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1957  1958  1959

Publishing: Blake author William J. Bayfield (aka Allan Blair) dies, aged 87, as does H. H. Clifford Gibbons (aka Gilbert Chester), aged 70, and Jack Lewis (aka Lewis Jackson).

Blake: CRIME IS MY BUSINESS tells us that Sexton Blake's hobbies include all aspects of criminology, flying, judo, fencing, art and writing (a list of his monographs is given in Appendix B of the German crime classic 'DER VERBRECHERKREIG'). THE NAKED BLADE informs us that Tinker is interested in boxing, fast cars, photography, organic and inorganic chemistry, chess 'to some extent' and red-heads 'to a larger extent'. Paula Dane's details are given in WAKE UP SCREAMING! - she likes art, music, good clothes, swimming, small-bore target shooting, ski-ing and, above all, she is interested in being a "perfect secretary" to Sexton Blake.

KNOCKOUT · Issue 984 · 04/01/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE NEW YEAR CLOWN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 985 · 11/01/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE SINGLE THUMBPRINT
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
PDF: Click here
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: Inspector Coutts informs Sexton Blake that a diamond merchant has been robbed and the only clue is a single thumb-print. It's not a print that's on record at Scotland Yard but Blake has the feeling that he's seen it before. Later that morning, the detective has an inspiration and visits the house of a collector named Pennypacker. Here he examines a collection of cigarette cards and picks out one in particular from a series on the subject of crime detection which had been published twenty years ago. Blake and Tinker then travel to a cigarette manufacturer in Bristol and ask the name of the artist who designed the card. Blake calls Inspector Coutts and tells him that this is the man responsible for the crime. After the crook is captured, Blake explains his deduction.
Rating:
KNOCKOUT · Issue 986 · 18/01/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
PDF: Click here
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: Stanley Maxton has recently inherited a house from his uncle but fears that it is haunted. When he sees a transparent figure on the stairs, he calls Sexton Blake for help. Tinker drives his guv'nor to the country house, overheating the engine in his eagerness to get there. Stanley's cousin George, a plumber, is also present when the detectives arrive. Stanley tells his story, revealing that the hauntings never occur when his cousin is present. He is interrupted when the sound of footsteps is heard on the stairs. George faints and a terrified Stanley vows to give up his inheritance. However, when Tinker reveals that there is a tap in the garage, which he found when attending to the overheated car, Blake tells him to fetch water from it. Tinker does so and while he's away the ghostly footsteps are heard. Blake realises the trick that has been played and exposes George as the man behind the hauntings.
Rating:
KNOCKOUT · Issue 987 · 25/01/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE MAN WHO CAME BACK
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 988 · 01/02/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE LATE ALARM CALL
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 989 · 08/02/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE THIN FAT MAN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 990 · 15/02/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE ROBBERY AT THE ARCHES
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 991 · 22/02/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE CUT-OUT CLUE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 992 · 01/03/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE £2000 HAIR-CUT
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 993 · 08/03/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE BLUE DIAMOND
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 994 · 15/03/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE DARING ESCAPE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 995 · 22/03/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE DOUBLE PICTURE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 996 · 29/03/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE CLUE IN THE KITCHEN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 997 · 05/04/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE MISSING DIAMONDS
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 998 · 12/04/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE ISLAND HOUSE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 999 · 19/04/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE QUICK CHANGE CROOK
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,000 · 26/04/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE FIGHT IN CABIN 13
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,001 · 03/05/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE THEATRE MYSTERY
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,002 · 10/05/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE HIGH-HEELED SHOES
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,003 · 17/05/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE ROBBED MAN'S FRIEND
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,004 · 24/05/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE PROFESSOR'S PLAN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,005 · 31/05/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE MANOR MYSTERY
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (George Parlett)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,006 · 07/06/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE MISSING FOOTPRINTS
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,007 · 14/06/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
IN THE COMIC
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,008 · 21/06/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE CRIME AT WIMBLEDON
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,009 · 28/06/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE BEGGING DOGS
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,010 · 05/07/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE GOLF-COURSE ALIBI
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,011 · 12/07/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE JAZZ-GIRL KIDNAP
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,012 · 19/07/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE SHOT AT THE BANK
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,013 · 26/07/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE EMBANKMENT AMBUSH
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Unknown)
PDF: Click here
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: A police constable named Dale becomes a hero after capturing an armed gunman, who was subsequently sent to prison. Gang boss Duke Denver plots revenge and, with a henchman, waits for Dale on the Embankment after first paying a pavement artist to leave the area. Dale arrives and is attacked — he is knocked out and thrown into the Thames. A little way down the river, Sexton Blake and Tinker are crossing a bridge and see the constable in the water. Tinker dives in and rescues him. After Dale is carted away in an ambulance, Blake and Tinker investigate the area where the assault occurred and find the pavement artist at his new pitch. He claims not to have seen anything, saying he's been there all evening but, as Blake later explains to Detective Coutts, his pictures reveal that he has moved location. The detective gets the truth out of him and the artist produces sketches of the attackers, who are later arrested.
