|
|
| 1921 1922 1923 | |
|
Publishing: By this year, no less than 400,000 words per month were being written about Sexton Blake. From February, small illustrations regularly adorn UNION JACK chapter headings. Author Cecil Hayter dies from a perforated ulcer, aged just 50. G. H. Teed returns to the fold after completing his war service. Eric Parker makes his first contributions to the Sexton Blake saga as illustrator in UNION JACK issue 995. H. H. Clifford Gibbons, best known to Blake readers as Gilbert Chester, makes his debut. Born in 1888, he began his writing career 'ghosting' for another Blake author, Andrew Murray. The son of a dentist, it should come as no surprise that his first Sexton Blake story was entitled THE CASE OF THE BOND STREET DENTIST. Gibbons experienced extreme difficulties during the mid-1920s when, living in a noisy neighbourhood, he was forced to write at night and drug himself to sleep during the day. His stories remained surprisingly good, considering the circumstances under which they were written. He died in 1958. Blake: Yet again Sexton Blake pushes himself to the limit and is advised by his physician to take a break. In THE THOUSANDTH CHANCE (UNION JACK 1,000) his refusal to do so results in a fainting fit. In the same story we learn that Blake is very rich indeed and keeps a house full of treasures at No.3 Garwood Place, off the Edgware Road. In THREATENED BY THREE, Prince Wu Ling makes a welcome, though low key, return to the saga after a seven-year absence. | |
 |
CHAMPION WEEKLY · Issue 1 · 28/1/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d PAID TO LOSE by A. S. Hardy (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Frank R. Grey Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
CHAMPION WEEKLY · Issue 7 · 11/3/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE GOLDEN WOLF by Hartley Tremayne (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Louis Gunnis Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 208 · Jan. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE CULTURED PEARLS by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 209 · Jan. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE DERELICTS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Laban Creed and Fenlock Fawn. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 210 · Jan. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MOTOR-COACH MYSTERY by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac and Professor Kew. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 211 · Jan. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE RED DWARF by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: Silas Gardner enters the home of Judge Ramsey and demands five thousand pounds in return for keeping silent about the past; for he and Ramsey were once, long ago and under different names, partners in crime. In the Judge's case, the fraud he had committed was done in desperation and he has more than atoned for it since, whereas Gardner was, and still is, a criminal by nature. But things don't go Gardner's way; Ramsey slips him a slow-acting poison and the next day his body is found dead on a train. Sexton Blake and Tinker are aboard, and they find a huge African spider which had bitten Gardner and apparently killed him. But a later post-mortem reveals that poison taken 24-hours earlier was the real cause of death. Young Geoffrey Waring and his fiancee, Muriel Hope, who were also on the train, fall under police suspicion. Blake, though, suspects another pair of passengers: a man called Strang and an Egyptian called Rhamdass Baroudi. As the evidence piles up against Waring, Blake follows a trail which leads to Judge Ramsey. He advises the judge to confess. Meanwhile, a farmer called George Transom is killed by a spider's bite. While investigating this latest death, Blake hears that Geoffrey Waring has disappeared. Tinker picks up the young man's trail and follows him to an abandoned house only to discover that Waring has been attacked by Rhamdass Baroudi. Inspector Mordaunt arrives on the scene and arrests Waring. He then starts exploring the house. Nearby, Blake discovers a hiddenpassage in Transom's farmhouse. It leads to a secret room where the detective eavesdrops on a meeting between Baroudi, Strang and a misshapen villain called Yadax the Dwarf. He learns that these three belong to 'The Society of the Ranya' and had arranged the deaths of two deserters from the society, Gardner and Transom. These two had possession of documents that have not yet been recovered; documents which detail the location of a hoarde of stolen goods. The meeting is broken up by Blake and, entering from an opening in the abandoned house, Mordaunt and Tinker. The villains make their getaway and leave the country, fleeing to Egypt with Blake and Tinker hot on their trail. A chase across the desert follows. Strang attacks Blake's group and is mortally wounded but the bandits he leads kidnap Tinker. Blake disguises himself as Strang and sets off in pursuit to the mountain hideaway of Yadax. He rescues his assistant and the dwarf leaps to his death. These events, together with a written confession left by Judge Ramsey after he commits suicide, leave Geoffrey Waring in the clear. Trivia: Blake and Tinker live on Baker Street West. In a short foreword, the author claims that the tale has been prepared from 'copious notes supplied by Mr. Blake, who has himself considerably assisted by providing data concerning the various extraordinary adventures which he and his scarcely less noted assistant, Tinker, experienced in the course of their investigations.' Rating:  A gripping yarn which moves from good solid detective work and a fantastic premise (the same man is murdered twice!) to a thrilling action adventure complete with secret passages, wicked villains and an exotic locale. Stories like this are why Sexton Blake is great!
