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| 1920 1921 1922 | |
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Publishing: Harold William Twyman becomes the Editor of UNION JACK (taking over from Walter Shute) while Leonard Pratt takes over the SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY. | |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 156 · Jan. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE ROUMANIAN ENVOY by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: None Notes: Sir Charles Appier and his daughter Beatrice are playing host to a Roumanian envoy named Stephanos, who is the target of frequent assassination attempts. Though a brute and tyrant, this man is of great political importance; his death could lead to another world war. Appier and his daughter encounter an Irishman named McDermott who looks uncannily similar to Stephanos, so they arrange through devious means for him to be their guest. Not knowing the true reason for their hospitality, McDermott soon falls in love with Beatrice. However, after attempts are made on his life, he becomes suspicious. When he learns that Zenith the Albino is behind the attacks, he leaves the Appiers and visits Sexton Blake. Beatrice catches up with him at the detective's Baker Street home and confesses all. Realising that the girl returns his love, McDermott agrees to continue the charade but as he leaves the house he is kidnapped by Zenith's gang, the League of the Last. Sexton Blake follows the clues to a hotel where the League has its headquarters. There he attempts a rescue but is captured. One of the League disguises himself as Blake and sets a false trail in order to throw the police off the scent. Zenith alerts the Criminals' Confederation to this but forgets to tell the Kestrel Syndicate. Kestrel's men mistake the gang member for Blake and kill him. Meanwhile, after fighting off Oklahoma Sam, Blake is sentenced to death by Zenith. He is taken to a wireless room at the top of the hotel and wired up to the equipment. When the next call — due in 20 minutes — arrives, he will be electrocuted. Tinker mounts a rescue mission and, after a tussle with Captain Starlight, manages to free Blake. However, they find that the hotel is burning. Blake carries Starlight to safety across a narrow beam but Tinker is left behind. The detective races back into the flames to perform a daring rescue and the two men barely escape with their lives. The next morning, Beatrice Appier learns from Blake that McDermott is still in the hands of Zenith. Furthermore, evidence comes to light that the arch-crook is planning to kill the Roumanian envoy at a fancy dress ball. He almost succeeds — hidden behind a harlequin costume, Zenith kidnaps Stephanos and replaces him with a drugged McDermott, which fools Inspector Coutts but not Sexton Blake. The detective manages to snatch the envoy from Zenith's grasp, though, as ever, the wily albino escapes capture. Rating:  ON GOVERNMENT SERVICE by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: None Notes: Sexton Blake meets with Admiral Sir Richard Thorpe who informs him that information about a new torpedo-boat harbour are being leaked to a foreign power. Agreeing to investigate, the detective moves to the little town near the harbour and explores it and the construction site in search of clues. He finds nothing until he hears tell of a mad woman who lives at Merrilees Farm on the high downand and who waves her lantern about each night, signalling to her fisherman husband who had died many years before. This makes him realise how easily a signal could be sent out to sea. In a small boat, he sails out one night and, sure enough, spots signals from the shore. Searching for the recipient of this message, he finds a steamer running without lights. The next morning he locates a bungalow which belongs to a Mr Erstheim, whom the detective befriends. Invited inside, he sees a lamp the light of which is directed at Merrilees Farm. A few days later he summons the Admiral's secretary, Lieutenant Adamson, and together they catch the mad woman sending a message out to the steamer... except, beneath the disguise, the woman turns out to be Erstheim. Rating: 
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 157 · Jan. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d A BREACH OF TRUST 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 158 · Jan. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE DISCHARGED BANKRUPT 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 159 · Jan. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE MILLOWNER'S SON 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 160 · Feb. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d KESTREL'S CONSPIRACY by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: A. Jones (cover) Other content: None Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 161 · Feb. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BLACK OPAL MINE 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 162 · Feb. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d GIPSY OR GENTLEMAN by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: A. Jones (cover) Other content: None Notes: Story features Basil Wicketshaw. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 163 · Feb. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SECRET OF THE FROZEN NORTH by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Granite Grant and Mlle. Julie. This was reprinted as DEAD MAN'S DIARY in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 416 (1934) and again in DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 263 as THE SECRET OF THE LAST SURVIVOR (1938). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 164 · Mar. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE GOLDEN CASKET; OR, THE SECRET OF THE SAHARA by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) THE EPISODE OF THE BLACK DIAMOND by Anon. · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: The main story features Mlle. Claire Delisle. The second story is very short; just three pages. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 165 · Mar. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE HIDDEN MESSAGE by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: A. Jones (cover) Other content: None Notes: 'A tale of strange mystery, detective work, and thrilling adventure in Persia and England.' Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 166 · Mar. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE FIVE MERCHANTS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: 'An absorbing romance of detective work and thrilling adventure in London, France, Germany, and America.' Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 167 · Mar. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE GNAT by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 168 · Apr. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE CINEMA STAR 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 169 · Apr. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SECRET OF THE SIX BLACK DOTS by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: None Notes: After enquiring for a Madame Defage at a hotel on the French coast — and learning that she is not a guest there — a man named Paul Rudolphe books a room and waits for her. He is followed by Martin Dubois who, during the night, breaks into his room and murders him, taking an envelop from the body. When Rudolphe's corpse is found beside a golf course on the south coast of England, the club manager becomes Inspector Frenton's top suspect. The accused man consults Sexton Blake who, upon examining the body, finds a patch pasted against the sole of one foot. Inscribed upon it are five parallel lines and six black dots. The detective realises that the dead man was dropped from an aeroplane and learns that a plane owned by Dubois made a crash landing in France the same night that the corpse was discovered. Furthermore, he deduces that the dots are musical notes which spell out D-E-F-A-G-E. Blake and Tinker cross the Channel to Boulogne where they discover that Rudolphe — whose description matches that of the corpse on the golf course — vanished after staying in a hotel room next to Dubois. Also now arrived at the hotel is the mysterious Madame Defage. Associating her with the three black dots, Blake meets her only to discover that she is, in fact, Mademoiselle Julie of the French Secret Service. She reveals that Rudolphe had been a courier for the Corps Diplomatique who was on a mission to pass to her top secret information concerning the political situation in Russia. The detective, his assistant and the secret agent drive to Dubois' estate where they confront him and demand the return of the stolen document. He calmly admits to its theft before making a getaway in his biplane. Tinker, though, has stowed away aboard the machine and ends up in Paris, captive of Dubois and his partner, Baron Rodanoff (who first appeared in THE CASE OF THE KING'S SPY, THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 1st series issue 110, 1920). These two have the secret document but not the keyword required to decipher it. So, after making a copy, they come up with a scheme: Rodanoff should contact Julie and sell the document back to her, learning the keyword when she decodes it in his presence. Following this plan, the Baron approaches Julie only to discover that she doesn't know the keyword either. However, Sexton Blake works it out in Rodanoff's presence and the villain makes a quick getaway with the information. Tinker escapes from the villains and makes his way to Madam Julie's house where he reveals Dubois and Rodanoff's plan. The detective, Julie and Tinker race to intercept Rodanoff before he can pass the keyword to Dubois but the latter spots them and runs them off the road. He then tries to escape in his biplane. However, Tinker catches up with it and leaps aboard as it's taking off. He causes it to crash and Dubois is badly injured. The secret document is recovered and Blake and Tinker begin their journey back to Baker Street. As for the Baron, he lives to fight another day. Trivia: Tinker seems unusually dense in this tale. He doesn't speak French and he acts as if this is his first experience of flying when, in fact, he's been in the air many times by this point in the saga. Blake also seems rather out of sorts. It takes him ages to work out how Rudolphe's body came to be beside the golf course (it's rather obvious to the reader), he reveals a codeword in front of the villain who's after it, and he even forgets that on the continent they drive on the right rather than on the left! This story was reprinted as THE MISSING SPY in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 423 (1934) then again as THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING AVIATOR in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 589 (1937). Rating: 
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 170 · Apr. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE AFFAIR OF THE FAMILY DIAMONDS by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 171 · Apr. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d AT THE SHRINE OF THE BUDDHA; OR, THE CHINAMAN'S VOW 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 172 · May 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE LADY OF RAVENSEDGE; OR, THE CASE OF THE BARONET'S WIFE by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 173 · May 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE EPISODE OF THE STOLEN VOICE; OR, THE PURPLE DIAMOND by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: None Notes: La Simonetta is a new sensation of the operetta. Real name Jane Briggs, she was discovered by a man named Dantry who, after her brilliant first public performance, visits Sexton Blake and reports that she has vanished along with her musical director, Verzelli, and her chauffeur. These latter two are later discovered gassed and unconscious in her abandoned car. Clues lead to a witness — a dimwitted man named John Dowling. While the detective interviews him, someone plants a bomb in his car and Blake barely escapes death. He realises that his investigations are being watched. With Detective-Inspector Harker, he next visits Dantry who has information about Stokes, a man who had wanted to marry La Simonetta. However, at Dantry's apartment, Stokes is found stabbed in the chest. This has plainly been arranged to implicate Dantry, though, fortunately, he has a caste iron alibi. He also has an object given to him for safe-keeping by La Simonetta, who he now reveals to be his fiance. It is a jade egg — and sealed inside is an enormous purple diamond. Blake realises that Dowling's apparent stupidity is a sham and he returns to the man's house to search it but is attacked. He captures Dowling's cohort, who is then shot by the escaping villain. The badly injured man proves to be Blanchard — another of the missing singer's former suiters — who has connections with diamond smuggling. Clues on the gravely injured man lead Blake and Harker to Dorchester, where they think the criminal mastermind behind recent events might be located. They are followed by Dowling but know this and turn the tables; following him. They find his car abandoned and in it the unconscious form of La Simonetta. Next morning she recovers her senses but her vocal chords and hands have been paralysed by injections. She nevertheless communicates that she was held captive in a large house and had to sing while blindfolded to an unidentified individual. When this house is identified, the occupants have fled. A note is delivered to Baker Street: if Blake hands over the purple diamond, an antidote to the girl's paralysis will be sent to the detective. Tinker traces the source of the note to the Italian embassy and Blake realises that a man with Mafia connections — Dr Antonio Ferraro — is the chief villain. The diamond, as demanded, is handed to the crook's messenger but when a note arrives in return, it does not contain the antidote. Blake, Tinker and Harker set off in pursuit of Ferraro and find him in a house with Dowling. Confronted by the detectives, Dowling admits that he left the note, which was not the one intended by Ferraro, who had given details of the antidote as promised. Ferraro is disgusted by this and shoots his henchman dead before escaping through a trapdoor. He flees in a speedboat and boards a yacht in the harbour of a nearby fishing village. Blake follows but is captured. However, when Tinker sabotages the yacht, the detective is able to overpower his captors with the exception of Ferraro, who escapes. The diamond is recovered, as is the antidote to La Simonetta's paralysis. Rating: 
