Sexton Blake: The Carlac Files #3 (The Master Criminals #5)

Synopsis:
“I like to pit my wits against this fool world and see which of us comes off best. I have been within an ace of making a fortune several times, and only the run of the luck which sent one across my path has prevented me from gaining my end. But I have patience, and some day the luck will turn.” Count Ivor Carlac, The Case of the Suffragette Raid, 1913

Cunning, unscrupulous and merciless, Count Ivor Carlac was one of Sexton Blake’s greatest foes, and the second master criminal to match wits with the famed detective. He made his debut in September 1912, perhaps in response to the popular tales featuring master criminal George Marsden Plummer, (Check out Sexton Blake; The First Super Villains) and instantly became a fan favourite, appearing in five tales by year’s end. After a three-year solo career, he teamed up with master criminal Professor Francis Kew in 1915. (Check out Sexton Blake: The Kew Files for more on the professor’s early career.) The two would often work together over the next 25 years, making their final appearance in The Fatal Fortune in 1939. In all Count Ivor Carlac appeared in 46 adventures.

Author Spotlight

Andrew Nicholas Murray (1880-1927) was a British author and former army officer. He wrote his first Sexton Blake tale in 1911, debuting in Union Jack #388 with Sexton Blake, Boxing Trainer. Murray was a very prolific writer, and was the second Blake author to publish a hundred tales featuring the great detective. He created several memorable master criminals including Count Ivor Carlac, Professor Francis Kew, Count Bonali, the Owl as well as popular Blake allies The Honorable John Lawless, Humble Begge, and Trouble Nantucket. He was renowned for his “smooth, cheerful, light-hearted style” and his tales were highly prized by Blake collectors throughout the last century.

This third Carlac anthology collects the last five tales of his solo career: It includes: A Rogue at Large, The Wandering Baronet, The Sugar Planter’s Secret, The Case of the Suffragette Raid, and The Ex-Convict’s Secret. Enjoy!