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| 1925 1926 1927 | |
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Publishing: The general strike in Britain causes the UNION JACK to skip an issue on 5/6/1926. Despite that hiccup, this was a bonus year for readers as the paper gave away 7" high busts of Sexton Blake. Blake: SEXTON BLAKE'S BUST confirms that the detective is a qualified lawyer. We also learn that Blake has an agent in New York called Bryant Kennedy. The detective finally defeats the Criminals' Confederation. | |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 552 · 2/1/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CITY OF MASKS; OR, THE CASE OF THE BOY KING (part 16) by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The New Year Revellers! by Edwy Searles Brooks; Between Ourselves (ed.) Notes: On the street of Carlovia, the rebels come into the open and are promptly rounded up by the King's allies who have all dressed in green masks in order to recognise one another. Tinker hands over the reins of power to the real King, who now has the full support of his people. Clodie is appointed as the King's financial advisor while Darro, Sarjo and the rest of the rebel leaders are banished to France. Blake and Tinker return to London, having brought another case to a satisfactory conclusion. Serial rating:  A rambling, heavily padded plot drags this story down somewhat, and it pales in comparison to other adventures by focusing more on Tinker than on Blake (though this makes it highly suitable for the Nelson Lee readership). On the positive side, the protrayal of a country riddled with suspicions, plot and counter plot is rather effective and, of course, the Balkan setting is very relevant to the times.
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 557 · 6/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 1) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Flame of Rebellion by Edwy Searles Brooks. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 558 · 13/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 2) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Iron Commander by Edwy Searles Brooks Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 559 · 20/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 3) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The School Without a Master by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 560 · 27/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 4) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Loyalty Wins! by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 561 · 6/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 5) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Lure of the Footlights by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 562 · 13/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 6) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Stage-Struck Archie by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 563 · 20/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 7) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Handforth on the Trail by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 564 · 27/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 8) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Triumph of Trackett Grim by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth; Forming a Club by The Chief Officer. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 565 · 3/4/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 9) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Stolen Play by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 566 · 10/4/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 10) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: Handy Behind the Scenes by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY · Issue 566 · 17/4/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CALCROFT CASE (part 11) by Sidney Drew (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: St. Frank's in Court by Edwy Searles Brooks; Careers for Boys by A. C. Horth. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 29 · Jan. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE AFFAIR OF THE CROSS ROADS by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Gilbert and Eileen Hale. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 30 · Jan. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE LONG-FIRM FRAUDS by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Mystery of Swan Coppice by Anon.; Long-Firm Frauds (article) Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 553 (1936). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 31 · Jan. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CROOK'S DOUBLE by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Mistaken Identity (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 32 · Jan. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE TREASURE OF THE MANCHUS by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 33 · Feb. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE IMPERSONATORS by Anon. (Edwy Searles Brooks) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: 'A strange story of Waldo, the Wizard.' This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 683 (1939). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 34 · Feb. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE WHITE DEATH; OR, THE ISLAND OF SHARKS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This case takes Blake to Ceylon. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 35 · Feb. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE MUMMIFIED HAND by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: A Cup-Final Conspiracy by Anon.; The Menace of the Mummy (article) Notes: A box containing the hand of an Egyptian mummy is planted in Mademoiselle Yvonne's shopping, scaring her maid. When Sexton Blake and Tinker visit Yvonne, she shows them the object. Suddenly the lights go out and her house fills with a strange green glow. It vanishes, and in the darkness Blake is attacked by a panther. He shoots the big cat dead but is knocked unconscious. When he recovers, it is to discover that Yvonne has vanished. Graves reveals to him that Yvonne had a bad experience in Egypt a year ago at the hands of Prince Menes, and the detective theorises that the mummified hand was intended to convey a hypnotic command to her which would have caused her to harm herself. Blake and Tinker return to Baker Street where they find Sir Gordon Saddler waiting. He tells Blake that the team of crooks and adventurers who gathered for THE GREAT CANAL PLOT are still together, and that Prince Wu Ling, in particular, wants Blake put out of the way for good. They are interrupted by the arrival of Mary Trent and Dr. Huxton Rymer, who is wounded after being shot at by Menes' gang. Meanwhile, Archie Pherison, one of the Three Musketeers reports to Mathew Cardolak in the latter's secret London headquarters. Pherison has just come from a meeting at the house of the Black Eagle. There George Marsden Plummer made it clear that his chief aim is to secure arms and munitions for Abdel Karim in Morocco. Wu Ling reported that his aims in China are progressing well. Prince Menes reported that the political upheaval the group is attempting to instigate is going as planned, then he presented a hostage — Yvonne — which caused an outburst of jealousy from Madame Goupolis. Finally, he reported that Rymer has refused to join their scheme and has tried to warn Blake. This final statement is true; Rymer — after his gunshot wound is treated by the detective — warns him about the forces ranged against him, before then departing. The gang, though, is not as strong as it appears; Plummer constantly challenges Menes' authority, while Goupolis is madly jealous of the Egyptian's obsession with Yvonne. As Menes loses his grip, Plummer, Wu Ling and the Musketeers withdraw and make their way out of the country. Madame Goupolis tries to help Yvonne escape but is caught in the act by Menes. When he manhandles Yvonne, the Black Eagle steps in and threatens him. Sexton Blake, Detective-Inspector Thomas and the flying squad invade the house. Menes resists, then, realising the game is up, he commits suicide. His body is returned to Egypt, accompanied by Goupolis. No charges can be levelled at the Black Eagle. All the other crooks escape. Trivia: Saddler reveals that Wu Ling was responsible for the death of Sun Yat-sen. Rating: 
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 36 · Feb. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BLACKMAILED BARONET by Anon. (H. Egbert Hill) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 563 (1937). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 37 · Mar. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE OLD OAK CHEST by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Gilbert and Eileen Hale. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 38 · Mar. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE ADVENTURE OF THE RED-HEADED MAN by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: 'A story of adventure and amazing Detective Work in Yorkshire, featuring David Manisty - Press photographer.' Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 39 · Mar. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CLAUSE IN THE WILL; OR, THE ROGUE OF THE FAMILY by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Bogus Wills (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 40 · Mar. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BLACK LIMOUSINE; OR, THE CASE OF THE £100,000 POLICY by Anon. (W. W. Sayer) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Insurance Swindles (article) Notes: Story features Granite Grant and Mlle. Julie. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 41 · Apr. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE ISLAND OF THE GUILTY by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 536 (1936). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 42 · Apr. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d BEHIND THE WALLS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Basil Wicketshaw. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 43 · Apr. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE RIDDLE OF THE LASCAR'S HEAD by Anon. (Leonard H. Brooks) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Inns and Crime (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 44 · Apr. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE AFFAIR OF THE SEVEN WARNINGS; OR, "THE BROTHERS OF JUSTICE" by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: When Crooks Warn (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 45 · May 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE ETHIOPIAN'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 532 (1936). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 46 · May 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SHIPWRECKED DETECTIVE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 47 · May 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d OUT OF THE FOG by Anon. (F. A. Symonds) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 48 · May 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CITY OF MASKS; OR, THE CASE OF THE BOY KING by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: This initially appeared in serialised form in THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY, commencing in issue 537 (19/9/1925) and ending in issue 552 (2/1/1926). Rating: For review notes, see THE NELSON LEE LIBRARY issue 522
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 49 · Jun. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE BOOKMAKER BARONET by Anon. (John W. Bobin) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features George Marsden Plummer. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 50 · Jun. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SOUTH COAST TRAGEDY by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Gilbert and Eileen Hale. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 51 · Jun. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE PRISONER OF THE MOUNTAINS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Marriage for Money (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 52 · Jun. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BLACK EMPEROR by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Jungle Thieves by Anon.;The New York Black Belt (article) Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer and Marie Galante. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 53 · Jul. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE COUNCIL OF CROOKS by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 54 · Jul. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BLACK SHIRT MYSTERY by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Fascisti (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 55 · Jul. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE TANGLE OF TERROR by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Demon Bowler by Anon.; Terrorism (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 56 · Jul. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF BULLEN POINT by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Man Overboard! by Anon.; Queer Agreements (article). Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 57 · Aug. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE BOGUS TREASURE HUNT by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 58 · Aug. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF THE SEASIDE HOTEL by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 59 · Aug. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE SILENT SAFE-CUTTERS by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 60 · Aug. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE SECRET OF TORRE ISLAND by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 61 · Sep. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 62 · Sep. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE AFFAIR OF THE MISSING WITNESS by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Missing Witness (article). Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 63 · Sep. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE LONE PLANTATION by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 64 · Sep. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE ADVENTURE OF THE SILK SMUGGLERS by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 65 · Oct. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE EXCAVATOR'S SECRET by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Gilbert and Eileen Hale. This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 620 (1938). Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 66 · Oct. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE YACHT OF MYSTERY; OR, THE CASE OF THE ECCENTRIC MILLIONAIRE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Masquerade (article) Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 67 · Oct. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CALCROFT CASE by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 68 · Oct. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE AFFAIR OF THE TRADE RIVALS by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 69 · Nov. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MYSTERY OF HANGING SWORD ALLEY by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 70 · Nov. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE MENACE OF THE SILENT DEATH by Anon. (E. J. Murray) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 71 · Nov. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE BLOODHOUND'S REVENGE by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Bloodhound's Nose (article) Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 72 · Nov. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE RIDDLE OF THE LOST EMIGRANT by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: Story features Dr. Ferraro. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 73 · Dec. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE RIDDLE OF THE RUSSIAN GOLD by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Great Cup-Tie by Anon.; Shipping Thefts (article) Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 74 · Dec. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE DEATH DUTY SWINDLE by Anon. (William J. Bayfield) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 75 · Dec. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CASE OF THE THEATRICAL PROFITEER by Anon. (William Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: Unknown Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 2nd series · Issue 76 · Dec. 1926 · Amalgamated Press · 4d THE CROOK OF FLEET STREET by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: Newspaper Swindles (article) Notes: Story features Splash Page. This was reprinted under the same title in THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 2nd series issue 604 (1937). Trivia: According to this story, Tinker's real surname is actually Tinker! Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,160 · 2/1/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE AFFAIR OF THE CRUMPLED PAPER by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: J. H. Valda Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,161 · 9/1/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE PAINTED SLIPPERS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Sexton Blake attends an auction and gets into a bidding war for a pair of painted slippers rumoured to have belonged to Marie Antoinette. He wins them and suddenly finds himself beseiged by offers for them from two sources: Mrs Otto Huntington, who is staying at the Hotel Venetia and who has employed Doctor Huxton Rymer to assist her; and the man whom he had originally bid against. Blake begins to suspect that there is more to the slippers than their face value. This is confirmed when a French gem dealer visits him and tells him that two stolen diamonds are thought to have been smuggled into Britain in the auctioned-off belongings of a murdered French count. Unknown to Blake, Philippe the Fox has been connected to that murder, and the criminal is currently in London with his cohort Flash Brady. The detective finds hidden compartments in the heels of the slippers but they are empty. He decides to visit Mrs Huntington at the Venetia but finds her stabbed to death. Meanwhile, Nirvana turns up at his Baker Street home and warns Tinker that Philippe and Flash are on their way. The youngster drives them away with a loaded pistol but while he is so engaged, Nirvana makes off with the slippers. Blake's assistant goes to the Venetia to find his guv'nor but spots Philippe and follows him to a warehouse where he witnesses him trying to force information out of a man named Jules. Unfortunately Tinker is spotted, knocked unconscious and pitched through a trapdoor. After reporting to Detective-Inspector Thomas, Blake returns home and finds Nirvana there. She explains that her sister, Marie, was behind the detective's rival bidder and is now trying to steal the slippers from Blake. Nirvana, though, has put them in a safe place. She also tells him where Tinker is and the two of them set out to save him. Meanwhile, Rymer confronts Flash Harry and informs him that he has enough information to frame Flash and Philippe for the murder of Mrs Huntington, though he knows the crime was actually committed by Jules, who used to be valet to the French count. Rymer forces Flash and Philippe to search for the diamonds. Blake and Nirvana find Tinker under a wharf; he is unconscious and has a broken arm. As they are rescuing him, two men appear and are held at gunpoint by Sexton Blake: Jules and his henchman. The police arrive, led by Thomas, and take the pair into custody. Tinker is driven to hospital. Blake goes with Nirvana to visit her sister, Flash and Philippe. He finds Rymer with them. He tells them that the game is up and that the diamonds were found hidden in the warehouse. After extracting a promise from them not to harm Nirvana, Blake leaves, as does Rymer, who realises that he won't be making any fortunes today. Trivia: Sexton Blake collects relics thought to have belonged to Marie Antoinette. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,162 · 16/1/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THREADS OF FATE by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: J. H. Valda (cover) and H. M. Lewis (interior) Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: Story features Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,163 · 23/1/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d GONE TO EARTH by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: This is part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,164 · 30/1/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d REECE'S HOLD-UP by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: This is part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,165 · 6/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d NORTH OF 70° by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: This is part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,166 · 13/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE LUMBER LOOTERS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: J. H. Valda Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,167 · 20/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE MISSING LINK by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: Story features Splash Page. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,168 · 27/2/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d NIRVANA'S ORDEAL! by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: Story features Nirvana. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,169 · 6/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE SEXTON BLAKE BUST by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Sexton Blake Bust (ed.); The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: This issue has the biggest giveaway in UNION JACK history: By handing copies to five friends, the reader could send off for a seven-inch high bust of Sexton Blake sculpted by Eric Parker. The bust is illustrated on the front cover. The featured story is a fictionalised account of the bust's creation and history. For the purposes of this story, Eric Robert Parker is transformed into Cedric Robert Barker, an artist whose works, including his bust of Sexton Blake, are being systematically destroyed by a mysterious assailant. When Barker disappears and a dead woman is found in his studio, Detective-Inspector Galloway takes up the case, blocking Blake's access to the studio. However, there's enough of a trail to lead Blake to Paris where he learns that Barker once abandoned art to pursue a career in dancing with a girl called Nita Verlieff. She, it turns out, has been paying people to destroy Barker's art to drive him back to her, as her own career has suffered since he abandoned the dance halls in favour of the studio. Blake also discovers that it is Verlieff who lies dead in Barker's studio. Finally gaining access despite Galloway's objections, the detective searches the crime scene and discovers evidence which suggests that the woman was shot from outside. The murderer was injured during his getaway and now lies in hospital. Blake gets a signed confession just in time to save the just-captured Barker from gaol. Trivia: There is a laboratory in Blake's Baker St. apartment. The detective has an agent in New York called Bryant Kennedy. Blake is a qualified lawyer. Rating: There's a very nice twist in this tale, making it not only a "whodunnit?" but also a "how-was-it-done?" There's also plenty of solid investigation work. But, unfortunately, there's not a great deal of adventuring and this case pales by comparison to the great detective's more exotic tales.
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,170 · 13/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE ADVENTURE OF THE BOWERY TAR BABY by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: Story features Black Eagle and takes place in New York. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,171 · 20/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE PLANT OF PREY by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: Story features Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,172 · 27/3/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CLUE OF THE CRACKED FOOTPRINT by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer and takes place in the Far East. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,173 · 3/4/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d GUNS IS GUNS by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: In New York, confidential agent Ruff Hanson receives a visit from an actress, Haseena. She is engaged to Wally Adams, the son of a rich financier, but is being blackmailed by en ex-lover, Hector Folair, who has some florid letters she once wrote to him. Hanson visits Folair and challenges him. The lights go out. Hanson shoots. A lariet drops around his neck, chokes him, and he loses consciousness. When he regains his wits, he finds Folair dead — not from a bullet but by means of a long pin thrust into his brain. Hanson recovers the love letters and escapes before the police arrive. Some hours later, he is visited by Willard Barr, the Steel King, who asks him to investigate a Syrian Prince named Ali Khan. Khan is romancing Barr's sister, Annabel, and the Steel King isn't keen on the match. Hanson attends a party at which Khan is present. The occasion has been arranged to celebrate the engagement of Wally Adams and Haseena, so the confidential agent takes the opportunity to hand Haseena's letters back