Lord Lister No. 0312: In De Klauwen Van Een Woekeraar
1910
A detective novel presumably written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the enigmatic gentleman thief, Lord William Aberdeen, also known as John Raffles, and his companion Charly Brand. Their adventures unfold as they confront criminal elements in London, particularly targeting the vile loan shark Stephen Ross, who has nefarious plans that put the lives of others at risk. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Raffles and Charly as they share a quiet dinner, reflecting on their recent escapades and the threatening presence of Dr. Fox, a notorious criminal mastermind. They quickly discover alarming news about the escape of Dr. Fox, which compounds their unease, and later hear distressing updates regarding the fate of Robert Spencer, who faces dire circumstances due to his financial troubles with Ross. This opening sets the stage for a gripping tale of crime, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of justice, while hinting at personal stakes involving friendship and loyalty as Raffles prepares to take action against those who exploit others.