|
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 212 · Jan. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE POWER OF THE UNKNOWN; OR, THE TWO SHADOWERS by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Foulis Landau. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 213 · Feb. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE STUDIO MYSTERY by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 214 · Feb. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE FEUD BEYOND THE LAW by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story takes Blake to the Hills of Kentucky and features Humble Begge. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 215 · Feb. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE TWISTED TRAIL; OR, THE HIDDEN MOTIVE by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Elspeth Drell. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 216 · Feb. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d SEXTON BLAKE IN SILESIA by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 217 · Feb. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE RAJAH'S SON by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Gunga Dass. This was reprinted as THE MYSTERY OF THE RAJAH'S SON in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 479 (1935). Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 218 · Mar. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE BENDIGO HEIRLOOM by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 219 · Mar. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE IVORY SCREEN by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: A. Jones (cover) Other content: None Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 220 · Mar. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING JOURNALIST by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This story takes Blake to Belgium and Morocco and features the author's eye-witness account of the Arkonam Rail Disaster. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 221 · Mar. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE PHANTOM OF THE PACIFIC; OR, THE EARL'S SECRET by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Granite Grant and Mlle. Julie. This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 440 (1934). Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 222 · Mar. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE UNNAMED FILM by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 223 · Apr. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BABOON'S PAW by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 224 · Apr. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d IN THE SHADOW OF NIGHT by Anon. (E. W. Alais) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 225 · Apr. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE GREAT EXPLOSION; OR, THE SCIENTIST'S SECRET by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 226 · Apr. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF THE SWAMP by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This case takes Blake to Africa. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 227 · Apr. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d IN THE GRIP OF THE TONG by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 228 · May 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE HOODED RIDERS by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 229 · May 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SPIRIT SMUGGLERS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 230 · May 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE UNCUT GEMS by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac, Professor Kew and Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 231 · May 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF THE SUNKEN ROAD by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 232 · May 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d LAWLESS JUSTICE by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 233 · Jun. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE DIAMOND DRAGON by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 234 · Jun. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SECRET OF THE OBLONG CHEST by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 235 · Jun. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE TAMING OF NEVILLE IBBETSON by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This case takes Blake to the Malay States. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 236 · Jun. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE PRISON OF THE KREMLIN by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 237 · Jun. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MILL-POOL MYSTERY by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: None Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 238 · Jul. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE FALLEN STAR by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 239 · Jul. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE DIAMOND FLOOD by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 240 · Jul. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE CRIMSON LIZARD by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 241 · Jul. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE TRADER'S DAUGHTER by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 242 · Jul. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE PARALYSED MAN by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 243 · Aug. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CRIMSON DOMINO by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Granite Grant and Mlle. Julie. This was reprinted as THE RED DOMINO in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 448 (1934). Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 244 · Aug. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE HOUSE OF GHOSTS by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 245 · Aug. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE LAMA'S SECRET by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 246 · Aug. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE WEREWOLF OF ELPHINSTONE by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Examples and Explanations of Queer Superstitions (article) Notes: My copy is missing its cover. Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 247 · Aug. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE VANISHED HUSBAND by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 248 · Sep. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE GOLDEN GODDESS by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Gunga Dass. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 249 · Sep. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE BOGUS LAIRD; OR, THE MYSTERY OF DUNSTREATHY CASTLE by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 250 · Sep. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d FINGERPRINTS OF FATE by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Where Fingerprints Have Convicted (article). Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 251 · Sep. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BRIGAND'S SECRET by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story takes place in London and Italy. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 252 · Sep. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF THE CLOCK by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Professor Kew and Count Ivor Carlac. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 253 · Oct. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE COURTLANDT JEWELS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 254 · Oct. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SIGN IN THE SKY; OR, THE SECRET OF THE TONG by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This was reprinted as THE SECRET OF THE TONG in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 520 (1936). Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 255 · Oct. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE ALBINO'S DOUBLE by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 256 · Oct. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH; OR, THE CASE OF THE RIVAL FINANCIERS by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