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 174 · May 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MAN IN THE GREY COWL by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Trouble Nantucket. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 175 · May 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE ISLAND TRADER 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 176 · June 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE IRON CLAW by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This case takes Sexton Blake to Africa. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 177 · June 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE DOUBLE TANGLE by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 178 · June 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE FOR THE PROSECUTION; OR, THE MYSTERY OF SYBIL FAIRTHORNE 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 179 · June 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE MYSTERY MILLIONAIRE by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac and Professor Kew. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 180 · July 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THIRTY YEARS AFTER; OR, THE CASE OF THE PROSPECTOR'S LEGACY by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Trouble Nantucket. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 181 · July 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE DOCTOR'S DOUBLE by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 182 · July 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE RUSSIAN CROWN JEWELS by Anon. (Reginald H. Poole) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Eldred Kurtin. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 183 · July 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d ONE OF THE FLYING SQUAD 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 184 · Aug. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CITY OF APES 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 185 · Aug. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MAN WHO FORGOT by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 186 · Aug. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d WITHIN FOURTEEN DAYS; OR, THE LOST EXTRADITION PAPERS 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 187 · Aug. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE ARCHITECT'S SECRET by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 188 · Sep. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE LEOPARD MAN by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story takes place in Africa. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 189 · Sep. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF THE HUNDRED CHESTS 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 190 · Sep. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE VALLEY OF FEAR by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Mlle. Claire Delisle and Nelson Lee. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 191 · Sep. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE PRIDE OF THE STABLE; OR, THE NEW TRAINER by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 192 · Sep. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SIGN OF THE SERPENT by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This case takes Blake to India. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 193 · Oct. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SACRED CITY by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: 'A wonderful story of detective work in London and Benares, introducing Granite Grant and Mlle. Julie.' This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 443 (1934). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 194 · Oct. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d MAROONED! by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: A. Jones (cover) Other content: None Notes: 'A tale of adventure in London and the South Seas, featuring Sexton Blake and M. Jules Vedette.' Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 195 · Oct. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d STATE SECRETS by Anon. (W. B. Home Gall) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 196 · Oct. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d PAYMENT SUSPENDED; OR, THE ADVENTURE OF THE WHISPERING VOICE 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 197 · Oct. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE YELLOW FACE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: A Bad Loser! by Anon. Notes: This issue's cover illustration is remarkably similar to the one that appeared on the first ever issue of the Sexton Blake Library: THE YELLOW TIGER. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 198 · Nov. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE IDOL'S EYE; OR, THE CASE OF THE PARSEE'S DAUGHTER by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story takes Blake to India and features Gunga Dass. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 199 · Nov. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d TINKER'S LONE HAND 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 200 · Nov. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE FOUR TRAILS; OR, THE CASE OF THE SACRED SNAKE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story takes place in Africa and features Basil Wicketshaw. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 201 · Nov. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d FALSE SCENTS; OR, THE WYE VALLEY MYSTERY by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 202 · Nov. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d TERROR ISLAND; OR, THE HOUSE OF GLASS by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 203 · Dec. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d AMBERGRIS! by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: 'A romantic story of detective work and adventure in London and the Far, Far North' featuring Jules Vedette. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 204 · Dec. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SECRET OF THE RED MOUNTAIN by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: None Notes: Story features Granite Grant and Mlle. Julie. This was reprinted as THE RED MOUNTAIN in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 436 (1934). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 205 · Dec. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THROUGH FIRE AND WATER; OR, THE CASE OF THE COUNTESS' CHILDREN by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 206 · Dec. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE DESERTED WIFE by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 207 · Dec. 1921 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE GREEN TURBAN by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 899 · 1/1/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE TURKISH BATH MYSTERY by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: C. H. Blake Other content: The Fighting Scot by Walter Edwards; A Word from the Skipper (ed.) Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless and Professor Kew. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 900 · 8/1/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE DRINGTON BANK MYSTERY; OR, THE RIDDLE OF DRUID'S DRUM by Anon. (Reginald H. Poole) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Fighting Scot by Walter Edwards Notes: My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 901 · 15/1/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d CROOKED EVIDENCE by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves. Notes: A down-on-his-luck gambler, Steel Haviland, is called from Monte Carlo by The Criminals' Confederation. On the train to Paris, he encounters a man named Beswick Carne, an explorer who's been abroad for more than twelve years, and who is now returning to be reunited with his daughter. When the train crashes, Carne is killed and Haviland takes his identity. In Paris, he meets with Confederation man John Venables and is told that Mr. Reece, currently in prison in England, will not hang as he's been deemed insane. Reece's son, The Shadow, will, however, be executed. Meanwhile, Colonel Quartz is still roaming free. Venables instructs Haviland to go England to recover the Confederation's fortune. In London, Dirk Dolland learns that the business in which his money is invested has gone into liquidation. He's broke! Then Ned Hatton calls, tells him he knows where the Confederation's money is, and tries to persuade Dolland to team up with him to steal it. Dolland refuses but, knowing there's a reward for some of the booty, agrees to recover it. He goes to a Dover hotel where Venables is waiting for Haviland to turn up with the money, and there he sees the man calling himself Carne, who is with his daughter. That night, Holland breaks into Venables' room and finds him dead. When he stumbles over the girl's shoe, he hides it up the chimney, convinced that she must be innocent. He is then caught by the police and arrested. Upon finding that Ned Hatton has been killed in Dolland's quarters, Sexton Blake investigates and is led by clues to Dover. In the hotel, he identifies Venables' real murderer and Dolland is set free. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 902 · 22/1/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE SOHO CAFE MYSTERY by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 903 · 29/1/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d IRON ISLAND by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 904 · 5/2/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE RAVEN'S PREY by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 905 · 12/2/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE GOVERNOR'S SON by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 906 · 19/2/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d TRADER AND CHIEF by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 907 · 26/2/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MENACE OF RYLANDS MOOR; OR, THE HOODED MAN by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 908 · 5/3/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CROOKS OF MONTE CARLO by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 909 · 12/3/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE CHINESE HYPNOTIST; OR, THE SHADOW OF THE RAVEN by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: Story features Sir Ralph Kelgrave and Quong Lu. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 910 · 19/3/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE BLACK DUCHESS by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves. Notes: Part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc, this one features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier and Dirk Dolland. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 911 · 26/3/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE GREEN EYE; OR, THE RIDDLE OF CROFTON SPINNEY by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 912 · 2/4/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE TERMS OF THE WAGER by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves. Notes: The story takes place in Africa and features Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 913 · 9/4/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE KESTREL'S PREY! by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves. Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 914 · 16/4/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE JUDGE'S EXPERIMENT by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves. Notes: Years before the main part of this tales begins, an ex-convict is mortally wounded while saving the life of Judge Devenage. With his dying breath, he asks Devenage to look after his wife and young son, Jim. Devenage discusses the matter with an up-and-coming young detective named Sexton Blake. The Judge believes that Jim, who is descended from three generations of criminals, will inevitably turn to crime. Blake disagrees and thinks that the boy will turn out honest providing that he has a good upbringing. When Jim's mother dies, Devenage decides to put the theory to the test and adopts the young boy, vowing to keep his real background a secret from him. Seventeen years later, during a party hosted by the Judge, Maurice discovers a burglar leaving the house. He tries to stop him and manages to grab a bag of loot and throw it from the villain's reach before his opponent is joined by an accomplice and Maurice is beaten unconscious. Sexton Blake, a guest at the party, comes upon the scene and chases the two burglars