The Daffodil Mystery

UK: Ward, Lock & Co , 1920. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. Very Good/Fine. The Daffodil Mystery by Edgar Wallace First Edition Ward, Lock & Co 1920. No previous owner's name inscriptions or marks. No foxing to contents or edges. Covers are VG and showing only the lightest signs of wear. No darkening to spine. In a fine later state dust jacket with publisher's printed price of 2/6. The Daffodil Mystery by Edgar Wallace is a suspenseful mystery novel set in England at the turn of the 20th century. The story follows Inspector Jack Tarling, a detective who has recently returned to London from China, as he investigates the murder of Thornton Lyne, a wealthy shop owner. Lyne is found dead in the park, with a single daffodil on his chest. His cashier, Odette Rider, is the prime suspect, as she had recently been fired by Lyne after rejecting his advances. However, Tarling is convinced that Odette is innocent, and he sets out to find the real killer. Tarling's investigation leads him to a cast of colorful characters, including Lyne's business partner, his cousin, and a mysterious woman who claims to have seen the murder. Tarling must use all of his skills and experience to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. Along the way, Tarling falls in love with Odette, and he is determined to prove her innocence. He eventually discovers that the killer is Lyne's business partner, who was blackmailing Lyne and killed him when Lyne threatened to expose him. The Daffodil Mystery is a well-written and suspenseful mystery novel. Wallace does a masterful job of creating a cast of memorable characters and a plot that is full of twists and turns. The novel is also a good example of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, with its focus on logical deduction and fair play.