에드가 월러스의 공포의 요새

Terror keep by Edgar Wallace

에드가 월러스(Edgar Wallace) 지음

디즈비즈북스 2025년 09월 29일 출간

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영어로 읽는 고전 _ 에드가 월러스의 공포의 요새
에드가 월러스의 《공포의 요새》는 20세기 초에 쓰인 소설입니다. 이야기는 수수께끼 같은 범죄자 존 플랙, 범죄자 정신병원에서의 그의 탈출, 그리고 그의 궤도에 끌려든 다양한 인물들, 특히 탐정 J. G. 리더와 시골에서 새로운 삶을 추구하는 젊은 여성 마가렛 벨만을 중심으로 전개됩니다. 이 책은 범죄, 서스펜스, 미스터리의 요소들을 혼합하며, 플랙의 뛰어난 범죄적 두뇌와 그것이 그와 연결된 사람들에게 가하는 위험에 초점을 맞춥니다.《공포의 요새》의 도입부는 브로드무어 범죄자 정신병원에 수감되어 범죄에 관한 백과사전적 저서들을 쓰며 시간을 보내는 악명 높고 교활한 범죄자 존 플랙을 소개합니다. 폭력과 복수의 약속으로 특징지어진 플랙의 탈출 후, 서사는 외딴 곳에 있는 기이한 라름스 킵에서 비서직을 얻는 마가렛 벨만으로 이동합니다. 분위기는 불안으로 가득합니다. 마가렛은 사악한 조지 라비니의 원치 않는 관심, 하숙집 주변의 신비한 사건들, 그리고 배경에 있는 플랙의 음침한 존재와 맞서야 합니다. 보호적이면서도 괴팍한 탐정 J. G. 리더는 플랙의 갱단이 재집결하고 오래된 복수가 다시 떠오르면서 마가렛의 안전을 걱정합니다. 이러한 도입 장들은 복잡한 인물 관계망을 확립하며, 위험, 음모, 그리고 플랙의 임박한 범죄 계획의 그림자를 암시합니다.

Classics Read in English _ Terror keep by Edgar Wallace
Edgar Wallace's "Terror Keep" stands as a compelling early 20th-century thriller that weaves together psychological suspense and criminal intrigue through the menacing figure of John Flack, a brilliant but dangerous mastermind whose influence extends far beyond the walls of his confinement. The narrative explores the ripple effects of criminal genius on innocent lives, particularly focusing on how Flack's calculated malevolence threatens those who cross his path.The story begins within the confines of Broadmoor Criminal Asylum, where Flack has been channeling his twisted intellect into comprehensive studies of criminal methodology. His violent breakout serves as a catalyst for events that will entangle multiple lives in his web of vengeance. The focus then shifts to Margaret Belman's arrival at the isolated Larmes Keep, where she hopes to find peaceful employment as a secretary.However, the remote location proves anything but sanctuary. Margaret finds herself caught between the predatory advances of the menacing George Ravini and increasingly disturbing incidents that suggest sinister forces at work. The boarding house atmosphere grows progressively more threatening as mysterious events unfold around her.Meanwhile, the methodical Detective J. G. Reeder recognizes the mounting danger as Flack's criminal network begins to reassemble. His protective instincts regarding Margaret intensify as he realizes that old scores are being settled and new threats are emerging. Wallace establishes a narrative framework where multiple storylines converge, creating an atmosphere of mounting dread as Flack's revenge plot slowly takes shape.

목차

Contents
CHAPTER I. There were two subjects
CHAPTER II. George Ravini was not an unpleasant-looking
CHAPTER III. An interesting man
CHAPTER IV. The policeman who stood on the corner
CHAPTER V. Mr. Reeder sat at his ease
CHAPTER VI. To do Ravini justice
CHAPTER VII. When a nimble old man dropped
CHAPTER VIII. London heard the news of John Flack’s escape
CHAPTER IX. The point is
CHAPTER X. For a moment
CHAPTER XI. Mr. Reeder closed the door
CHAPTER XII. Mr. Reeder was in his room
CHAPTER XIII. At the last moment
CHAPTER XIV. Her head in a whirl
CHAPTER XV. Mr. Reeder was not an emotional man
CHAPTER XVI. When Margaret Belman recovered consciousness
CHAPTER XVII. It seemed an eternity
CHAPTER XVIII. J. G. Reeder came downstairs
CHAPTER XIX. In an instant the air was filled
CHAPTER XX. He stood, holding the half-swooning girl
CHAPTER XXI. Miss Margaret Belman decided to

책 속으로

There were two subjects which irritated the mind of Margaret Belman as the Southern Express carried her towards Selford Junction and the branch-line train which crawled from the junction to Siltbury. The first of these was, not unnaturally, the drastic changes she now contemplated, and the effect they already had had upon Mr. J. G. Reeder, that mild and middle-aged man.
When she had announced that she was seeking a post in the country, he might at least have shown some evidence of regret: a certain glumness would have been appropriate at any rate. Instead he had brightened visibly at the prospect.
“I am afraid I shan’t be able to come to London very often,” she had said.
“That is good news,” said Mr. Reeder, and added some banality about the value of periodical changes of air and the beauty of getting near to nature. In fact, he had been more cheerful than he had been for a week, which was rather exasperating.