but they get away. When Maurice recovers, he tells his story and the bag of loot is searched for but cannot be found. A couple of days later, one of the thieves is spotted lurking in the grounds. Blake identifies him as a man named Brechin who usually works in partnership with a villain named Mickley. Realising that Brechln had been looking for the missing bag, Blake realises that someone in the household must have recovered it and is using the stolen goods for their own benefit. Evidence points to Maurice, and the detective surmises that the boy's heritage has led him astray. Now Brechin and Mickley approach Maurice and attempt to recover their swag but Maurice, who has only sold a small amount of the stolen material, refuses to hand the rest over. The criminals are at a stalemate and Blake, having gathered evidence against them, moves in to make the arrest. Maurice, who bitterly regrets giving into temptation, is sent to America where he earns an honest living as a cowboy. Trivia: During the early part of his career Sexton Blake lives in the Westminster district of London. Rating: 
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 915 · 23/4/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d GRANITE GRANT'S MISSION by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves. Notes: Sexton Blake is called to Major Gordon's residence where an Indian servant has been found dead. The death seems to be connected to a one-eyed idol which Gordon, who is about to leave on a trip to New York, hands over to the detective for safekeeping. The next day, Blake returns to Baker Street to find that his consulting room has been broken into. An Indian man is dead upon the floor and the idol has gained a second glass eye! Upon closer inspection, the small statue turns out to be a fake — the original idol has been stolen. Tinker, meanwhile, has shadowed the thief to a cargo ship — The Viking — but is caught while sneaking aboard and imprisoned in the hold. Sexton Blake finds clues which lead him to Liverpool to intercept the ship. There he finds Tinker, frees him, and pursues an Indian who has possession of the idol. To his surprise, someone else joins the chase: Granite Grant! Together, and with invaluable help from Pedro, they regain possession of the strange little statue. Grant demonstrates a mechanism by which the idol can be opened, revealing a secret compartment. For anyone without the proper knowledge, attempting to operate this mechanism will have fatal results due to fiendish booby trap installed by the Dalai Lama to protect jewels hidden within. However, there are no gems concealed in the idol now — but rather a document conceding rights to Tibet's oil deposits. This gained, and the deadly needle removed, the idol is returned to Major Gordon and the case is closed. Trivia: Granite Grant's Secret Service number is 55. As a period piece this reveals just how little was known at the time about Tibet. The idea that it sits upon vast oil deposits which are jealously guarded by a cunning and violent Dalai Lama seems preposterous to the modern sensibility. Rating: 
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 916 · 30/4/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE FOURTH WITNESS; OR, THE POOL OF DARKNESS by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: This is part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc and features Mr. Reece. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 917 · 7/5/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE WAGER OF DEATH; OR, THE SPORTING BARONET by Anon. (Edwy Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Luck of the Cup by William E. Groves Notes: My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 918 · 14/5/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE AFFAIR OF THE EXILED PRINCESS by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: Unknown THE CASE OF THE YELLOW SEAL by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: None Other content: None Notes: Main story features Mademoiselle Delisle and The Raven. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 919 · 21/5/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE THIRTEENTH BOWL by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); In Peril at St. Elmers by Robert W. Comrade Notes: Story features Nihil. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 920 · 28/5/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CONVICT'S CIPHER OR THE MYSTERY OF LAVENDER COTTAGE by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); In Peril at St. Elmers by Robert W. Comrade Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 921 · 4/6/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE STRANGE CASE OF THE EDGWARE RECLUSE by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: In Peril at St. Elmers! by Robert W. Comrade Notes: My copy is lacking a cover. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 922 · 11/6/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d KESTREL'S INTRIGUE by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: In Peril at St. Elmer's by Robert W. Comrade. Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 923 · 18/6/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE RAVEN AND THE RUBY by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: C. H. Blake Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); In Peril at St. Elmer's by Robert W. Comrade. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 924 · 25/6/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE RADIUM THIEVES by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); In Peril at St. Elmer's by Robert W. Comrade. Notes: In Italy, a woman named Madame Stephanie steals a vial containing two grammes of Radium, the rarest and most deadly substance known, which has been untrusted to a young Englishman. She takes it to her compatriot, Stranwitz, who conceals it in the hollow pearl of a necklace. When they find Granite Grant on their trail, the two criminals flee to London to meet with their leader, Doctor Konigstein. Unfortunately, at Charing Cross Station, the necklace is stolen by a petty thief, Jim Beck, who sells it to a Jewish pawnbroker named Isaac Jacobs. Beck finds himself being pursued by Stranwitz and, by accident, ends up asking Sexton Blake for help. The detective is initially reluctant to give aid to the thief but, after Beck is hit by a cab, he decides to investigate. Driving in the Grey Panther to Jacobs' shop, he finds that it has been burgled. Two men make a run for it and Tinker races after them only to find himself captured. Meanwhile, the detective discovers that the pawnbroker has been tied up. Once freed, Jacobs claims that the necklace has been stolen and complains about agonising pain in his hand. Blake takes him to a specialist who reveals that the shopkeeper is suffering from radiation burns. Blake borrows an