I normally enjoy mysteries from this time period, but this one made me roll my eyes. The mystery was fine—lots of twists that leave the reader guessing. However, the sexism was impossible to ignore rather than easy to dismiss as part of that era—too many fainting ladies calling for help from the big strong man/narrator. It also contained the usual Anglo-centrism, which was less bearable given the other issues.
This book is set in 1892. Swift is a detective who is trying to discover who murdered the wealthy Felix Page who was famous for owning the Paternoster Ruby which he bought for $500,000 only so that his sworn enemy Alfred Fluette who was a collector of precious stones couldnt have it. Swift must figure out who the murderer is and where the Paternoster Ruby is. An old fashioned enjoyable read that keeps you guessing until the end.
✒️ This story is an evenly paced mystery that takes place in 1892. Our hero, Knowles Swift, is a 26-year-old detective who is put in charge of uncovering who killed spiteful financier, Felix Page in his mansion. This mystery is tightly written with believable dialogue and a strong plot.
📕 Published — 1910. In the public domain. 🎨 Illustrated.