 |
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 257 · Oct. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d LOST IN CAMBODIA; OR, THE CASE OF THE PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTOR by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) THE CLUE OF THE THUMB-PRINT by Anon. · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Press Photographer (article). Notes: Main story features Basil Wicketshaw. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 258 · Nov. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE RIDERS OF THE SANDS by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Granite Grant and Mlle. Julie. This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 426 (1934). Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 259 · Nov. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE WOMAN IN BLACK by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 260 · Nov. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE LIGHTHOUSE MYSTERY; OR, THE PIRATES OF HANGO by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 261 · Nov. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE EARL'S RETURN by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 262 · Nov. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE RAJAH OF GHANAPORE by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Gunga Dass. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 263 · Dec. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE TRADE SECRET by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 264 · Dec. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE WHITE REFUGEES; OR, THE CASE OF THE CROOKS' COLONY by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 265 · Dec. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d ON THE BED OF THE OCEAN by Anon. (Edwy Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 266 · Dec. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d LADY SHARLOW'S SECRET by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
|
THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 1st series · Issue 267 · Dec. 1922 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE AMBER CROWN by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 952 · 7/1/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d AMONGST THE UNEMPLOYED by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 953 · 14/1/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d MISSING AT LLOYD'S by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: Story features Sir Richard Losely. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 954 · 21/1/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE FIVE L'S by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Worst House at St. Walstan's by Anon. Notes: A few years prior to this story, a criminal organisation named The Quincunx (or Five Spot) Club suffered the death of its leader. Before he went to his grave, this man gave each member an L-shaped plate of silver. When fitted together, the code engraved upon them would reveal where the club's fortune was hidden. The club broke up when one of the villains — George Hooper — betrayed his colleagues to the police. Now, Zenith the Albino is seeking to resurrect The Quincunx and gain the treasure. He begins gathering the silver plates but, before he has them all, Sexton Blake learns what he is doing and starts dogging his heels. The detective is given the advantage by Hooper, who hands him one of the plates shortly before being murdered. Blake stands lookout in a bungalow in Yorkshire where another plate is thought to be hidden. He believes that the albino will come to search — and he's right. The two men engage in a terrific hand-to-hand struggle during which the hidden plate comes to light. Blake claims it. His struggle with Zenith leads from the house, out across the moor, and to the edge of a quarry. Here, the albino clutches at Blake and sends them both toppling over the edge into deep water where they are separated. Meanwhile, Detective-Inspector Coutts sends a newly promoted police officer named Hammond up to Yorkshire to assist Sexton Blake. On the way, this man is replaced by an impostor named Gilbert. He finds that Blake and Tinker have gained a companion, a young man named Bellacourt who is seeking his family treasures which were stolen years ago by The Quincunx. Gilbert tries to lead the men into a trap but Blake sees through his act and has him tied up. Bellacourt then impersonates the impersonator. They purposely walk into an ambush and engage in a battle with Zenith's gang. However, victory is denied them when Zenith turns up and holds them at gunpoint. He removes the two plates from the detective's jacket — and now has all five. Blake trails him to a house and watches as he photographs the 'L's — what's inscribed on them is made visible on film. The detective then steals the photographic plate and later reveals to Tinker that the two 'L's Zenith had taken from him weren't the genuine article. When Blake uncovers the treasure, a last ditch attempt by the albino to wrest it from him fails and Zenith escapes empty-handed. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 955 · 28/1/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE DERELAND CASTLE by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis THE CASE OF THE CARMINED CIGARETTE by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: None Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.) Notes: Story features Professor Kew and Hon. John Lawless. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 956 · 4/2/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THREATENED BY THREE; OR, SEXTON BLAKE VERSUS LEON KESTREL, WU LING, ZENITH by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: W.S.B. and Arthur Jones. Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Transcripts of high level government meetings are being sold to enemy powers and the Prime Minister brings in Sexton Blake to discover who is responsible. The detective quickly asserts that Leon Kestrel's War Profits Liquidation Syndicate is at work. When he tries to travel to Hellesden near Norwich for a Cabinet meeting at the home of Sir Berkley Craven, his journey is disrupted by the Syndicate. Fortunately, Mademoiselle Yvonne, while remaining out of sight, comes to his aid and Blake, Tinker and Pedro arrive at Sir Berkley's, having first traversed the neighbouring estate which belongs to Bintock, a bed-ridden millionaire who owns a large dirigible. It is in one of Bintock's out-buildings, a short time later, that they find themselves face to face with Kestrel, Wu Ling (making a welcome return to the saga after a seven-year absence) and Zenith the Albino. The criminal trio attempt to administer a drug which will rob Blake and Tinker of their intellect but their scheme is foiled by the arrival of Detective-Inspector Coutts and Detective-Inspector Harker. The villains escape and it soon becomes apparent that they have captured Yvonne. Blake races to the rescue but takes such a beating that, once she is delivered to safety, he sleeps through until the late hours, missing the start of the next Cabinet meeting. By the time he's back in action, the spies are attempting to get away with a transcript of the proceedings. Zenith flees in a hot air ballon which the detective races after on foot. When it eventually falls to Earth, the two opponents declare a temporary truce while they recover from their exertions. Blake then returns Zenith to Sir Berkley's and hands him over to Detective-Inspector Coutts. However, the Scotland Yard man turns out to be Kestrel and the master-criminals are soon making their getaway in the dirigible. As it rises, Tinker clutches at a trailing rope, climbs aboard, and is captured. Out over the sea, Kestrel, Zenith and Wu Ling parachute onto a foreign steam ship and escape. Later, Tinker, who has been recovered from the dirigible, reveals that he picked Kestrel's pocket and has recovered the transcripts. Trivia: In Foreign Office records, Sexton Blake is Special Agent No. 11, Tinker is No. 12 and Mlle. Yvonne is No. 6. Leon Kestrel, it is stated, is the criminal opponent who Blake fears most. Wu Ling is described as wearing round spectacles. Rating: 