electroscope and uses it to find the necklace which is still hidden in the shop. Later, at Baker Street, he is visited by Doctor Konigstein who gasses him and takes the necklace. When Blake recovers, he receives a telegram informing him that Tinker has been injured. While rushing to the address given, he bumps into Granite Grant. He then proceeds to the address where he finds himself in the hands of Konigstein who has discovered that the pearl containing the Radium has been removed. The Doctor is holding Tinker captive and threatens to gas him to death unless the detective hands over the Radium. Blake refuses and, before Tinker meets an untimely fate, Granite Grant comes crashing to the rescue. The criminals are arrested and the Radium is returned to the British Government. Trivia: Strangely, Sexton Blake's rooms all seem to be on the ground floor in this story (in most tales they are on the first). Rating:  There's rather an unpleasant anti-semitic undertone to this story; typical of the times but uncomfortable for the modern reader. Nevertheless, the tale is great fun.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 925 · 2/7/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE SARACEN'S RING by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: In Peril at St. Elmer's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 926 · 9/7/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE ARTIST OF TRAVERNE by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); In Peril at St. Elmer's by Robert W. Comrade. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 927 · 16/7/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d MR. REECE'S MILLION by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); In Peril at St. Elmer's by Robert W. Comrade. Notes: Part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc, this one features Mr. Reece and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 928 · 23/7/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE RETURN OF ZENITH THE ALBINO; OR, MARKED BY THE LEOPARD-MEN by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); In Peril at St. Elmer's by Robert W. Comrade. Notes: Sexton Blake, Tinker and Pedro are on Holy Island visiting the grave of Zenith the Albino (who died at the end of THE CASE OF THE TOXIC TULIPS in UNION JACK issue 898, 1920). Blake, still sensing a motivating force behind recent criminal activity, finds it hard to believe that Zenith is dead. Yet he and Tinker had seen the body with their own eyes. With the tide rapidly rising over the spit of land which connects the island to the mainland, they board a cart and begin the journey back. Also on board are a young curate and an intimidating middle-aged woman, Frau Kranz. As they cross the spit, the tide washes their vehicle into the sea. They take refuge in a hut on stilts, built for just such an emergency. Kranz uses a stone to drum on the walls; a sound that reminds Blake of African 'talking drums'. A response is heard from the mainland and a boat approaches the platform. The detective pulls a gun on the woman and tells her to send it away. By means of the drum, she does so. The next day, Sir George Inting is robbed of his priceless antique collection by a gang led by the 'curate'. A few days after, Blake and Tinker attend a boxing match and recognise one of the contenders, a giant black called Joe Gratten. He had been in the boat and also fits the description of one of the gang. The detective is shaken by the fact that the fighter bears the marks of a deadly African cult called the Leopard Men. He follows him to an old colliery, descending into the mine, going ever deeper until he finds a cavern packed with stolen goods. Then the Leopard Men attack. The detective fights them off but the battle is interrupted by the appearance of Zenith. He tells Blake that when they last met, he had indeed been on the verge of death. But a doctor from the Criminals' Confederation transfused into his body the blood of a Witch Doctor and the albino recovered. He is now 'ju-ju' - thought to carry the spirit of the African, and consequently commands the Leopard Men. He and Blake engage in mortal combat; a terrific fight beneath the surface of the Earth. Just as it seems that the detective has the upper hand, Frau Kranz appears and Blake is captured. The Leopard Men want to sacrifice him; something Zenith will not allow. Again, a battle erupts, this time with the albino at Blake's side. When most of the Leopard Men are dead and just seven of the gang remain, Blake is once again held prisoner. This time, he is left bound hand and foot and alone in the mine with a candle... burning over a pile of explosives! Fortunately, the ever-resourceful Pedro saves the day, though Zenith gets away. As a reward for the return of his antiques, Sir George buys Tinker a motorcycle. Rating:  Like Zenith, this story is strangely colourless. The plot isn't as gripping as it should be and the mistake made by the villains which leads Pedro to Blake is far too convenient. However, the fight scene between the detective and albino is wonderfully intense; definitely the highlight of an otherwise forgettable story.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 929 · 30/7/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d PRINCE PRETENCE; OR, THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST LABOUR LEADER by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: In Peril at St. Elmer's by Robert W. Comrade. Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 930 · 6/8/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d DR. BRAXLAND'S EXPERIMENT by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstans by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 931 · 13/8/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE AMPER CARPET by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 932 · 20/8/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CLUE OF THE MISSING VOLUME by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 933 · 27/8/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE TREASURE OF KAO HANG by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 934 · 3/9/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MONEY FLOOD by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 935 · 10/9/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE CHANNEL SWIMMER by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Bernard Hugh Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 936 · 17/9/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d LOBANGU'S JU-JU by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: The story takes place in Africa and features Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 937 · 24/9/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE 'CORNER' IN QUININE by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Arthur ones Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: