John Lexham, a famous mystery writer, finds himself with money problems after an investment goes poorly. His problems multiply when a confrontation leads to a dead creditor, and John quickly finds himself convicted of the crime and given a lengthy prison sentence. Kara, a rich friend with a shady past, helps John break out of prison and escape abroad.

But Lexham soon finds out that sometimes friends can be enemies, and that freedom can be fleeting, as he is soon held captive again. After escaping a second time and being exonerated, John is called upon to help solve Kara’s brutal murder.

The Clue of the Twisted Candle was published in 1918 and adapted for film in 1960.