The Mouthless Dead by Anthony Quinn review – murder most unsolvable

In the year 1931, William Herbert Wallace found himself at the center of a sensational murder case involving his wife, Julia. Despite being initially convicted and then later acquitted on appeal, the true perpetrator of the crime was never brought to justice, leaving behind one of the most baffling mysteries of the 20th century. The enigmatic nature of the case has captured the attention of renowned crime novelists such as Dorothy L Sayers and PD James, with Raymond Chandler himself dubbing it as “the nonpareil of all murder mysteries.”

Anthony Quinn delves into this infamous case in his latest novel, taking a fresh approach by introducing a new character, Detective Inspector Key. Unlike other accounts that focus on Wallace, Quinn’s narrative revolves around Key, a chess-playing detective who forms an unlikely friendship with the accused and becomes entangled in the web of mystery surrounding Julia’s murder. Through Key’s perspective, readers are offered a fresh angle on the events that transpired in Liverpool.

The novel meticulously follows the historical facts surrounding the case, recounting the fateful night when Wallace received a mysterious phone call from a certain “Mr. Qualtrough.” As the story unfolds, Quinn’s portrayal of Key challenges the prevailing narrative of Wallace’s guilt, suggesting that the rush to close a high-profile case may have led to the wrong conclusions. The intricate blend of true events and fictional storytelling adds layers of suspense and intrigue to the narrative.

As the plot unfolds, Quinn weaves a complex tale that spans over a decade, culminating in a transatlantic voyage where Key reveals the details of the case to a captivated audience. The intertwining of real-life accounts with Key’s personal reflections offers a refreshing take on the unresolved mystery. Quinn’s meticulous attention to legal and procedural details adds depth to the story, enriching the reader’s experience and culminating in a satisfying conclusion, albeit one that leaves the ultimate truth shrouded in uncertainty

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