Anthony Trent Master Criminal by Wyndham

“Anthony Trent Master Criminal”

is a novel by Wyndham Martyn, originally published in 1918. The book follows the exploits of the eponymous character, Anthony Trent, a master criminal who is renowned for his cunning and intelligence.

The novel is set in London, where Trent has gained a reputation as a notorious criminal who has evaded capture by the police for years. However, despite his success in crime, Trent is not motivated by wealth or power. Instead, he is driven by a desire for adventure and the challenge of outwitting the authorities.

As the novel begins, Trent is approached by a wealthy businessman named Mark McGill, who offers him a job. McGill wants Trent to steal a valuable painting from a rival art dealer, and promises to pay him a large sum of money for the job. Trent is initially hesitant to take on the job, as he is not interested in stealing for profit. However, when he learns that the painting in question is a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, he is intrigued by the challenge and decides to take the job.

Trent’s plan to steal the painting is complex and involves a series of intricate maneuvers. He poses as a wealthy art collector and gains the trust of the rival art dealer, who invites him to view the painting in question. Trent then drugs the dealer’s butler and swaps the painting with a convincing forgery. He manages to escape with the real painting, but not before being spotted by a suspicious neighbor.

The theft of the painting sets in motion a series of events that leads to Trent being pursued by the police. Despite the efforts of Detective-Sergeant Murch and his team, Trent manages to evade capture and continues to carry out daring robberies, always staying one step ahead of the law.

However, Trent’s luck eventually runs out when he falls in love with a woman named Lady Jim. She is the wife of a wealthy aristocrat, and Trent becomes obsessed with the idea of stealing a valuable necklace that she owns. His plan to steal the necklace is thwarted by Lady Jim, who has suspected his true identity all along.

The novel ends with Trent being apprehended by the police and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. However, his reputation as a master criminal lives on, and he is remembered as one of the most brilliant and daring thieves of his time.

“Anthony Trent Master Criminal” is a classic novel of the crime genre that has influenced many other works of fiction. It is notable for its complex plot, intricate character development, and the clever and daring exploits of its protagonist. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction and is interested in the psychology of criminals.