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Sexton Blake: Dawn of a Legend


Welcome to the dawn of a legend.

From the pages of The Union Jack comes this essential collection of the detective stories that launched one of popular fiction’s most enduring characters: Sexton Blake. Follow Blake from his humble beginnings as a young law clerk to his rise as London's premier consulting detective, accompanied by his loyal assistant Tinker—the "orphaned waif and stray" who would become his greatest partner.

In these foundational adventures, discover:

Cunning Against Skill - The landmark story that introduces Tinker and finds Blake caught in his own web of deception when he goes undercover to investigate a theft, only to be framed for murder.

The Mystery of the Hilton Royal - A Christmas tale of mistaken identity, blackmail, and deadly secrets that takes Blake from a storm-lashed English mansion to the exotic dangers of Morocco.

Sexton Blake's First Case - The origin story that reveals how an 18-year-old office clerk became a master detective, featuring masked women, criminal families, and a dark secret that could destroy a war hero.

From Clue to Climax - Blake infiltrates the sinister League of the Crimson Circle, a formidable gang of high-society criminals.

The Ocean Detective - A maritime mystery inspired by the legendary Marie Celeste, taking Blake from the Mediterranean to a deadly game of cat and mouse on the high seas.

First published in 1904 and 1905 these are the stories that put Blake on the road to international fame and popularity. They established his residence on Baker Street, introduced his most famous assistant, and set the template for countless adventures to come—solving impossible crimes, escaping death traps, and always staying one step ahead of London's most dangerous criminals.



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★★★★★ “Genuine good fiction, carefully thought out and written from the first line to the last with vigour and 'go.'” —The Skipper, The Union Jack, #52 1904

Cunning Against Skill
★★★★☆ “The introduction of Tinker is excellent—in that the chemistry of the partnership is there straight away.” Mark Hodder, Sexton Blake Bibliography, Blakiana

Sexton Blake's First Case
★★★☆☆ “Blake's deductive methods are described in great detail during this tale and he can certainly rival Sherlock Holmes. As an 'origins' tale, this works quite well.” Mark Hodder, Sexton Blake Bibliography, Blakiana

From Clue to Climax
★★★★☆ Mark Hodder, Sexton Blake Bibliography, Blakiana

The Ocean Detective
★★★★★ "A superbly written and consistently thrilling adventure, this has a great deal to recommend it.” Mark Hodder, Sexton Blake Bibliography, Blakiana

Imprint ROH Press Great Detectives and Master Criminals
Published 01/03/2021
ISBN 978-1-987886-69-6
Length 600 pages
Great Detectives & Master Criminals
Sexton Blake: The Early Years
Sexton Blake: The Answers Casebook
Sexton Blake: Friends and Allies
Sexton Blake: The Master Criminals
Sexton Blake: The Yvonne Cartier Files, Volume 1 (The Vengeance Series Part 1)
Sexton Blake: The Yvonne Cartier Files, Volume 2 (The Vengeance Series Part 2)
Sexton Blake: The Teed Files #1
Sexton Blake: The Teed Files #2
Sexton Blake: The Teed Files #3
Sexton Blake and Nelson Lee
Nelson Lee: The Black Wolf Files
Nelson Lee: The Pluck Casebook
Nelson Lee: The Landmark Cases
Moriarty’s Rivals: 12 Female Masterminds
Miss Brandt: Adventuress

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