Rating:
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,014 · 02/08/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE MIRACLE DIAMOND
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,015 · 09/08/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE CROOKED COUSINS
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,016 · 16/08/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE BLACK WINDSCREEN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,017 · 23/08/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE CLUE IN THE BOTTLE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,018 · 30/08/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE INNOCENT CROOK
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,019 · 06/09/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED FOOTBALLER
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,020 · 13/09/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE SCHOOLBOY'S NOTE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,021 · 20/09/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE TELL-TALE TAPE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,022 · 27/09/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE ROBBED BOXER
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,023 · 04/10/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE BROKEN CHAIN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,024 · 11/10/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE CRASHED CAR
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,025 · 18/10/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE LADDER MAN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,026 · 25/10/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE PARK PROWLER
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,027 · 01/11/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE SWIMMING SMUGGLER
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,028 · 08/11/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE FAKED ROBBERY
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,029 · 15/11/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE BIRTHDAY THEFT
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,030 · 22/11/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE RETIRED JUDGE
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,031 · 29/11/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE SUNDAY BANK-RAID
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,032 · 06/12/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE ESCAPE PLAN
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,033 · 13/12/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE RIVER ACCIDENT
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,034 · 20/12/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE MAN WITH MANY FACES
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT · Issue 1,035 · 27/12/1958 · Amalgamated Press · 4d
THE CASE OF THE EIGHT CHRISTMAS TREES
by Anon. (See note, issue 737, 1953) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
KNOCKOUT ANNUAL 1958 · Undated · Amalgamated Press · 7/6
THE CASE OF THE CROOKED SPEEDMAN
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Anon. (Graham Coton)
Notes: Betty Randle and her brother Harry are owners of a racing car which is being tergetted by saboteurs who want to prevent the Randalls from winning a race. Sexton Blake offers his assistance and, the following day, discovers that a time-bomb has been fixed to the car. The detective dismantles it and establishes that a rival driver named Pancho Lorenzo is the probably culprit. He persuades Miss Randle to allow Tinker to drive in the race. At the time the bomb was set to go off, Tinker makes sure he is driving very close to Lorenzo. The villain panics and crashes while Tinker goes on to win the race.
Rating:
THE CASE OF THE UNDERGROUND MYSTERY
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Anon. (Graham Coton)
Notes: The police are searching for an armed robber known as Slippery Sam. When Sexton Blake spots him posing as a newspaper seller, he gives chase. Sam races into an underground station and dives beneath an oncoming train. When it moves on, there is no sign of him. Blake surmises that the villain climbed up between the carriages and is still on the train. He and Tinker pursue Sam through the train and into the tunnel where they finally catch him.
