Angel Esquire

In Angel Esquire by Edgar Wallace, the lines between law and lawlessness blur in a high-stakes battle of wits. The enigmatic Angel, a master thief with a moral code, finds himself entangled in a deadly duel with Scotland Yard’s sharpest detective, Inspector Jack Tarling. When a high-society murder implicates London’s elite, Angel must navigate a labyrinth of deception, blackmail, and double-crosses—all while staying one step ahead of the law. But as the game escalates, even Angel may not be prepared for the ruthless adversary lurking in the shadows. Packed with razor-sharp dialogue, breakneck twists, and Wallace’s signature flair for suspense, this classic crime thriller keeps readers guessing until the final page.

First published in 1908, Angel Esquire showcases Edgar Wallace at his most inventive, blending the cunning of a gentleman thief with the grit of a police procedural. The novel’s charismatic antihero and relentless pacing set the template for generations of crime fiction, from Raffles to Lupin. Wallace’s insider knowledge of Fleet Street journalism and criminal psychology lends the story an edge of authenticity, while his knack for atmospheric tension immerses readers in the fog-drenched underworld of Edwardian London.

A forgotten gem of early 20th-century crime fiction, Angel Esquire is a must-read for fans of clever heists, morally ambiguous protagonists, and mysteries where nothing—and no one—is as it seems. For devotees of classic thrillers or anyone who loves a rogue with a heart of gold, Wallace’s tale delivers wit, danger, and sheer entertainment in equal measure.

About the author

Edgar Wallace (1875–1932) was one of Britain’s most prolific and popular writers of the early 20th century, known for his fast-paced thrillers, detective novels, and crime stories. A former journalist and war correspondent, Wallace wrote over 170 novels and countless short stories, plays, and screenplays. His sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and memorable characters earned him a lasting legacy as a master of suspense and a pioneer of the modern thriller genre.