12/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE £10,000 FEE; OR, THE SHIPOWNER'S VENGEANCE by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 10) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: None Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 740 · 15/12/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE AMAZING AFFAIR OF THE BRIXTON BURGLARY by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 11) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 741 · 22/12/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d A GAMBLE FOR LIFE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 12) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 742 · 29/12/1917 · Amalgamated Press · 1d THE CASE OF THE TWO FINANCIERS; OR, THE MYSTERY MILLIONAIRE by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Val Reading IN THE HANDS OF THE HEAD HUNTERS; OR, INTO THE UNKNOWN (part 13) by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) Other content: None Notes: Mortimer Daynham and Michael Vengray are financiers who, beneath a veneer of philanthropy, are merciless profiteers taking full advantage of wartime shortages. One night, at Daynham's Mansion, a caller is admitted to the hall by the valet. While he is being announced, this man binds and gags the footman before disappearing into the house. It is searched but he isn't found. Later, a man is seen fleeing. There are signs that a second man may have also been present. The strong-room is found open but nothing has been stolen. Daynham asks Sexton Blake to investigate. Despite distrusting him at first sight, Blake accepts the case. The strong-room, he concludes, could only have been opened by an expert safe-cracker named Ballinder. This man has recently been unexpectedly freed from prison by the Home Secretary. The detective sets off back to London to find out why. Tinker, meanwhile, discovers a trail of footprints leading across the roof of the manor to a rope. He takes hold of it and is inching down a sloped section of the roof when a bearded man emerges from a skylight and, unaware of the lad, gives to rope a jerk. Tinker falls and lands in a water tank. He is rescued by the bearded man but loses consciousness. When he recovers, he finds himself in bed in a comfortable room; held prisoner by the kindly Prout (the bearded man) and O'Rooney. The next day, the man who had invaded the house the previous night calls on Daynham and Vengray. He is Ferrers Lord - a man widely known as the 'Mad Millionaire'. Lord reveals that he took photographs of documents in the strong-room which expose the two men as the scoundrels they are. He will expose them unless they donate their fortunes to the war effort. But as Lord turns to leave, Vengray knocks him out. By now, Sexton Blake has realised that Tinker is missing and returns to the manor with Pedro to search for him. Instead of finding his assistant, Blake discovers the unconscious body of Ferrers Lord. Nursed back to health, Lord telephones Prout and asks him to bring Tinker. He then tells of Daynham and Vengray's treachery. Days later, Daynham summons Blake and attempts to dismiss him from the case but the detective indicates that he intends to continue his investigation. That night, the two financiers begin to pack, ready to flee the country. Blake and Lord raid the mansion. While attempting to escape, Daynham falls from the roof and breaks his neck. Vengray is captured and imprisoned. Trivia: Edgar J. Murray (better known by his pseudonym of Sydney Drew) introduced Ferrers Lord in WOLVES OF THE DEEP (Boys' Friend Library issue 32, 1907). Lord was the millionaire inventor of two vast submarines - the Victoria and the Britannia - which he used to right wrongs and to keep Britain ruling the waves. He starred in a number of subsequent adventures, some of which featured Prout and O'Rooney. Rating: 
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