I picked up this Edgar Wallace novel expecting a standard crime yarn, but what I got was a surprisingly warm and frantic adventure that's part mystery, part family drama.

The Story

Kate Westhanger is a sharp, independent woman making her own way in London. Her life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly becomes responsible for ten children from her late brother's circus troupe. Just as she's figuring out how to manage this sudden, noisy family, she learns a dangerous secret. A fortune in stolen diamonds is hidden somewhere in the big, rambling house they all now live in. The thieves who lost the gems are hot on their trail, determined to tear the place apart to find them. Kate has to use all her street smarts and courage to outwit the criminals, protect her ten new charges, and uncover the treasure before it's too late. The clock is ticking from the moment you start reading.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Kate herself. She's a fantastic, ahead-of-her-time heroine. She doesn't wait to be rescued; she's the one boarding up windows and setting clever traps. The relationship she builds with the ten kids—each with their own little personality—is the heart of the story. It’s not just about the treasure hunt; it’s about this makeshift family pulling together in a crisis. Wallace writes with a fantastic energy. The chapters are short, the dialogue snaps, and the suspense builds in a way that makes it very hard to put down. It’s a reminder that classic thrillers can be both exciting and genuinely heartfelt.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves a good, old-fashioned page-turner. If you enjoy the pacing of early 20th-century mysteries or stories with resourceful, underdog heroes (or heroines!), you'll have a blast. It's also a great, non-scary gateway into classic crime fiction. Think of it as a cozy mystery with higher stakes and a lot more action. 'Kate Plus 10' is a delightful, speedy read that proves a thrilling plot and a big heart aren't mutually exclusive.