to her. When she writes him a receipt, he realises that the letters had never been written by her. Next morning, he discovers that she has left the city without paying his fee. Annabel Barr has also left the city with Ali Khan, bound for Syria. With a promise of a hundred thousand dollars in payment from Willard Barr, Hanson sets off for Syria to bring her back. There, in a hotel, he meets Splash Page, who has been sent to Syria by the Daily Radio to report on the brewing uprising against the French. Page is contacted by a Beduin who turns out to be a disguised Sexton Blake. The detective has come to Syria with Tinker at the behest of the British government; his mission is to capture the leader of the revolt: Abu Shaitan. When the rebellion begins, Blake manages to overpower Shaitan and take him to a safehouse. Hanson, who during the fighting, recognised that Abu Shaitan and Ali Khan are one and the same man, follows. There is a stand-off between the two detectives: Hanson wants to take Shaitan to America; Blake has been ordered to deliver him to Palastine. Blake offers to lead Hanson to Annabel Barr in return for custody of the prisoner. This is agreed and done. However, when Shaitan attempts to escape, Hanson shoots him dead. Blake is subsequently able to explain the events surrounding the death of Hector Folair and how they relate to Shaitan. He and Hanson part company as firm friends. Trivia: Part one of this story is recounted in first-person by Ruff Hanson. Part two is told by Splash Page, Tinker and Hanson. Rating: 
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,174 · 10/4/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d ZENITH DECLARES WAR by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: A. Jones Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: Story features Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,175 · 17/4/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d REECE'S REVENGE by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: This is part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc and it features Professor Reece. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,176 · 24/4/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d 'TWIXT CUP AND LAW by Anon. (Arthur Steffens) · Illustrator: J. H. Valda Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,177 · 1/5/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE STRICKEN OUTPOST by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: Story features Dr. Huxton Rymer. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,178 · 8/5/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE MASKED RIDER by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: Eric Parker (cover) and Arthur Jones (internal) Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: Story features Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,179 · 15/5/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE HOUSE ON HATHOU by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: Story features Splash Page. This is part one of a story which highlights Pedro. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,180 · 22/5/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d PEDRO TAKES CHARGE by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: Story features Splash Page. This is part two of a story which highlights Pedro. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,181 · 29/5/1926 & 5/6/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE RETURN OF PROFESSOR KEW; OR, THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE BLOODHOUNDS by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: Story features Professor Kew and Count Ivor Carlac. Note that this issue is dated for two weeks. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,182 · 12/6/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d A MYSTERY IN MOTLEY by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: This story is very unusual in that it is recounted in first person by Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,183 · 19/6/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE RIDDLE OF THE HUDDERSFIELD FACE BUILDER by Anon. (S. G. Shaw) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; A Son of the Plains by Arthur Paterson. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,184 · 26/6/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE HOUSE OF A THOUSAND TEETH by Anon. (R. C. Armour) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake; The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,185 · 26/6/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MARRIAGE OF JASON REECE by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake; The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: This is part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,186 · 3/7/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE PHANTOM FERRY by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Round Table; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: Story features Professor Kew. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,187 · 17/7/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE AFFAIR OF THE TALKING APE by Anon. (A. Paterson) · Illustrator: H. M. Lewis Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,188 · 24/7/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE MECHANICAL MEN by Anon. (George N. Phillips) · Illustrator: C. H. B. Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: Story features Zenith the Albino. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,189 · 31/7/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE ADVENTURE OF THE RAILWAY RAIDERS by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: Story features Professor Kew and Gilbert and Eileen Hale. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,190 · 7/8/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE SPECTRE OF THE SPEEDWAY by Anon. (Alfred Edgar) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Round Table (ed.); From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,191 · 14/8/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d DIRK DOLLAND'S CRIME by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: J. H. Valda Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: This is part of the Criminals' Confederation story arc and it features Dirk Dolland. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,192 · 21/8/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE SECRET OF SHAKESPEARE'S SKULL by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: Story features Ruff Hanson. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,193 · 28/8/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d RUFF HANSON RUNS AMOK! by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Harry Lane Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: Story features Ruff Hanson. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,194 · 4/9/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE MAN FROM MANILA by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Val Reading Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: This case takes Blake to the Far East. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,195 · 4/9/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d 200 FATHOMS DOWN by Anon. (H. H. Clifford Gibbons) · Illustrator: Unknown Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: Story features Professor Kew and Count Ivor Carlac (this is Kew's final appearance). Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,196 · 11/9/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE GREAT ROUND-UP! by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: J. H. Valda Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; From Prisoner to President by Stacey Blake. Notes: This is the final episode in the Criminals' Confederation story arc. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,197 · 18/9/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE KIRKTON COAL-KING by Anon. (A. Paterson) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: None at present. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,198 · 2/10/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF ROOM NO. 7 by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Kenneth Brookes Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement. Notes: Story features Nirvana and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,199 · 9/10/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CASE OF THE SHEFFIELD IRONMASTER by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Kenneth Brookes Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Nirvana and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,200 · 16/10/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE AFFAIR OF THE DERELICT GRANGE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Kenneth Brookes Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Nirvana and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,201 · 23/10/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE VENETIAN PALACE by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Kenneth Brookes Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Nirvana and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,202 · 30/10/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE CLUE OF THE TWO STRAWS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Kenneth Brookes Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Nirvana and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,203 · 6/11/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d A MYSTERY OF THE MOUNTAINS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Kenneth Brookes Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement Notes: Story features Nirvana and Mlle. Yvonne Cartier. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,204 · 13/11/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR OF THE VANISHING STONES by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace; Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,205 · 20/11/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE PROBLEM OF THE GARDENER'S COTTAGE by Anon. (Jack Lewis) · Illustrator: Arthur Jones Other content: The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace Notes: Story features Leon Kestrel and Fifette. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,206 · 27/11/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d LORD OF THE APE-MEN by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace Notes: Sexton Blake, Tinker, Pedro and Detective-Inspector Coutts are on the scene when a burglary occurs in a London residence. Blake is attacked and nearly crushed in the vice-like clutches of the invader. He fights free but cannot prevent his unseen assailant from escaping over the rooftops. The crook drops a gold medallion engraved with mysterious heiroglyphics. On the way home, Blake unknowingly has the back of his coat sprayed with scent by a mysterious stranger. At Baker Street, Pedro reacts to the spray by attacking his master. The detective realises that his clothes are the subject of the dog's wrath, rather than himself. That night, an ape climbs in through the detective's bedroom window. He shoots it dead. The next day, hoping for help in translating the writing on the medallion, Blake sets out to visit the explorer John Fade who, with Dirk Dolland, has just returned to England. He finds both men trapped in the cellar of their house. They explain that they were shut in there by an ape which had ransacked their rooms in search of a gem-encrusted idol. Fade tells the detective that he and Dolland had been on an expedition to a remote country named Khurdan in the Himalayas where they'd discovered a tribe of 'missing links'. These were ruled over by an evil man named Dr. Satira who intended to rob the tribe of its precious jewels. After being held prisoner, the adventurous pair had escaped and stolen the idol. Now Satira is on their trail to get it back. That evening, Sexton Blake sets a trap and corners an ape, a 'missing-link' and Satira. The doctor throws a vial of scent at Blake but the detective shoots it and the liquid drenches Satira. The ape goes wild and kills its master before Blake shoots it dead. The missing-link attempts to escape but is captured by the police. John Fade realises that the dead man is wearing a mask — he's an indian, not Dr. Satira at all. The evil ruler of the ape-men is still at liberty. This tale was rehashed as a part of DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 278 as THE SINISTER DR. SATIRA (1938). Trivia: It is stated that Blake raised Pedro from a puppy. This contradicts the way the bloodhound was introduced into the saga. Mrs. Bardell's bedroom is, we are told, right at the top of the house. Rating: 