Four unscrupulous businessmen — Eugene Best, George Hind, "Handsome" Levittson and Sir Bertram Colsdal — plan to corner the market in quinine through illegal means. Their first task is to obstruct production and they employ Zenith the Albino to undertake the mission. He begins by attempting to get market information from a young man named Harry Wilson. When the latter refuses to cooperate, he soon finds himself framed for a murderous atack on his employer, Stoddard. Later, a man pretending to be a doctor tries to force information about a cargo ship — Golden Dawn — from the injured Stoddard. After a terrific fight, Blake captures him and learns that Zenith is behind the crime. Clues lead him to the albino's hideout where he engages in a massive hand-to-hand battle with Zenith and one of his japanese servants. Beaten unconscious, Blake is captured. Meanwhile, George Hind, who has fallen out with Zenith, reveals to Tinker the albino's whereabouts and his plan to kill Blake. The lad rushes to the rescue and, after the pair battle with Zenith's Leopard Men, they make their escape. Tinker is sent to protect the Golden Dawn — which is carrying a cargo of quinine — but is captured by Zenith's henchmen. Pedro comes to the rescue and the mission is completed — Zenith's plans are foiled. Finally, Blake breaks the criminals' 'corner' and leaves them financially ruined. Trivia: According to the author, Blake's consulting room floor is covered in linoleum rather than a carpet! Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 938 · 1/10/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE GREY PARROT by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: This story introduces Dr. Xavier Queed and The Aristocratic Cracksman. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 939 · 8/10/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CLUE OF THE YELLOW DUST by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: W. Taylor Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 940 · 15/10/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE FATAL HOUR by Anon. (S. G. Shaw) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 941 · 22/10/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d CROSS TRAILS by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon.; Beyond Recall by Anon. (continued in ANSWERS) Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 942 · 29/10/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d IN THE GRIP OF WALDO by Anon. (Edwy Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: After some years abroad, Harold Bray returns to London and enjoys a night out with his friend, Jimmy Saville. While walking along a street together, an object is thrown through a third storey window and lands near them. It is a mummified head! They take it to the flat from whence it was thrown and find the front door open and the place empty. Walking through the lounge, they enter a strange room. It has a plinth in the center upon which the head had evidentally been displayed and the walls are lined with panels which are decorated with pictures of distorted faces. The two men leave and, a little time later, bump into Sexton Blake and Tinker. The detectives return to the apartment with them but this time it's occupied by a man named Dr. Hulton Brenner, who denies all knowledge of the head. Furthermore, there is no sign of the strange room! The men leave, baffled. Back at Baker Street, Blake informs Tinker that he saw through Brenner's disguise and recognised Rupert Waldo! A man named Kennedy comes to the house in a panic. He tells how, one night after a drunken binge at his club, he was taken to a room — the same as the one described by Bray and Saville — and initiated into a secret society named The Clan of the Seven Heads. He was delivered back to his home hardly knowing what had happened. A few days later, a hooded member of the clan turned up and told him he must undertake a mission to America to assassinate a statesman. Kennedy refused and was then told that his refusal meant death! He fled to Baker Street. Now Sexton Blake and Tinker return to Kennedy's house near Hampstead Heath and find themselves held at gunpoint by Waldo, who informs them that the clan is thousands strong. Out of Blake's sight, Kennedy is shot at and badly injured. The detective and Tinker are taken out of the house and securely bound to electric wires which will become live when the electricity company switches to a different generator at 3.30am. Waldo leaves them to die. However, Kennedy manages to crawl to them and liberates them from their bonds. The trio make their way back to Baker Street to sleep. Later that morning, Mrs Bardell wonders why they haven't awoken. She eventually visits their bedrooms and finds them deeply unconscious. She calls Blake's doctor and he discovers that during the night all three men were injected with a drug which will keep them asleep for about three days. Unknown to Mrs Bardell — and, more importantly, unknown to Waldo — this is all a sham. Blake had been awake when Waldo crept into his room and injected him and, the moment the crook left, he had analysed the drug and administered an antidote. He also gave Tinker the antidote before then phoning his doctor to arrange the deception. Now, only the doctor is aware that Blake and Tinker are conscious and ready for action! That evening, Waldo escorts another drunken millionaire to the headquarters of the clan, ready to be initiated and fleeced. However, Blake and Tinker are watching and as Waldo escorts his prey from the flat, the detectives pounce ... and Tinker is astonished to find that Waldo and Kennedy are one and the same! Waldo admits defeat and explains that from the moment Blake recognised him in his guise as Dr. Hulton Brenner, his one objective had been to put the Baker Street duo out of the game for a while, thus the elaborate ruse of the Kennedy disguise — including self-inflicted wounds and a fake execution by elecrocution. Waldo confesses that there is no 'clan'; the whole thing has been a one man show and it probably would have succeeded were it not for the building's porter who, feeling suspicious, had entered his flat and upon finding the mummified head (which is just a dummy) threw it out of the window in disgust. Detective-Inspector Lennard arrives with a squad of men to arrest Waldo but the Wonder Man breaks free and escapes. Trivia: The Blake household has two housemaids, one named Maud. Since housemaids aren't mentioned elsewhere (other than occasionally in the very early pre-Baker Street tales), it can be assumed that they perhaps visit for an hour or so on occasional mornings to help Mrs Bardell with her chores. In this tale they are in the house all day but this might be due to the unusual circumstances. Sexton Blake's doctor is mentioned; he is named Davenport and lives nearby. