The Sign of Silence

<p><I>The Sign of Silence</I> (1915) is a mystery novel by Anglo-French writer William Le Queux. Published at the height of Le Queux's career as a leading author of popular thrillers <I>The Sign of Silence</I> is a story of stolen identity mystery and international crime. Using his own research and experience as a journalist and adventurer Le Queux crafts an accessible entertaining for readers in search of a literary escape. Known for his works of fiction and nonfiction on the possibility of Germany invading Britain-a paranoia common in the early twentieth century-William Le Queux also wrote dozens of thrillers and adventure novels for a dedicated public audience. Although critical acclaim eluded him popular success made him one of England's bestselling writers. In <I>The Sign of Silence</I> a man named Royle receives a late night telephone call from his friend Sir Digsby Kemsley a wealthy socialite and renowned engineer. When he arrives at his mansion in Harrington Gardens a strange air of secrecy and fear has taken over Digsby. Talking in a hurried manner he asks his old friend to adopt a disguise in order to deliver a sealed envelope to a mysterious woman then to await a call. Before he allows Royle to leave he makes him promise to remain loyal to him at all costs which the novel's hero agrees to immediately. The next day however a man claiming to be Digsby reaches out via telephone acting as though nothing had happened. As the story unfolds a manhunt is launched for the shadowy figure whose friendship has been essential to Royle's life in London and whose disappearance will shock the world. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript this edition of William Le Queux's <I>The Sign of Silence</I> is a classic thriller reimagined for modern readers.</p>