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,207 · 4/12/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE MYSTERY OF THE MASKED MAGICIAN by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace. Notes: For his birthday, Sexton Blake receives a box containing a deadly green mamba snake. After killing the reptile, he finds a calling card: With the compliments of Dr. Satira. Dirk Dolland and John Fade arrive, followed by Detective-Inspector Coutts who reports that Scotland Yard has received a note from Dr Satira demanding the jewelled-ape idol and the release of the 'missing-link' in exchange for all the jewels he has stolen. Coutts then receives a telephone call to inform him that the missing-link has escaped. Blake is the next to receive a call; from an animal dealer who tells him that he knows where Satira is. The detective and his companions rush to the dealer's warehouse but find that he has been mauled by one of his own panthers. Before he dies, he passes on a message: "— the masked magician." The detective is puzzled by this until he walks past a music hall and spots the billing for 'Mysto, the Masked Magician.' He attends the illusionist and mind-reader's show and, though he cannot see the man's face, he deduces that the performer is Satira from his handwriting. By the second show, Blake and Coutts have surrounded the theatre with police officers. The two men watch the performance and, during the mind reading act, Coutts hands Mysto's assistant a warrant for Satira's arrest. Mysto pulls off his hood to reveal the features of Dr. Satira then the theatre is plunged into darkness. In the ensuing panic, the criminal makes his getaway. This was rehashed as a part of DETECTIVE WEEKLY issue 278 as THE SINISTER DR. SATIRA (1938). Trivia: This adventure begins on Sexton Blake's birthday. Clues to the date: an empty coal-scuttle, a shower of rain, and cold night air — maybe early spring or autumn? Rating: 
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,208 · 11/12/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d THE ADVENTURE OF THE TWO DEVILS by Anon. (George Hamilton Teed) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: A Word in Season (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace. Notes: Story features Nirvana. Unrated |
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,209 · 18/12/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d FROM INFORMATION RECEIVED by Anon. (Robert Murray Graydon) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: Detective Magazine Supplement; The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace. Notes: A petty criminal named Harry the Nab responds to a 'Wanted' poster by revealing to Detective-Inspector Coutts that he knows where Doctor Satira is hiding. Coutts gathers a squad of men and, accompanied by Harry, Sexton Blake and Tinker, he organises a raid on the house identified by the crook as Satira's base. The suburban house seems empty when they arrive. The police form a cordon around it. Coutts gives Harry a gun and orders him to break in and open the froont door from inside. Harry enters and, after some minutes, the waiting lawmen hear a gunshot and a terrfied scream. They break in and find the house empty — there is no trace of Harry the Nab! The adjoining house is occupied by a deaf, mute and paralysed man named Haines. He is in the process of moving — removal men have been loading goods into a lorry throughout the bizarre events next door. Blake and Coutts ask to search the premises and are given permission by the owner's male nurse. They find nothing. Returning to the scene of Harry's disappearance, they encounter a fresh mystery — now Tinker has vanished too! He has been snatched through a secret door in the fireplace and, bundled in a carpet, is loaded into the removal lorry and driven away. He finds himself in another house, with Harry, confronted by Dr. Satira and his ape-man assistant, Darzu. The doctor injects Harry with rabies bacteria and promises a vengeful henchman named 'Schumann the Slasher' that soon Blake will also be a prisoner. The criminals decamp and relocate to a private mental institution, which they ruthlessly take over. Tinker is imprisoned in one of the cells. He uses a mirror to signal a plea for help in morse code. It's picked up by a boy scout who conveys it via the police to Blake. A raid is organised and Tinker is set free but Satira sets fire to the building. All escape accept Darzu, who falls to his death. As for the evil doctor — his fate remains a mystery. Rating:
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UNION JACK · New series · Issue 1,210 · 25/12/1926 · Amalgamated Press · 2d MRS. BARDELL'S CHRISTMAS EVE by Anon. (Gwyn Evans) · Illustrator: Eric Parker Other content: The Xmas Round Table (ed.); Detective Magazine Supplement; The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace. Notes: With criminals lying low, the festive season looks decidedly boring for Sexton Blake and his guests, Ruff Hanson and Detective-Inspector Coutts, so Tinker works up a scheme with Splash Page to introduce a little excitement to the festive season. Helped by Page's friend, Viscount Rockcliff, and through means of the Daily Radio, a challenge is issued to Blake by The Phantom Crook. He proposes to steal the detective's most valued possession. If he succeeds, Blake must forfeit a cheque of £500 to charity. If he is foiled by the Baker Street sleuth, he himself will donate £1,000. The phantom's first act is to steal a valuable coronet from Rockcliff. While the detective investigates at the Viscount's residence, he receives a message from home informing him of the villain's second crime: the kidnapping of Mrs. Bardell! Unknown to Blake, his worthy landlady has been escorted to Goreham Grange, Rockcliff's country manor, where she is entertained by the Viscount's sister. Blake and Hanson receive a note which sends them to a run-down house where they are captured by cowled figures. Hanson recognises one of them as Viscount Rockliff and so is let in on the joke and taken to the Grange. Blake, meanwhile, is left a prisoner, the plan being that Coutts will be tipped off and will come to the rescue. But that evening Coutts, Tinker and Page arrive at the Grange and report that Blake has gone missing. Then the ghost of one of Rockcliff's ancestors appears sending chills up the spines of the gathered friends. While they give chase, Blake appears and reclaims his incomparable housekeeper before joining them all for a huge christmas dinner with explanations for desert. Trivia: Mrs. Bardell's first name is given as Maria. Rating:
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