The Looker-on: Restored Classics to Go Edition
Aug 2026 · Otbebookpublishing
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361
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About this ebook
In Fleet Street's glittering, ruthless world of newspapers, Victor Keene is a young reporter with a nose for scandal and a secret love for Daisy Marvin, the editor's ambitious daughter turned music-hall performer. Over late-night talks in Gray's Inn with his celebrated friend Julian Little, a world-traveling correspondent of dazzling reputation and hidden sorrow, Victor reflects on journalism's dangers, ambition, and the uneasy balance between public success and private loss. But the conversation soon turns to a baffling case that has London enthralled: a deserted house at Barnes, where a constable finds signs of hidden occupation, a secret telegraph apparatus, and the body of a murdered young woman. As Victor and Julian probe the mystery, the evidence grows stranger—a silent second woman, a forged press message, a photograph linked to Frederick Stonor, and a witness who claims the dead girl was already dead when he saw her. Scotland Yard enters the search, Inspector Whitlock senses Julian knows more than he admits, and the trail leads toward Scarborough amid mounting dread. Against this web of espionage, concealed identities, and fatal secrecy, Victor's troubled meetings with Daisy add a second tension: love, suspicion, and the fear that the truth may cost him both his career and his heart. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.
In Fleet Street's glittering, ruthless world of newspapers, Victor Keene is a young reporter with a nose for scandal and a secret love for Daisy Marvin, the editor's ambitious daughter turned music-hall performer. Over late-night talks in Gray's Inn with his celebrated friend Julian Little, a wor...
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About the author
William Le Queux (1864-1927) was a British author, journalist, and adventurer whose prolific output and sensational storytelling left an indelible mark on early 20th-century literature. Born in London to a French father and an English mother, Le Queux's cosmopolitan upbringing and insatiable curiosity fueled his writing career. His works often blurred the lines between fiction and reality, captivating readers with tales of espionage, international intrigue, and looming threats of war.Le Queux's most notable contribution to literature is his pioneering role in the spy novel genre. His vivid imagination and knack for weaving intricate plots predated and influenced the likes of John Buchan and Ian Fleming. His works, such as "The Great War in England in 1897" and "The Invasion of 1910," played on contemporary fears of foreign invasion, reflecting and shaping public sentiment during a time of geopolitical tension.A master of self-promotion, Le Queux often claimed to have inside knowledge of government secrets and espionage activities, a tactic that both intrigued and alarmed his readers. His controversial assertions and the sensational nature of his writing sometimes drew skepticism and criticism, but they also ensured his lasting popularity.Le Queux was not just a writer of fiction; he was also a fervent patriot and an early advocate for national preparedness. His works often carried a didactic tone, urging vigilance and readiness in the face of potential threats. This blend of entertainment and advocacy made his novels more than just thrilling reads; they were calls to action that resonated with a generation on the brink of global conflict.In an era where the boundaries between fact and fiction were increasingly porous, William Le Queux stood out as a figure who deftly navigated both realms, leaving a legacy that continues to influence the spy genre and the way we think about national security.
William Le Queux (1864-1927) was a British author, journalist, and adventurer whose prolific output and sensational storytelling left an indelible mark on early 20th-century literature. Born in London to a French father and an English mother, Le Queux's cosmopolitan upbringing and insatiable curi...
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