Hamilton Cleek Detective Stories

The sound came again—so unmistakably, this time, the sound of a footstep in the soft, squashy ooze on the Heath, there could be no question regarding the nature of it. Miss Lorne came to an instant standstill and clutched her belongings closer to her with a shake and a quiver; and a swift prickle of goose-flesh ran round her shoulders and up and down the backs of her hands. There was good, brave blood in her, it is true; but good, brave blood isn't much to fall back upon if you happen to be a girl without escort, carrying a hand-bag containing twenty-odd pounds in money, several bits of valuable jewellery—your whole earthly possessions, in fact—and have lost your way on Hampstead Heath at half-past eight o'clock at night, with a spring fog shutting you in like a wall and shutting out everything else but a "mackerel" collection of clouds that looked like grey smudges on the greasy-silver of a twilit sky. She looked round, but she could see nothing and nobody. The Heath was a white waste that might have been part of the scenery in Lapland for all there was to tell that it lay within reach of the heart and pulse of the sluggish leviathan London. Over it the vapours of night crowded, an almost palpable wall of thick, wet mist, stirred now and again by some atmospheric movement which could scarcely be called a wind, although, at times, it drew long, lacey filaments above the level of the denser mass of fog and melted away with them into the calm, still upper air. Miss Lorne hesitated between two very natural impulses—to gather up her skirts and run, or to stand her ground and demand an explanation from the person who was undoubtedly following her. She chose the latter. "Who is there? Why are you following me? What do you want?" she flung out, keeping her voice as steady as the hard, sharp hammering of her heart would permit....

Thomas W. Hanshew was an actor and writer who wrote detective stories featuring Hamilton Cleek, "the man of the forty faces" who was skillfully able to disguise himself. Cleek was a British detective who works with Scotland Yard on cases.

'Cleek of Scotland Yard: Detective Stories' is a mystery novel written by Thomas W. Hanshew. It revolves around a character who was a consulting detective named "Hamilton Cleek". He was a reformed thief now working for law enforcement. Cleek is known as "the man of the forty faces" for his incredible skill at disguise.

This carefully crafted ebook: "DETECTIVE HAMILTON CLEEK MYSTERIES – 8 Thriller Classics in One Premium Edition" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. Hamilton Cleek is a consulting detective and also known as "the man of the forty faces" for his incredible skill at disguise. Cleek is himself a reformed criminal and now helps Inspector Narkom of Scotland Yard in solving crimes in Clarges Street, London. The Cleek mysteries were originally published as individual short stories but were later compiled into separate books. Content: Cleek, the Master Detective; or The Man of the Forty Faces Cleek of Scotland Yard Cleek's Government Cases The Riddle of the Night The Riddle of the Purple Emperor The Riddle of the Frozen Flame The Riddle of the Mysterious Light The Riddle of the Spinning Wheel "For of a sudden, through a break in the traffic, a scudding figure had sprung into sight. It was the figure of a man in a gray frock-coat and a shining 'topper,' a well-groomed, well-set-up man, with a small, turned-up moustache and hair of a peculiar reddish shade. As he swung into sight, the distant whistle shrilled again; far off in the distance voices sent up cries of 'Head him off!' 'Stop that man!' . . ." (Excerpt) Hamilton Cleek is a consulting detective and also known as "the man of the forty faces" for his incredible skill at disguise. Cleek is himself a reformed criminal and now helps Inspector Narkom of Scotland Yard in solving crimes in Clarges Street, London. The Cleek mysteries were originally published as individual short stories but were later compiled into separate books. Thomas W. Hanshew (1857-1914) was an American author best known for his Hamilton Cleek Detective Series, written in collaboration with his wife, Mary E. Hanshew (1852-1927).

Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent at Scotland Yard, flung aside the paper he was reading and wheeled round in his revolving desk-chair, all alert on the instant, like a terrier that scents a rat. Meet Hamilton Cleek: former criminal, lost heir to the throne of a small European country, and now the suave private detective who consults with Scotland Yard. On top of that, he has the remarkable ability to change the features on his face, making him a brilliant undercover operative. "Introducing Hamilton Cleek, the forty-faced, elusive cracksman, in the last of the impudent, highly skillful and distressingly successful raids which have long exasperated London and baffled Scotland Yard. Henceforth Cleek is to make other but equally fascinating use of his genius. Now, however, he is at his old, uncanny tricks, displaying all the marvelous wit and resource which characterize this inimitably versatile hero." -The Pittsburgh Press - Oct 4, 1914

What would you do if you had the power to change your appearance any time you wished? That's the unusual ability that Hamilton Cleek exploited to become one of the most formidable thieves in history. But when the crook falls head-over-heels in love, he renounces his life as a criminal and becomes one of Scotland Yard's top detectives. If Sherlock Holmes is a bit too stuffy for your taste, you'll love the quirky detective at the heart of Cleek: The Man of the Forty Faces.

"Cleek: The Man of the Forty Faces" is an enthralling detective novel written by Thomas W. Hanshew. This book introduces readers to the enigmatic and cunning character of Hamilton Cleek, a master of disguise and deduction. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows Cleek as he takes on a series of baffling cases, showcasing his remarkable abilities to solve intricate mysteries. With a quick wit and a knack for transforming his appearance, Cleek becomes a formidable force against crime. As the plot unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of suspense, as Cleek navigates through a world of treachery, secrets, and unexpected twists. Hanshew's vivid storytelling and clever plotting create a thrilling atmosphere, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. "Cleek: The Man of the Forty Faces" is a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction, offering a compelling mix of intrigue, suspense, and the ingenious exploits of a truly memorable character.

Hamilton Cleek is a consulting detective and also known as "the man of the forty faces" for his incredible skill at disguise. Cleek is himself a reformed criminal and now helps Inspector Narkom of Scotland Yard in solving crimes in Clarges Street, London. The Cleek mysteries were originally published as individual short stories but were later compiled into separate books. Content: The Riddle of the Night The Riddle of the Purple Emperor The Riddle of the Frozen Flame The Riddle of the Mysterious Light The Riddle of the Spinning Wheel "There was a moment of something like absolute confusion, for mist and darkness enveloped both the road and the Common, and none of the three could see anything from the windows of the car which might decide whether they had collided with some obstruction or were hovering upon the brink of some dangerous and unexpected pitfall . . ." (Excerpt from "The Riddle of the Night") Thomas W. Hanshew (1857-1914) was an American author best known for his Hamilton Cleek Detective Series, written in collaboration with his wife, Mary E. Hanshew (1852-1927).