Mrs. O.F. Walton’s narrative is beautiful, enjoyable and intriguing! The hero of this story, Kenneth Fortesque, is living a life that contradicts itself; he is both the son of an ungentlemanly miner and a well-educated heir to a large estate who may circulate in - even marry into - some of the best families in England. Who is he really? When his father suddenly falls ill, Kenneth returns home immediately to receive an important message from him but arrives too late! Foiled by an irascible housekeeper and suddenly penniless, Kenneth must wait, pray, and toil to find the missing letter his father left for him.
Of course, there are other players in this mystery. One particular set are the Douglas family. Kenneth is sent to them as the bearer of very bad news. But, not willing to shoot the messenger, they become true friends in his lonely new world. In fact, through their own struggles and adventures they help to solve the mystery.
This is, to me, a wonderful book for young men and women (older ones too, of course!) There are lessons and encouragement for both. I found very few moral errors in the book. Rather than create “perfect” characters, the author simply makes sure that every character flaw is well addressed. I hope you will find the same and will enjoy the hunt for the lost clue.
P.S. As a side note about the author I would like to point out that her usage of her husband’s initials (O.F. stands for Octavius Frank) was customary and proper - a mere convention - suitable for almost any occasion.
Title: The Lost Clue
Author: Mrs. O.F. Walton
Setting: England
Main Character: Capt. Kenneth Fortesque
First Printed: 1907
This Printing: May 2011 (5th Edition)
Pub: Lamplighter Publishing
Series: Rare Collector Series
ISBN: 1-58474-135-X
ISBN13: 978-1-58474-135-0
Chapters: 28
Pages: 287
Pages/Chapter: ~ 10