Rating:
THE CASE OF THE FLYING EMERALDS
by Anon. (Unknown) · Illustrator: Anon. (Frank Pashley)
Notes: A man visits Sexton Blake at Baker Street and shows him a bag filled with emeralds. He says he found them among shells in a child's pail under the seat of a car he bought from his neighbour. Blake identifies them as belonging to a recently stolen necklace. A search of the car provides evidence that identifies the beach where the shells had been collected, so the next day Blake and Tinker drive there. They watch as a model plane plummets out of the sky onto the shingle and its owner — later identified as Mr Krone — recovers it. As night falls, they observe a ship nearing the shore. Signals flash between it and Mr Krone's isolated house. Blake and Tinker approach the house in time to see a whole squadron of radio-controlled model planes take off. One is knocked from its flight-path by Blake, collides into another, and soon the whole formation is crashing. Among the wreckage the detective finds bags containing stolen jewels. Blake captures Krone who proves to be a disguised jewel-thief. His confederates aboard the ship are also arrested.
Rating:
PDF: (all three strips in one file) Click here
Other content: Various strips and text stories.
Murder Down Below THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 397 · Jan. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
MURDER DOWN BELOW
by James Stagg · Illustrator: David Wright, Lionel Morgan (cover); Frank Daniel (interior)
Other content: Double Identity (article)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
Redhead for Danger THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 398 · Jan. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
REDHEAD FOR DANGER
by Arthur Maclean (T. C. P. Webb) · Illustrator: De Seta (cover) and Frank Daniel (interior)
Other content: The Girl With Guns On Her Mind (article)
Notes: A revised version of this story appeared as SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY 4th series issue 513 THE MAN WHO KILLED ME (1962).
Unrated
Stairway to Murder THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 399 · Feb. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
STAIRWAY TO MURDER
by Arthur Kent · Illustrator: Frank Daniel (interior)
Other content: The Artful Dodger (article)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Sea Tigers THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 400 · Feb. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
THE SEA TIGERS
by Peter Saxon (W. Howard Baker) · Illustrator: de Gaspari (cover) and Frank Daniel (interior)
Other content: The Last of the Pistol-Packing Mommas (article)
Notes: Set in 1941, this is a gripping and painfully tense war story. A convoy of ships is delivering supplies to the Russian port of Murmansk when it comes under fire from an unseen enemy. It seems that missiles are being fired from surface vessels but no enemy craft are showing up on the radar. The battleships leave the merchantmen and plough through the rough and bitterly cold seas towards the source of the attack. Just as something touches the edges of their radar screens, they receive a distress call from the convoy they left behind; U-boats have attacked and one by one the merchant ships are being sunk. The author doesn't pull his punches here, conjuring up some dreadful images of men 'frying in salt and oil' as burning ships are swallowed by icy waters. It's not the first time such an attack has occurred and the Admiralty is getting desperate. But after initial investigations they realise that the Caledonia has been a part of every convoy attacked... and has survived every attack unscathed. There can be only one explanation: someone is signalling the convoys' position to the Germans and that traitor has to be aboard the Caledonia. Sexton Blake is sent to join the crew. Masquerading as a navy surgeon, he finds the tension on the ship wound up to an unbearable level. As they join yet another convoy, the crewmen are cracking up. Fights erupt; jealousies, suspicions and petty hatreds are rampant. The voyage is not long underway when the first disaster strikes. A German survey plane is heard circling above the thick blanket of cloud. The crew successfully shoot it down but the pilot crashes it into the Caledonia's bridge. Blake barely escapes with his life. The convoy sails on and each night it is attacked by U-boats. The men's eyes are glazed with horror as they repeatedly witness the death of friends and colleagues. One day, an iceberg floats by. Inside, there are men, dead and frozen; floating on and on. Eventually, the traitor's methods are exposed and a trap is set for the U-boats. There's a terrific battle scene in the final chapters: the sea is sliced through with deadly torpedoes; depth charges rock the deep; screeching metal is torn from ships and subs; smoke and burning oil turn the ocean into hell. It's stunning. When the traitor is finally identified, it comes as a complete surprise.
Trivia: This was extensively rewritten and published as a Richard Quintain adventure, STRIKE NORTH by W. Howard Baker (Mayflower Books, 1965).
