# I explained — The Clue of the Twisted Candle

> Chapter companion for The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

John Lexman hosts Remington Kara for dinner at Beston Priory. Kara discusses his admiration for Lexman's mystery novels and his own ability to solve them. Lexman mentions his friend T. X. Meredith of the CID. After dinner, Lexman reveals his financial troubles with the moneylender Vassalaro, who has threatened him. Kara advises Lexman to use a revolver to intimidate Vassalaro. Grace Lexman, who had a prior unsettling encounter with Kara in Salonika, expresses her fear of him to John.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearances

Kara's charming exterior masks his manipulative nature; Lexman lies to Grace about his plans.

### Wealth and Power

Kara's wealth and influence contrast with Lexman's financial struggles; Vassalaro's power as a moneylender threatens Lexman.

### Fear and Control

Grace's fear of Kara; Kara's advice to use a revolver to control Vassalaro; Lexman's anxiety over debt.

## Character check-ins

### John Lexman

Hosts Kara for dinner; discusses his mystery novels and financial troubles with Vassalaro; lies to Grace about his reason for going out.

### Mr. Kara

Dinner guest; admires Lexman's novels but claims he can solve them early; advises Lexman to use a revolver against Vassalaro; reveals past romantic interest in Grace.

### Grace Lexman

Feels a premonition of evil during dinner; expresses fear of Kara to John; recalls meeting Kara in Salonika two years prior.

### T. X. Meredith

Mentioned by Lexman as a friend from Caius and a member of the Criminal Investigation Department.

### Mr. Vassalaro

Moneylender who has threatened Lexman over a debt of £2,500; described by Kara as a coward.

## Key lines

> There is a great criminal lost in you, Lexman.

Kara tells Lexman that his skill at plotting mysteries would have made him a successful criminal.

_Kara compliments Lexman's ingenuity while hinting at a darker potential._

> I have seen a side of Mr. Kara that is not particularly beautiful.

Grace reveals to John that she has witnessed an unpleasant aspect of Kara's character.

_Grace's fear of Kara stems from a past encounter in Salonika._

> If you meet his melodrama with melodrama and at the psychological moment produce your revolver; you will secure the effect you require.

Kara advises Lexman to intimidate Vassalaro by brandishing a revolver.

_Kara suggests using theatrical threats to handle the moneylender._

## Links

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