Kate Plus Ten

Kate Plus Ten follows the story of Kate Wasthanger, an eighteen-year-old criminal mastermind operating in early 20th century Britain. The colonel's niece leads a double life, orchestrating sophisticated heists while maintaining her place in society. Scotland Yard finds itself challenged by a series of escalating crimes that leave no trace of their perpetrator. The pursuit intensifies as Kate and her team of ten accomplices execute increasingly ambitious schemes, including the theft of an entire railway goods train. The novel moves between the drawing rooms of proper society and the underground world of organized crime. The authorities' growing frustration mounts as they attempt to gather evidence against this elusive young woman who seems to stay one step ahead. The book explores themes of class, identity, and the thin line between genius and criminality in Edwardian Britain. Wallace constructs a complex examination of how social expectations and individual ambition can collide in unexpected ways.

Limited reader reviews exist online for this lesser-known Wallace novel. Available reviews indicate readers found it a straightforward crime caper that lacks the depth of Wallace's more popular works. Readers appreciated: - Fast-paced plot - The main character Kate's cleverness - Period details of 1920s British railways - Concise storytelling style Criticism focused on: - Predictable plot developments - Flat supporting characters - Unrealistic romance elements Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (17 ratings, 2 reviews) Amazon UK: No current reviews Internet Archive: 2 reader comments noting it as "a light read" and "typical Wallace fare" Few readers discussed this title online compared to Wallace's other works. Several mentioned reading it as part of exploring Wallace's complete bibliography rather than it being specifically recommended.

The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White A woman discovers a conspiracy aboard a train when a fellow passenger disappears without a trace, leading to a chase across Europe with elements of mystery and romance.

Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon Stranded train passengers seek shelter in an empty country house during a snowstorm, where they uncover clues to an old murder.

The Rome Express by Arthur Griffiths A murder on a luxury train from Paris to Rome turns every passenger into a suspect as a detective works to solve the crime before the journey ends.

The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie A young woman stumbles upon a criminal plot involving diamonds and follows the trail from London to South Africa.

The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers Two British yachtsmen uncover a German plot while sailing through the North Sea, combining adventure with espionage.

🔍 The book spawned two film adaptations - a silent version in 1917 and a talkie remake in 1938, both produced by British studios. 🚂 The novel's climactic train heist was inspired by real railway crimes that plagued British railways during WWI. ✍️ Edgar Wallace wrote Kate Plus Ten in just three days, a feat typical of his legendary speed - he could produce a full novel in under a week. 👑 The character of Kate Wasthanger helped establish the "criminal mastermind" archetype in British crime fiction, particularly for female antagonists. 🎭 Wallace drew from his experience as a crime reporter for the Daily Mail to create authentic details about police procedures and criminal methods in the novel.