Rating:This story is short and the author's style is brisk - even sparse - yet he packs the tale with scenes of absolutely terror. The focus is very much on the crew and their struggle with fear and the elements. Blake himself seems rather secondary and his character is extremely sketchy. He operates alone, without Tinker, and so we don't witness him bouncing ideas and theories off his sidekick. His deductions are unremarkable and can be attributed to sheer luck rather than brainpower. But the tense plot compensates in this case. This is the best of the New Order novels.
Collapse of Stout Party THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 401 · Mar. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
COLLAPSE OF STOUT PARTY
by Jack Trevor Story · Illustrator: de Gaspari (cover) and Jack Dunkley (interior)
Other content: The Gay Dubosq (article)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
Murder Most Intimate THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 402 · Mar. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
MURDER MOST INTIMATE
by W. Howard Baker · Illustrator: Simbori (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: The Gun-Man was a Film Fan (article)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
Crime of Violence THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 403 · Apr. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
CRIME OF VIOLENCE
by James Stagg · Illustrator: Carcupino (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: The Lady-Killer with a Beard (article)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
Lady in Distress THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 404 · Apr. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
LADY IN DISTRESS
by Martin Thomas (Thomas Martin) · Illustrator: Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: The Pretty Boy Killer (article)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
High Heels and Homicide THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 405 · May 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
HIGH HEELS AND HOMICIDE
by Desmond Reid (John Purley, with revisions by George Paul Mann) · Illustrator: de Seta (cover) and Margeret Higgins (interior)
Other content: The Man Who Would Not Die! (article)
Notes: Story features Huxton Rymer.
Unrated
The Fatal Hour THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 406 · May 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
THE FATAL HOUR
by Edwin Harrison (Eric Alan Ballard) · Illustrator: Olivetti (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: The Black Widow (article)
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
Nine O'Clock Shadow THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 407 · Jun. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
NINE O'CLOCK SHADOW
by Jack Trevor Story · Illustrator: de Seta (cover) and Eric Parker (interior)
Other content: None
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
Crime is My Business THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 408 · Jun. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
CRIME IS MY BUSINESS
by W. Howard Baker (started by Jack Trevor Story) · Illustrator: Marcus Stone (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: None
Notes: None at present.
Trivia: Jack Trevor Story wrote some of this novel; the finished product was 'adapted' from his work by W. Howard Baker. The inside front cover has a portrait of Sexton Blake by Marcus Stone and gives a description of the detective's physique and hobbies
Unrated
The Naked Blade THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 409 · Jul. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
THE NAKED BLADE
by Peter Saxon (W. Howard Baker) · Illustrator: Sandri (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: None
Notes: None at present.
Trivia: The inside front cover has a portrait of Edward Carter (Tinker) by Marc Stone and gives a description of his physique (5' 10", broad-shouldered and strong) and interests.
Unrated
Wake Up Screaming! THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 410 · Jul. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
WAKE UP SCREAMING!
by Arthur Kent · Illustrator: Olivetti (cover) and Eric Parker (interior)
Other content: Black Friday (article)
Notes: None at present.
Trivia: The inside front cover has a portrait of Paula Dane by Marc Stone and gives a description of her physique (5' 7", slim, well-moulded figure) and interests.
Unrated
Final Curtain THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 411 · Aug. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
FINAL CURTAIN
by Arthur Maclean (George Paul Mann) · Illustrator: Marcus Stone (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: The Murdered Village (article)
Notes: None at present.
Trivia: The inside front cover has a portrait of Arthur 'Splash' Kirby by Marc Stone and gives a description of his physique and interests ("many and varied").
Unrated
Murder in the Sun THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 412 · Aug. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
MURDER IN THE SUN
by Jack Trevor Story · Illustrator: Marcus Stone (cover) & Jack Dunkley (interior)
Other content: The Executioner (article)
Trivia: The inside back cover has a portrait of Marion Lang by Marcus Stone and gives a description of her physique and interests ("music, films and modern ballet").