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 957 · 11/2/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE BLACK DISC by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: None Notes: Story features Granite Grant. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 958 · 18/2/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CONVICT MILLIONAIRE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 959 · 25/2/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE POLISH REFUGEE by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 960 · 4/3/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE GHOSTS OF LOSELY HALL by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Sir Richard Losely. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 961 · 11/3/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE WHITE SENTINEL by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 962 · 18/3/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d RUPERT WALDO - STUNTIST by Anon. (Edward Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Waldo the Wonder-Man. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 963 · 25/3/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d MADEMOISELLE YVONNE - CONSULTANT: THE AFFAIR OF THE PATAGONIAN DEVIL by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 964 · 1/4/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d MADEMOISELLE YVONNE - CONSULTANT: A CHINESE PUZZLE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 965 · 8/4/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d MADEMOISELLE YVONNE - CONSULTANT: THE BLACK VENDETTA by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 966 · 15/4/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE AFFAIR OF THE SACRED FIRE by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Many years ago, explorer Marcus Bellmore accidentally entered a forbidden temple in the Far East. He was told by the 7ft-tall High Priest that, for punishment, he would die at the hour of his greatest success. Now, that time has come, and glowing messages are appearing around him counting down the days to his death. After consulting Sexton Blake, Bellmore travels back to his home near Newcastle with his new fiancee — an actress named Destine Armand — and the detective, Tinker and Pedro. Here they meet Paul Dalland, Bellmore's half brother, who Blake realises has met Miss Destine before, though he tries to hide it. In fact, Dalland had once been the girl's lover but she had left him upon discovering that he was a member of The League of the Cobblers' Last, the criminal gang led by Zenith the Albino. The day after their arrival, Blake and Tinker are joined by Bellmore in the grounds of the estate when they witness the ghostly form of the High Priest in the morning mist. After the figure vanishes, the detective establishes that it was fake. That night, another glowing message appears, sending Bellmore to the brink of insanity. Dalland, who Blake suspects, has been using radioactive material for these messages and is now suffering from radiation sickness. He has a meeting with Zenith and it emerges that he owes money to the League and is attempting to kill his half-brother for an inheritance. Zenith tells him that he can wipe clean his debt by getting rid of Sexton Blake. Dalland pretends to mistake Blake for a burglar; shoots but misses him. The next morning, he makes an outright attempt to murder Bellmore. Detective-Inspector Coutts is called and Dalland is arrested. Jarvis, the crooked chauffeur, leads Blake to Zenith's mansion where the detective meets with his arch-opponent. The albino escapes leaving Blake to fight off his two pet leopards. He survives, albeit scratched, but is captured and walled into a niche in a Roman crypt while Zenith flees the district. Pedro comes to the rescue, leading Tinker to where the detective is entombed. Dalland dies of radiation sickness. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 967 · 22/4/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE GOLD-MAKER'S SECRET by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 968 · 29/4/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d SEXTON BLAKE - LUMBERJACK by Anon. (S. G. Shaw) · Illustrator: Fred Bennett Other content: The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Janssen the Moonslayer. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 969 · 6/5/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d IN LEAGUE AGAINST HIM; OR, THE ZONE OF DESTRUCTION by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; A Word from the Skipper (ed.); The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Zenith the Albino and Prince Wu Ling have teamed up with Leon Kestrel to kill Sexton Blake. Kestrel's henchman, the scientist Lascelles, has invented a device which transmits radiation. The invisible rays of 'Lascelite', which pass cleanly through all matter, are emitted from two projectors mounted on tripods. Where the rays cross one another, a 'zone of death' is formed; nothing can survive within it, as is proven when the scientist tests it on a group of policemen, all of whom are killed. The criminals have set up the tripods in a house in London and have focused the beams so that they cross in Baker Street, in Sexton Blake's house, where his consulting chair is positioned. The detective, who is investigating the death of the policemen, suspects he has been targetted when a professor he's questioning is badly injured in the Baker Street house with no apparent cause. Realising that someone must be watching the house in order to guide the beam, Blake gets on his trail, befriends him while in disguise, and is led to Smith's — The Thieves' Kitchen — where Zenith, Kestrel and Wu Ling are making their plans. After overhearing them reveal the address of the house where the Lascelite device is located, he is almost caught but is helped to escape by Madamoiselle Yvonne. With Tinker, he then makes his way to the house and does battle with Zenith's henchmen, Oaklahoma Sam and Dumont, who are guarding the weapon. The tussle is interrupted by the arrival of Zenith, who makes a pact with the detective: he and his assistant can depart with their lives providing they leave the devices behind. Blake is not done yet, though, and manages to trace the criminals to their next hideout, which he sneaks into only to be captured. Once again, Yvonne saves the day. The police raid the house, the Lascelite projectors are destroyed, but the 'Big Three' escape in a hot air balloon. Trivia: This issue carries the first installment of the Detective Magazine Supplement. Sexton Blake begins his consultations at 11am each day. His Secret Service number is 9 — A few weeks from now, in THE CASE OF THE ATTWELL AIRCRAFT COMPANY (UNION JACK issue 996, by the same author) it will become 11. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 970 · 13/5/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE SEALED BRIDE by Anon. (S. G. Shaw) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: In the Wild West, Bat Hawkins, an outlaw, is wounded while attempting to rescue his girl, Bess Arnold, from kidnappers. Taken to England for surgery, during his recovery he encounters one of the abductors, a Mormon, who is killed in the ensuing struggle. On a homeward-bound liner, he meets and tells his story to Sexton Blake. The detective agrees to help and, upon arrival in the States, learns of a secret Mormon stronghold called Hodgeville. Accompanied by a female journalist named Moira O'Mara, the group heads there. In a hotel en route, attempts are made on the detective's life and Moira vanishes, abducted by a man named Blucher. Bat, Blake and Tinker give chase until eventually reaching the secret entrance to a hidden valley in which lies Hodgeville. When Bat is captured, he is used as a means of persuading Bess to allow herself to be 'sealed' into wedlock with Blucher — she has been resisting for more than a year. Moira is also facing this same fate. However, Blake and Tinker have entered the town through the secret entrance and interrupt the ceremony with guns a'blazin'. The women are freed and the Mormon men are held prisoner until the authorites come to arrest them. Trivia: For a modern reader it's interesting to read how the Mormons were regarded in 1922. This story doesn't pull any punches; the sect is portrayed as being little better than devil-worshippers! Rating: 
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 971 · 20/5/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d COUNT FLAMBERT'S CRIME by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 972 · 27/5/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CONFEDERATION'S RECRUIT by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: This is a part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 973 · 3/6/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE DIAMOND CLUE by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: This is a part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 974 · 10/6/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d A LEGACY OF DEATH; OR, THE NAVAJO'S QUEST by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 975 · 17/6/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE MYSTERY PLANTATION by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons 'ghosting' for Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Professor Kew. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 976 · 24/6/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE RED PARASOL by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Story features Granite Grant. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 977 · 1/7/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE WIRELESS TELEPHONE CLUE; OR, THE CASE OF THE THREE MUSKETEERS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Vengeance of the Tong by Anon. Notes: Algy Somerton, Archie "Fairy" Pherison, and Reggie "Cupid" Fetherston are three of the most harmless and vacuous socialites on the London club circuit. Known as The Three Musketeers, they are seen at practically every dance and race meeting and are generally well-liked. But beneath their rather idiotic exteriors they are three ruthless and brutal criminals. They are also extremely efficient, as they demonstrate when they burgle Sir George Crossett's house of its treasures. Sexton Blake is commissioned to investigate but first he has to make a private trip to Paris. While there, he spots a candlestick stolen from Sir George in the window of an antique shop. Not long after, someone shoots at him while he is sitting in a car. Meanwhile, back at Baker Street, Tinker indulges in his hobby of listeining in on wireless signals. He picks up a strange coded message which, upon his return, Blake decodes. It is a warning about him being in France and the detective is able to trace it to The Three Musketeers. After establishing that the suspects are out for the evening, Blake and Tinker break into their home. They attempt to capture the three crooks but are tricked by a cunningly designed booby trap. Most of the stolen goods are recovered but the Musketeers get away. Rating:  An interesting tale which is let down by a hurried ending which leaves the story hanging.
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 978 · 8/7/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE BRANDED MAN by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: None at present. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 1) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker, in the days before he met Sexton Blake, lives alone in an attic room for fourpence a week and earns a living as best he can. When local children are hired to play 'bit parts' in a local pantomime, Tinker is among them, though it requires giving up his job as a 'knocker-up' (a person who bangs on clients' doors each morning to get them out of bed and up for work). After days of rehearsal, though, Tinker is heartily sick of the bullying director, De Courcy, and upon witnessing the man maltreating a little girl, the lad pushes him into the music pit. Next day, he hears that De Courcy has promised a five-pound reward for anyone who can track him down. Sneaking into the theatre, he steals a monkey suit and puts it on. Then, during the pantomime's opening night, he invades the stage, steals De Courcy's wig, and claims the five pounds. Rating: 
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 979 · 15/7/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE BOND STREET DENTIST by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons 'ghosting' for Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: The story features Professor Kew. Unrated b TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 2) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown With his short-lived acting career over and no longer being able to afford his attic room, Tinker wanders the streets. His attention is caught by an individual that he's seen on a number of occasions; a fat man who, despite his weight, walks lightly. This suspicious-looking character fascinates the youngster and Tinker starts to shadow him. He sees him enter a warehouse and follows. Inside is a curious secret room, furnished as an office. The strange man takes a white rat out of a bag he has been carrying and thrusts it into a grating low down in the wall. Tinker, hidden behind a door, watches in fascination. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 980 · 22/7/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE WINFIELD HANDICAP CASE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 3) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: The rat reappears and seems to have acted as a signal to a number of men who enter the room individually for an interview with the fat man. Each man is blindfolded, so they can't see the route into the room. The fat man — known as The Baron — is a master criminal and these men are his henchmen. Tinker, feeling scared, retreats but out in the street he meets a man who offers him two pounds if he can prove that he knows the secret entrance to the office. To do this he must sneak in and take a lead seal from The Baron's desk. He does this but finds the dead body of one of the crooks on the floor of the office. The white rat appears and Tinker throws his knife at it. He then retreats after hearing the master crook approaching. The Baron finds the knife then exits through a secret door. Tinker follows. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 981 · 29/7/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d SEXTON BLAKE'S BLUNDER by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 4) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker succeeds in his mission but can't find the man who set him the task. A stranger approaches and asks him to deliver a parcel. Tinker agrees but it's a trap and the youngster is captured by The Baron who interrogates him about the identity of the man who told him to take the seal. Tinker refuses to speak, so the villain orders him to be killed. The youngster fights back but is knocked senseless and is carried away by one of The Baron's henchmen; a brute named Murphy. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 982 · 5/8/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE AFFAIR OF THE RICKSHAW COOLIE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 5) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker recovers consciousness and escapes. In the street, he is approached by a hunchbacked toy-seller who proves to be the man who had asked him to take the seal — 'Mr Nemo'. Slipping a piece of paper into the lad's hand, the toy-seller advises him to get away fast. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 983 · 12/8/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d DOUBLE-CROSSED by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: C. H. Blake Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 6) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker reads the note which warns him to stay away from the area as it's too dangerous. However, when he catches sight of Murphy he follows him and overhears a plot to set a warehouse on fire. He spies on the premises and sees 'Mr Nemo' strapped to the floor. As flames envelope the building, he climbs in and rescues the man. Nemo takes him to a secret hideaway — a room which is connected with his own in the house to the rear via a secret passage behind a revolving window. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 984 · 19/8/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE VOODOO CURSE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: In the West Indies, Dr Huxton Rymer allies himself with Marie Galante. Together they plot to establish a black empire in the Caribbean with themselves at its head. Some weeks later, Sexton Blake is in Jamaica on business when he is approached by a man named John Campbell who, along with other plantation owners, has been poisoned and driven from his investments in Haiti. Blake promises to investigate Campbell's claim that Galante is responsible for this. In the guise of 'Thomas Baker' — and with Tinker disguised as his half-caste assistant — Blake arrives in Haiti where he finds that Campbell's assets have almost entirely disappeared ... including a large shipment of coffee. When a cargo vessel arrives in port, Blake discovers that his old friend Captain Phillips is at the helm and commissions him to pick up the coffee in ten days time to ship to America where Blake's agent, Bryant Kennedy, will sell it. Blake and Tinker then disguise themselves as blacks and head into the island's interior in search of the missing goods. They reach Campbell's plantation and there discover the stolen coffee. Blake realises that he can only move it to Phillips' ship with help from Galante, so he attends a voodoo ritual; the one place she is sure to be. There, he sees the masked voodoo queen presiding over the ceremony and finds Rymer waiting in a hut from whence, when called, he will don a mask and join her. Blake overpowers the crooked doctor and, while Tinker keeps the criminal covered with a pistol, the detective puts on the mask and joins Marie Galante. He tells her that unless she has all of Campbell's goods delivered to Phillips' ship, she will be exposed as the driving force behind all the crooked dealings in the West Indies. She reluctantly agrees and the next day, all of Campbell's coffee and other resources are delivered to the port. Galante and Rymer go free but their scheme has been foiled and Blake predicts that a huge power struggle will soon erupt between them. Trivia: It is mentioned that Blake visited Jamaica a few days after the disastrous earthquake some years earlier. This visit was recorded in SEXTON BLAKE IN JAMAICA by William Murray Graydon (1907). Rating: TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 7) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker and Mr Nemo decide to join forces. Nemo reveals that his real name is Richard Allandale and that he is on a mission to revenge his elder brother, who had been driven to suicide by The Baron. Out on the street, Tinker once again falls into the hands of the master crook who takes him to the secret office. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 985 · 26/8/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE HUNCHBACK OF ST. MADROS by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: This is a part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 8) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: The Baron offers Tinker a choice: work for the criminal or die! Tinker refuses to join the gang. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 986 · 2/9/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE WHITE RAJAH by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story set in India. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 9) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker is sentenced to death and is taken away by a gang member known as the Doctor, who has been selected to kill him. The Doctor, though, turns out to be Allandale, who, in disguise, has infiltrated the gang. They go to a barn where Allandale fakes Tinker's death. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 987 · 9/9/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE GREAT ST. LEGER FRAUD by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons but attributed to Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: C. H. Blake Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Count Ivor Carlac, Professor Kew and Hon. John Lawless. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 10) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Believing that his orders have been carried out, The Baron visits the barn and sees Tinker's apparently dead body. He leaves evidence which will incriminate the Doctor. When he leaves, though, the Doctor, who is actually Richard Allandale, emerges from hiding and destroys the evidence. He then departs, taking Tinker with him. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 988 · 16/9/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d SEXTON BLAKE IN SOUTH AMERICA by Anon. (Arkus Sapt) · Illustrator: Fred Bennet Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: This story takes place in Patagonia and features Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 11) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Richard Allandale arranges for a false report of Tinker's death to be published in the newspapers. Trivia: Tinker's age is given as 'about fourteen years'. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 989 · 23/9/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d A ROGUE ON 'CHANGE by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: E. E. Briscoe Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 12) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Richard Allandale sends Tinker to the south coast town of Marlington to keep him out of sight. Tinker is supposed to be working on a newspaper there but he spends most of his days playing pranks on the editor. Then, one day, he spots a disguised member of The Baron's gang — a man known as The Toff. He overhears the crook's plans to rob a bank. Returning to London, he tells Allandale about the plot. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 990 · 30/9/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE BROKEN CIRCLE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val reading Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 13) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Allandale reveals that The Baron is waiting for him in his room. Passing through the secret passage, he and Tinker spy on the master crook. Allandale then makes Tinker up to look like a ghost and scares The Baron so badly that the villain collapses in fright. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 991 · 7/10/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE BANDITS OF BRUYERES by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: When a number of rich American tourists are abducted in Paris and held to ransom, Sexton Blake is called in. The Americans are being threatened with blinding unless the ransoms are paid but after the money has been handed over, nothing further is heard of them. On each occasion, the kidnappers have left instructions for the cash to be left in the same spot in a tunnel at Bruyeres railway station. When Blake keeps watch on the location, he sees Sexton Blake Algy Somerton and realises that The Three Musketeers are responsible for the crimes (this is their second appearance in the Blake saga). Unfortunately, they are aware that he has been hired. The relatives of the hostages receive a letter demanding further payments and the immediate dismissal of the detective. Blake willingly removes himself from the case in order to protect the victims but, secretly, he and Tinker continue their investigations and trace a car used by Somerton to the Orleans region of France. Tinker follows a suspected associate of the Musketeers to a secluded house in the countryside then reports back to his Guv'nor. The next morning, the trio of criminals plan to release one of their captives to collect the payments but, before they can do so, the house is raided by Blake and a squadron of gendarmes. A terrific gun battle breaks out during which the detective receives a bullet wound in the arm. The Three Musketeers retreat to the roof and escape in a biplane. Blake recovers half the ransom maney and releases the prisoners but knows he will have to face the villains another day. Rating:  The writing style seems strangely dry and subdued for G. H. Teed.TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 14) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Richard Allandale tells Tinker that while the lad was in Marlington he (Allandale), in the guise of the Doctor, gained The Baron's trust and carried out a jewel robbery. However, he then faked another theft, this time of the jewels from The Baron. Allandale returned the loot to the original owner. He reveals that he has been studying criminals for ten years and his current campaign against the master crook is hitting The Baron hard. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 992 · 14/10/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d SEXTON BLAKE - GUN-RUNNER! by Anon. (Cecil Hayter) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Sir Richard Losely and Lobangu. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 15) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker and Allandale travel to Marlington and locate the bank which The Baron's gang is in the process of robbing. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 993 · 21/10/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CLUE OF THE WHITE FEATHER by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Sir Richard Losely. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 16) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker and Allandale capture one of the gang, who is on lookout duty while the others break into the bank vault. They then set out to foil the remaining crooks, one of whom is known as The Toff. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 994 · 28/10/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE SOAP SALVORS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Kenneth Brookes Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 17) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Entering the bank vault through a tunnel that the gang has dug from the shop next door, Allandale and Tinker prepare for a gunfight with the crooks. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 995 · 4/11/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d EYES IN THE DARK by Anon. (Andrew Murray) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features The Owl and Hon. John Lawless. This issue marks the debut of the ultimate Sexton Blake artist: Eric Parker. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 18) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Allandale and Tinker capture one of the men but the other — The Toff — speeds away in a car, though he has a bullet wound to his arm. The amateur detectives give chase, joined by a police constable who had, initially, suspected them of being part of the gang. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 996 · 11/11/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE ATTWELL AIRCRAFT COMPANY by Anon. (George N. Philips) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Sexton Blake meets Colonel Bantly of the Secret Service at an opera and is asked to investigate the Attwell Air Company. Bantly believes that the well-funded organisation is up to something but the agent he sent there previously – his own nephew, Wellwyn – has vanished without a trace. When the detective leaves the theatre, he is captured by a singer named Madam Carlotta Devours and the evil Frau Krantz, driven into the countryside, and attacked. He escapes this assault with the aid of Mademoiselle Yvonne and, while his former captors are unconscious, he attaches a leaking oil can beneath the vehicle. This allows him to follow its trail the next day. While doing so, he encounters a fox hunt in which Devours and Zenith the Albino are participating. He and Zenith fight a fierce battle which ends in a stalemate, with Devours defending the albino and Pedro keeping Blake from harm. Saving themselves for a rematch, the enemies disengage and the detective continues on to the airfield. There he once again encounters the singer and is lured aboard an airplane which the pilot purposely tries to crash. Blake wrestles the controls from the man and succeeds in landing the plane. Later that night, he infiltrates a secret meeting in a church near the aerodrome and witnesses a group of men, including Zenith, pledging alleigance to the Kaiser. Despite almost being caught, he manages to escape, freeing Wellwyn, who the group has been keeping a prisoner. Blake learns that a light at the top of a tall pylon in the aerodrome will be used to guide in hundreds of enemy aircraft which will land, refuel, then set off to drop acid onto British cities. He helps Tinker to steal an aeroplane onto which a light has been fixed. The youth then flies to intercept the enemy and lead them out to sea. Meanwile, Blake climbs the pylon to destroy the signal and finds Zenith at the top. They fight and the albino falls, surviving by the merest chance. The enemy planes overshoot the airfield and fly out to sea where they run out of fuel and plummet to their doom. Trivia: Sexton Blake's Secret Service number is 11. Tinker's is 12. Rating: TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 19) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker, Allandale and the police constable pursue The Toff to the local train station where he eludes them and boards a London express. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 997 · 18/11/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE BIG WOODS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: E. Simmonds Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: This story takes place in Canada. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 20) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Tinker, Allandale and the police constable phone ahead to the next station and order the train to be halted and the station exits sealed. They then drive there and commence searching for the fugitive villain. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 998 · 25/11/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE DOPED FAVOURITES by Anon. (J. W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 21) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: The train and the station are searched but there is no sign of The Toff. Tinker goes to check a nearby signal box and is there confronted by the villain. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 999 · 2/12/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE BURLINGTON COLLAR MYSTERY by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: None at present. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 22) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: The Toff takes Tinker prisoner and, keeping him at gunpoint, escapes from the station and drives away in his car. He forces the youngster to drink a knockout potion and then takes him to London. Richard Allandale also returns to the capital, feeling sure that The Toff will pay him a visit. Sure enough, the crook shows up and orders Allandale to stop his campaign against the gang or Tinker will pay the price. Allandale refuses and the crook departs. When Allandale crosses to his other house via the secret passage and goes out onto the street, he's sees The Toff and two others hanging around the exit of the first house, obviously waiting to assassinate him. Rating:
|
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,000 · 9/12/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE THOUSANDTH CHANCE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Eric Parker, H. M. Lewis, Val Reading and Arthur Jones Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: At Abbey Towers, the home of Doctor Huxton Rymer, an extraordinary meeting of criminals takes place. In addition to the Doctor, The Three Musketeers, Prince Wu Ling, Mary Trent, The Black Duchess, Leon Kestrel, Zenith the Albino, George Marsden Plummer and Professor Kew are gathered. Wu Ling makes a proposal: he has discovered that Sexton Blake keeps a considerable treasure of artwork, antiquities and jewels in a house off Edgware Road. Among the artifacts is an ancient Ling-tse vase of great symbolic importance which Wu Ling wants. He therefore proposes that the criminals rob the house — the vase will be his, while the rest of the treasures will be divided up between the other villains. When the curator of the house goes away for Christmas, a disguised Kew replaces him while other members of the gang impersonate the staff. A decoy sends Blake to Ireland and, while he's there, the house is ransacked. He returns to find his treasures gone. But Wu Ling's main aim — to gain the vase — is foiled, for Blake has kept that hidden in the house of Mlle. Yvonne Cartier and the Chinaman has made away with a mere copy! Wu Ling guesses that Mlle. Yvonne may have the artifact and breaks into her flat but is chased away by her chauffeur, Eric, who shoots the intruder's little finger off. When Wu Ling telephones Baker Street and offers the detective information about his stolen property in return for the vase, Sir Gordon Saddler advises Blake to accept. The detective does so and the exchange is made — but Saddler performs a stunt which deprives Wu Ling of the vase: he wraps around it a lock of hair from the head of Confucious. This tabu cannot be broken and Wu Ling is thus defeated. With an armistice declared, Sexton Blake visits the gathered crooks at Abbey Towers and regains his valuables. Trivia: To celebrate the thousandth issue, this edition includes a colour plate of Sexton Blake by artist Arthur Jones. You can see it here. Sexton Blake owns a house — No.3 Garwood Place — off the Edgware Road, where he stores all his accumulated treasures. This story makes it clear that he's a very wealthy man indeed. It also offers yet another example of Blake on the verge of a breakdown. His physician, we are informed, has been urging him to take a rest. That this is good advice is proven when the detective collapses upon discovering that his treasures have been stolen. In addition, the issue features pictures of the covers of issues 1 and 2 plus the claim that Sexton Blake first appeared to the world in the latter. This, of course, is quite untrue. Rating: TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 23) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Richard Allandale pays a visit to a newspaper editor and asks him to supply his bravest journalists for a raid on The Baron's hideout. |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,001 · 16/12/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE DIAMOND SPECIAL by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: When the Carlita Hotel in Paris pays host to the Nawab of Biknuggur, his Private Secretary and Chauffeur, the manager takes it for granted that the party is all that it seems: a royal personage and his staff on a visit from India. However, the truth is that the men in question are actually The Three Musketeers and they are using the hotel to pull off a massive heist. After inviting a couple of diamond dealers to the hotel to show him their best stock, the Nawab — actually Archie Pherison — and his cohorts drug the men and make off with a huge haul of priceless gems. The next day, Sexton Blake, who is in Paris with Tinker on private business, is asked to help with the investigation. Unfortunately, due to his own engagements, he cannot do so but he agrees with Tinker that it sounds like the work of the Musketeers and informs the police accordingly. Three months later, Blake is in Cairo on a mission to destroy a secret society lead by a man named Prince Hamad. While there, Tinker spots a black man whom he recognises as the servant of the Musketeers. He follows him and watches him enter an opulent premises from which, later, another man emerges. When the lad then sees this man again at a party and points him out to Blake, the detective tells his assistant that this is the leader of the secret society. Later, out by the pyramids, members of the society launch an attack on the detective. Blake escapes back to his hotel where he finds himself face to face with the Three Musketeers who are meeting with Hamad. An attack follows but Blake and Tinker manage to outwit their assailants and flee from the hotel, out of Cairo and back to Britain where they begin plotting their next move... ... Trivia: This story is continued in THE PALACE OF MYSTERY (issue 1,004, 6/1/1923) Rating: TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 24) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Richard Allandale outlines his plan of attack to the gathered journalists. They then split into two groups, each covering one of the exits to The Baron's hideout. Allandale enters through the grating that Tinker had discovered and crawls towards the secret office. Ahead of him, a light snaps on. |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,002 · 23/12/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE PRODIGAL FATHER: A STORY OF FIVE CHRISTMASES by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: This issue skips the expected instalment of TINKER'S BOYHOOD. Unrated |
 |
UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,003 · 30/12/1922 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE BLIND BEGGAR by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: A Word from the Skipper (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: None at present. Unrated TINKER'S BOYHOOD (part 26) by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Unknown Notes: Allandale overhears The Toff reporting to The Baron that he (Allandale) has eluded the assassins. The crook then fetches Tinker and they begin to interrogate the youngster about the man they had known as the 'Doctor'. Tinker refuses to speak. The Toff threatens to put a drop of acid on the youngster's bare skin every thirty seconds until he starts talking. Rating:
|
| 1921 1922 1923 | |