The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder by Edgar Wallace.
Chapter 1
The Poetical Policeman
Mr. J. G. Reeder begins his work at the Public Prosecutor's office by investigating the robbery and murder at the London Scottish and Midland Bank in Ealing. The night watchman, Arthur Malling, was found dead, chloroformed, and the bank manager, Lambton Green, is suspected of orchestrating the crime. Reeder, however, notices peculiar details—such as the scratches on Malling's hand and the flowers in Miss Magda Grayne's home—that suggest a more complex truth.
Chapter 2
The Treasure Hunt
Mr. J. G. Reeder is rumored among criminals to have amassed a hidden fortune through nefarious means, a legend fueled by his long career catching bank robbers and forgers. The Director of Public Prosecutions discusses Reeder's odd appearance but acknowledges his capability. Reeder recalls the threat from Lew Kohl, a forger sentenced to ten years who silently vowed to kill him. Years later, Reeder investigates Sir James Tithermite regarding his wife's suspicious drowning, while Kohl, now free, trails Reeder and discovers a notebook he believes reveals Reeder's hidden wealth. Kohl recruits Stan Bride to break into a ruined lodge where Reeder has been visiting, believing they will find the treasure.
Chapter 3
The Troupe
Mr. J. G. Reeder, working at the Public Prosecutor's office, notices a riverside cottage has been let to an American gentleman in November, which strikes him as suspicious. Meanwhile, the Canadian criminal Art Lomer, leader of a notorious troupe, arrives in London and attempts to pick Reeder's watch, only to have Reeder turn the tables and take Lomer's own stolen watch. Reeder later reports to the Director, revealing that Lomer's troupe is involved in a scheme to swindle Bertie Claude Staffen, and Reeder's investigation leads to Lomer's arrest.
Chapter 4
The Stealer of Marble
Mr. Reeder observes Margaret Belman, a pretty neighbor, and learns of her employment at Telfers Consolidated, a shaky firm run by the weak Sidney Telfer. Reeder attends a police court where a woman calling herself Mrs. Jackson is charged with stealing marble chips from a monumental mason. He investigates, discovering the banknotes used by Mrs. Jackson were issued to Telfer and given to his housekeeper, Mrs. Welford. Reeder traces Mrs. Welford's background and learns of a possible connection between Telfer's secretary, Margaret Belman, and the embezzler Billingham.
Chapter 5
Sheer Melodrama
Mr. Reeder and Margaret Belman attend a melodrama, after which Reeder reflects on the idealism of such plays. They are kidnapped by Ras Lal, who seeks revenge, and are taken to a factory. Tommy Fenalow arrives, but Reeder has already freed himself and holds the upper hand.
Chapter 6
The Green Mamba
Mr. Reeder orchestrates the arrest of Marylou Plessy for sending poisoned chocolates, leading to her conviction. Mo Liski, her lover and a powerful gang leader, threatens Reeder and is briefly imprisoned for intimidation. Upon release, Liski plots revenge while managing his criminal empire, including a deal involving the Nine Emeralds. Reeder, aware of the threat, remains cautious but refuses police protection after Liski's release, confident in his own abilities.
Chapter 7
The Strange Case
Mr. Reeder investigates the murder of Lord Sellington, who was poisoned with aconitine after a heated argument with his nephew, Harry Carlin. The case involves a forged letter, a burnt will, and a complex web of deception. Reeder's past experience with the swindler Willie Eiter proves crucial, as he identifies Eiter as the true culprit behind the forgery and murder, leading to the arrest of Mr. Lassard, who is revealed to be Eiter.
Chapter 8
The Investors
Mr. Reeder receives a letter infected with scarlet fever from the vengeful Ike Walker, delivered by an ex-convict named Mills. He later discusses a series of mysterious disappearances with the Public Prosecutor, revealing that twenty-seven people have vanished after receiving monthly dividends from a fraudulent investment scheme. Reeder suspects they were murdered, and the scheme is linked to a house in Dulwich. He also meets Miss Margaret Belman, who mentions her monthly dividends, leading Reeder to connect her to the case. The chapter ends with the Prosecutor questioning Reeder's personal interest in Miss Belman.
Chapter 9
Endnotes
This chapter contains endnotes for the book, including a definition of 'Slush' as forged Bank of England notes.