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
No Time to Live THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 413 · Sep. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
NO TIME TO LIVE
by W. Howard Baker · Illustrator: Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: None
Notes: This story introduces Louise Pringle.
Unrated
Diamonds Can Be Trouble THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 414 · Sep. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
DIAMONDS CAN BE TROUBLE
by Edwin Harrison (Eric Alan Ballard) · Illustrator: Bert Forbes (interior)
Other content: Unknown
Notes: None at present.
Trivia: The inside front cover has a portrait of Louise Pringle by Marc Stone and gives a description of her physique (5' 6", slim, aged about 43) and interests (reading, sculpture, painting).
Unrated
The Evil Eye THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 415 · Oct. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
THE EVIL EYE
by Martin Thomas (Thomas Martin) · Illustrator: Sandri (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: None
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
She Ain't Got No Body THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 416 · Oct. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
SHE AIN'T GOT NO BODY
by Jack Trevor Story · Illustrator: de Seta (cover) and Margaret Higgins (interior)
Other content: None
Notes: Dodo Barnes has vanished from the village of Hand and her friend Angela thinks she's been murdered. Dodo had always been a controversial and ill-liked figure in the artistic community — ill-liked by the women, that is. With the men it was another story; Dodo was famous for her affairs... even after the lower half of her face was badly scarred in a car accident. Angela calls in Sexton Blake who discovers that the girl had disappeared on the day the bandages were due to be removed after a number of skin-graft treatments. Tinker and Paula Dane follow him to the village and are, in turn, followed from Baker Street by Felix Castellani, a sculptor who is obsessed with Dodo. When Blake catches an authoress, Naomi Price, in the missing girl's cottage destroying all the threatening letters various villagers had sent to her, he learns that Rex Standish, an artist, is in love with Angela but Dodo was in love with him... just two more affairs in an increasingly tangled web! And the case gets even more complicated when it becomes apparent that Dodo seemed to be going out of her way to make people hate her. Eventually, Blake forms a theory based on the incredibly confusing mass of evidence. He gathers the prime suspects together in traditional style and reveals the truth — a tale of murder, exploding marrows and a split personality...
Trivia: At the end of this story Sexton Blake purchases a country cottage.
Rating:
The Voodoo Drum THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 417 · Nov. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
THE VOODOO DRUM
by Peter Saxon (W. Howard Baker) · Illustrator: de Seta
Other content: None
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The Frightened People THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 418 · Nov. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
THE FRIGHTENED PEOPLE
by Jack Trevor Story · Illustrator: Unknown
NO TEARS FOR BELINDA
by Arthur MacLean
Other content: None
Notes: None at present.
Unrated
The House on the Bay THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 419 · Dec. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
THE HOUSE ON THE BAY
by Arthur Maclean (George Paul Mann) · Illustrator: de Seta
NO CRIME AT CHRISTMAS
by Desmond Reid · Illustrator: Margaret Higgins
Other content: Mail Bag
Notes: None at present.
Trivia: This issue introduces the Mail Bag feature. The inside back cover has a portrait of Blake and many of his friends and associates gathered at a christmas party. They include Blake, Tinker, Paula Dane, Marion Lang, Louise Pringle, Arthur Kirby and Eustace Craille plus authors Peter Saxon and W. Howard Baker (even though the former was a pen-name of the latter!), Jack Trevor Story and Arthur Maclean.
Unrated
Appointment with Danger THE SEXTON BLAKE LIBRARY · 4th series · Issue 420 · Dec. 1958 · Amalgamated Press · 10d
APPOINMENT WITH DANGER
by W. Howard Baker · Illustrator: Symeoni
A CHRISTMAS PARTY
by Anon. (W. Howard Baker) · Illustrator: Eric Parker
Other content: Mail Bag
Notes: None at present.
Trivia: This issue's back cover also holds the christmas portrait as described in the previous issue (above).
Unrated

1957  1958  1959
© Mark Hodder 2005.