# The Clue of the Twisted Candle explained — The Clue of the Twisted Candle

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

## What happens

T. X. Meredith arranges for John Lexman to deliver a lecture titled 'The Clue of the Twisted Candle' at Belinda Mary Bartholomew's rented house in Blackheath, where Lexman promises to reveal the murderer of Remington Kara. Meanwhile, T. X. investigates a knife found in a sewer, tracing it to Hussein Effendi, a Turkish merchant from Durazzo. The Turk confirms the knife is his but refuses to speak about the murder, citing fatalistic wisdom. T. X. also receives a telegram from the Foreign Office confirming Hussein Effendi's identity and movements.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mystery and Detection

T. X. methodically traces the murder weapon to its owner, while Lexman prepares to reveal the solution to Kara's murder.

### Deception and Appearances

The Turk's calm demeanor and cryptic statements contrast with the violent crime, suggesting hidden truths.

## Character check-ins

### T. X. Meredith

Arranges Lexman's lecture location and interrogates Hussein Effendi about the murder weapon.

### John Lexman

Agrees to lecture at Belinda Mary's house, promising to reveal the killer's identity.

### Belinda Mary Bartholomew

Requests that Lexman lecture at her rented Blackheath house and is added to the guest list.

### Hussein Effendi

Brought from Paris to identify the knife; confirms ownership but refuses to divulge details about the murder.

### The Tall Turk

Identified as Hussein Effendi; remains impassive during interrogation.

### Mr. Kara

Referenced as the murder victim; the Turk calls him 'the Black Roman' and 'the Greek.'

## Key lines

> There is no clearer brain being employed in the business of criminal detection than John Lexman's.

T. X. praises Lexman's intellect, claiming no one is better at solving crimes.

_T. X. expresses high regard for Lexman's detective abilities._

> With this weapon a murder was committed in this town.

T. X. states that the knife was used in a local murder.

_T. X. confronts the Turk with the murder weapon._

> The wicked must die in the habitations of the just, by the weapons of the worthy shall the wicked perish.

The Turk quotes a proverb suggesting that evil people are killed by righteous means in righteous places.

_The Turk uses a philosophical saying to avoid incriminating himself._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_twisted_candle_se/chapters/xix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_twisted_candle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_clue_of_the_twisted_candle_se/chapters