The Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith) 1863-1935 creator text utu 2006 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "The Talleyrand Maxim" by J. S. Fletcher is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Linford Pratt, a young clerk with aspirations for wealth and power, who suddenly finds himself entangled in a secret involving a long-lost will belonging to a recently deceased local magnate, John Mallathorpe. As Pratt navigates this newfound opportunity, he must contend with moral dilemmas and the unpredictable consequences of his ambitions. The opening of the book sets up an intriguing narrative, beginning with Linford Pratt as he recognizes an impending opportunity for advancement in his mundane life. He encounters Antony Bartle, an elderly antiquarian bookseller, who reveals he has discovered Mallathorpe's will, sealed in a book he purchased from the estate. However, just as they begin to discuss the will's implications, Bartle unexpectedly dies, leaving Pratt as the sole keeper of this vital secret. As the story unfolds, Pratt is faced with choices that could lead him to fortune but also entail deceit and potential ruin, especially as he learns more about the will's significance for Mallathorpe's heirs. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2006-02-01 Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Sandra Brown and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team Original publication data not identified Detective and mystery stories PR Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9834 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9834 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133236.0 9834