The Mystery of the Mud Flats
Описание книги
The latest in a new series of classic detective stories from the vaults of HarperCollins is a thrilling mystery concerning twentieth-century pirates smuggling secret cargo across the English Channel.James Carthew-West, the penniless skipper of the Exmouth coasting vessel Luck and Charity, is chartered by a rich trader to carry unprofitable cargo to Flanders through the treacherous shallows of the Scheldt estuary and return with worthless mud ballast. His crewman Austin Voodgt, a former investigative journalist, is intent on revealing the true conspiracy behind this bizarre trade, but with each new discovery comes the growing realisation that there are lives at stake – beginning with their own.The Mystery of the Mud Flats, first published as WO2, was considered one of the most thrilling adventure stories of its time, combining a first-class mystery with the eternal lure of the sea. Introducing the Dutch maritime detective Austin Voogdt (later dubbed ‘Sherlock of the Sea’), and with its unique English Channel setting, this story of intrepid yachtsmen caught up in smuggling, espionage, and the growing menace of Germany as a military power, made truly exciting reading.This Detective Club classic is introduced by Nigel Moss, who explores how Maurice Drake’s popular seafaring novel epitomised pre-war ‘invasion literature’ and helped usher in a new genre of adventure spy fiction.
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Maurice Drake. The Mystery of the Mud Flats
Copyright
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I. CONCERNING A FOOL AND HIS MONEY
CHAPTER II. CONCERNING A STROKE OF GOOD LUCK AND AN ACT OF CHARITY
CHAPTER III. CONCERNING A COMPANY OF MERCHANT ADVENTURERS
CHAPTER IV. CONCERNING A CARGO OF POTATOES
CHAPTER V. IN THE MATTER OF A DESERTING SEAMAN
CHAPTER VI. OF A PRODIGAL’S RETURN
CHAPTER VII. CONCERNING A PENALTY FOR CURIOSITY
CHAPTER VIII. FURTHER RESULTS OF CURIOSITY
CHAPTER IX. OF CURIOSITY REWARDED
CHAPTER X. OF A PARTNERSHIP IN CRIME
CHAPTER XI. OF A LADYLIKE YOUNG PERSON
CHAPTER XII. CONCERNING THE ETHICS OF PARTNERSHIP
CHAPTER XIII. SHOWING A FOWLER IN HIS SNARE
CHAPTER XIV. OF A DIRECTORS’ MEETING
CHAPTER XV. CONCERNING MODERN MAIDENHOOD
CHAPTER XVI. OF A CONVIVIAL GATHERING
CHAPTER XVII. VOOGDT DESERTS AGAIN
CHAPTER XVIII. OF A NONDESCRIPT CREW
CHAPTER XIX. WHICH TELLS OF A WILD-GOOSE CHASE
CHAPTER XX. OF A DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP
CHAPTER XXI. OF COLLISIONS AT SEA
THE DETECTIVE STORY CLUB
About the Publisher
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‘THE DETECTIVE STORY CLUB is a clearing house for the best detective and mystery stories chosen for you by a select committee of experts. Only the most ingenious crime stories will be published under the THE DETECTIVE STORY CLUB imprint. A special distinguishing stamp appears on the wrapper and title page of every THE DETECTIVE STORY CLUB book—the Man with the Gun. Always look for the Man with the Gun when buying a Crime book.’
Wm. Collins Sons & Co. Ltd., 1929
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‘The boat isn’t fit for sea as she is,’ I explained. ‘I’ve sold all my spare stores, and shall have to pay for labour as well as fit her out. If you’re in a hurry, that is. I daresay my man and myself could get her rigged in a month or five weeks.’
‘That won’t do,’ he said. ‘I want you to get under way just as soon as you can. We’ll advance you fifty pounds. Will that be enough?’
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