출판사 서평

서평(Book Review)
에드가 월러스의 《공포의 요새》는 심리적 서스펜스와 범죄 스릴러가 절묘하게 결합된 수작이다. 존 플랙이라는 매력적이면서도 위험한 악역을 중심으로, 천재적 범죄자의 영향력이 무고한 사람들에게 미치는 파괴적 결과를 효과적으로 그려낸다. 월러스는 브로드무어 정신병원이라는 설정을 통해 범죄 심리학에 대한 흥미로운 통찰을 제공한다.
마가렛 벨만의 라름스 킵 도착과 J.G. 리더 탐정의 보호 본능을 통해 선악의 대립이 명확하게 드러난다. 특히 조지 라비니라는 캐릭터가 만들어내는 위협적 분위기와 하숙집을 둘러싼 신비로운 사건들이 긴장감을 효과적으로 조성한다.
월러스 특유의 복잡한 플롯 구성과 다층적 인물 관계가 돋보이며, 복수라는 고전적 주제를 현대적 감각으로 재해석한 점이 인상적이다. 다만 일부 캐릭터의 행동 동기가 다소 예측 가능한 면이 있다. 그럼에도 이 작품은 범죄소설의 심리적 깊이와 서스펜스의 완벽한 균형을 보여주는 흥미진진한 스릴러다.

Edgar Wallace's "Terror Keep" represents a masterful synthesis of psychological thriller and criminal suspense that showcases the author's ability to create genuinely menacing antagonists. The character of John Flack stands as one of Wallace's most compelling villains—a criminal mastermind whose intellectual brilliance makes him exponentially more dangerous than typical lawbreakers.
The novel's strength lies in its multi-layered narrative structure that effectively builds tension through parallel storylines. Wallace's portrayal of Broadmoor Criminal Asylum and Flack's scholarly approach to criminology adds intellectual depth to what could have been simple sensationalism. The contrast between Flack's academic pursuits and his violent nature creates fascinating psychological complexity.
Margaret Belman's storyline at Larmes Keep provides an effective counterpoint to the criminal machinations, with her vulnerability serving to heighten the sense of impending danger. The atmospheric description of the remote boarding house and the sinister presence of George Ravini contribute to the novel's gothic undertones.
Detective J. G. Reeder emerges as a worthy protector whose eccentric personality masks sharp investigative instincts. Wallace skillfully uses Reeder's protective concern for Margaret to drive the narrative forward while building suspense around Flack's gathering criminal network.
While some plot elements may feel familiar to contemporary readers versed in crime fiction, the novel's exploration of criminal psychology and the corrupting influence of genius remains compelling. "Terror Keep" succeeds as both entertaining thriller and thoughtful examination of how intellectual gifts can be perverted into instruments of terror.

인물정보

저자(글) 에드가 월러스(Edgar Wallace)

에드가 월러스(Edgar Wallace, 1875-1932)는 영국의 대표적인 추리소설 작가로, 20세기 초 가장 다작의 작가 중 한 명이었습니다. 그는 170여 편의 소설과 수많은 단편소설, 연극 대본을 썼으며, 특히 스릴러와 범죄소설 장르에서 큰 인기를 얻었습니다. 대표작으로는 《사괴도》(The Four Just Men) 시리즈와 《킹콩》의 원작 시나리오가 있습니다. 신문기자 출신인 그는 빠른 속도로 작품을 집필하는 것으로 유명했으며, 당시 영국에서 판매되는 책 4권 중 1권이 그의 작품일 정도로 엄청난 인기를 누렸습니다.

Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was a prolific British author who became one of the most popular thriller and detective fiction writers of the early 20th century. He wrote over 170 novels, numerous short stories, and stage plays, establishing himself as a master of crime fiction and adventure stories. His most famous works include "The Four Just Men" series and the original story for "King Kong." A former journalist, Wallace was renowned for his incredible writing speed and productivity. At the height of his popularity, it was said that one in every four books sold in Britain was written by him, making him one of the best-selling authors of his time.