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 943 · 5/11/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MARSH FARM MYSTERY by Anon. (Edwy Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Sid Pride Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 944 · 12/11/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d IN THE MIDST OF FAMINE by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story is inspired by the great Russian famine of 1920. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 945 · 19/11/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d BESIEGED IN MALABAR by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: This story takes place in India and is inspired by the Moplah Insurrection. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 946 · 26/11/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d DIAMOND MAD; OR, THE MAN WHO HIRED THE CONFEDERATION by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: Part of the Criminals Confederation story arc, this one features Dirk Dolland and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 947 · 3/12/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d HIS COUSIN'S DECOY; OR, THE AFFAIR OF THE DIFFERENT EARS by Anon. (R. C. Armour) BLUFFED! by Anon. · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 948 · 10/12/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE WONDER MAN'S CHALLENGE by Anon. (Edwy Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Waldo the Wonder-Man. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 949 · 17/12/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE FLOWER OF ETBAIA by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 950 · 24/12/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE FUR THIEVES by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: Sir Guy Clanross, Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, has travelled to north western Canada to assess business there. He meets with Angus McLaren, the manager of the region. Clanross's son, Alec, has been working at the outpost — Sir Guy hopes that it will toughen him up — and has formed a bond with McLaren's daughter, Maggie. When Alec's dog team arrives at the outpost without him, and with the guide semi-conscious and with his tongue cut out, a note is found which reads that the younger Clanross is being held for ransom and will be only be returned in exchange for a great deal of furs. It is signed: The Moonslayer. Sir Guy requests help from Sexton Blake and, three weeks before Christmas, the detective, Tinker and Pedro arrive in the northern town of The Pas. There, the bloodhound is set upon by a team of huskies and Sexton Blake gets into a fight with their owner; a giant of a man whom Blake later theorises is the Moonslayer. When the mute guide is murdered, Blake makes out that he and Tinker are giving up on the case and returning to London. Disguised as a half-breed and an indian squaw, they then join a dog race. During the event, they rescue the Moonslayer when he falls through some ice and join him when he rests up in an old man's cabin. The Moonslayer sees through Sexton Blake's disguise and captures him and Tinker, taking them to his hideout. There, they witness his dominance over a gang of crooks. The Moonslayer reveals that his real name is Janssen and tells Blake that he intends to bully Eric Clanross into becoming a criminal, thus giving Janssen the power to bribe Sir Guy. To this end, he has also captured Maggie and now threatens to feed her to his dogs if young Clanross doesn't cooperate. She is attached to a stake by a length of rope and the gang members gather to watch her die. Blake notices that a great many of them are restless and disapprove of Janssen's actions but are too scared of him to raise a protest. The detective steps forward and challenges the brute to a fight. The ensuing battle is a ferocious display of skill against raw power. Skill triumphs, and Sexton Blake is soon standing over the prone form of Janssen. He, Tinker, Clanross and Maggie imprison the gang and gather up the loot that the Moonslayer has stolen these past few months. They then journey back to civilisation where the criminal is handed over to the authorities. Trivia: A passing mention of Sir Richard Losely is made; apparently he is in the South Seas. Blake and Tinker's friends are all 'married and respectable'. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 951 · 31/12/1921 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE TATTOOED DAGGER by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: None Notes: William Truben arrives at Baker Street having just been assaulted by a barber named Pierre. Not only were his clothes stolen but he also suffered the indignity of having a picture of a dagger tattooed on his bald head. Sexton Blake agrees to investigate and Truben departs, leaving a coat, which had belonged to his attacker, behind. A few minutes later he is shot in the chest by a member of the 'Brotherhood of the Dagger'. Meanwhile, Blake discovers an Italian banknote in the lining of the coat. On it are written seven Italian names. Later, in the small ads of a newspaper, he spots a message that seems to be addressed to the seven Italians and which suggests that a masked ball is key to the mystery. The detective attends the event and there witnesses — and prevents — an attempt to extort money from the Marchioness of Lindenford. Having scared off the villains, he speaks with their intended victim and learns that her husband, who was believed to have drowned some time ago, is actually alive and in the hands of the Brotherhood. They are demanding twenty thousand pounds for his return. Pierre had been one of their number but had intended to betray them. By tattooing Truben with the Brotherhood's sigil he had hoped to throw an assassin off his track. Sexton Blake and Tinker set forth for Italy. Meanwhile, in Naples, Granite Grant is also investigating Lindenford's disappearance. He follows one of the gang but he is detected and the two men engage in a fight which Grant wins. The next day, a disguised Blake and Tinker arrive and shadow a suspicious character. They, in turn, are shadowed by Grant who is astonished when he discovers who they are. Teaming up with the King's Spy, Blake infiltrates the Brotherhood of the Dagger and is led to where Lord Lindenford is being held captive. Grant and Tinker follow and launch a successful attack on the criminals. The gang is rounded up and Lindenford is set free. Trivia: This story has a very unusual conclusion. In it, Granite Grant, who has read the advanced proofs of the story as written in the UNION JACK, is furious due to the way he is portrayed by the author. Sexton Blake refuses to reveal the identity of the scribe. The tale — published when the Blake authors were still anonymous — is signed 'W. W. S.' Rating:
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