Edgar Wallace

The Law of the Four Just men Edgar Wallace

Publisher Marketing: The idea of a small organization of highly idealistic and motivated vigilantes who go about rectifying injustices in society which are beyond the reach of Law is not new. Indeed, many crime authors over the centuries have explored this theme in many different ways. In Edgar Wallace's Four Just Men series, four highly respectable gentlemen from the cream of society come together in a common cause to correct (if possible) injustices in society or if the injustice has already been perpetrated, punish those who were responsible for them. "The Law of the Four Just Men" features just two of the four (one being retired and the other dead) and is a collection of whimsical short stories which feature the Just Men taking on conventional law-breakers as well as immoral men who commit or are about to perpetrate crimes or worse facilitate acts which are legal in themselves but end up ruining innocent lives. Despicable blackmailers, conscienceless money-lenders, owners of gambling houses and opium-dens, a mad scientist who has an irrational hatred of earthworms with plans of exterminating them and common-or-garden murderers who kill for gain all fall under the radar of George Manfred and Leon Gonsalez. Each story is gripping in its own way, but unlike the usual Edgar Wallace crime novels, none of them have elements of mystery or suspense. The only anticipation created is the method of punishment adopted by the Just Men and how they eventually prevent injustice and/or avenge the victims.