Cheating the Gallows

by Israel Zangwill

Short story
A one off story by Israel Zangwill about two friends who share a flat, but they have little else in common.

One of the flat mates, who works in a bank, disappears, as coincidentaly does a load of money from his bank.

Why is the remaining flat mate looking so prosperous these days?

Genres: Short Stories, Nonfiction, Horror, British Literature

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1893

About the author

Israel Zangwill was a British novelist, short-story writer and dramatist.

Reviews

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great suspenseful story involving false identities, money theft, a false 'love triangle', a ghost and an unpredictable ending.

[J9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this, I looked up Zangwill and could not find much about him. He didn't write much, not much is known about him, and there weren't very many reviews on this book. I wondered why he had been included in my little books of classical short stories. After reading the story, I understand why. His character development isn't as great as Dickens, and his mystery unfolds quite more quickly than a Sherlock Holmes story would, however, there was something simple and engaging about this story. Two friends, who liked the same woman, were inseparable until the fateful night of the bank robbery and the unearthly fog. Clara, the woman they both liked, was a little wishy washy, but then I didn't have a great deal of respect for the two men, as they were both going after the same woman behind their supposedly best friend's back. Much to my surprise, events unfolded that made me see the men in a different light. A ghostly light, if you will. Not wanting to give too much away, I'll say I enjoyed this story, much more than I thought I would, and did not see the ending coming.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Odd couple Tom Peters and Everard G Roxdal are two inseparable lodgers, but a bank robbery threatens their intense friendship. And what about the cash?

Israel Zangwill's story is read by Lloyd Hutchinson.

Israel Zangwill was a writer and political activist (1864 - 1926)

Producer: Joanne Reardon
Made for BBC 7 by BBC Radio Drama, Manchester.
First broadcast in 2003.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jq4t

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny though bizarre twist on the Jekyll and Hyde idea.

[Pamela Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOh nice read. Two men impersonating each other and a heist, only to be caught by the woman they love. Very interesting story.

[Rosemarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting short story with a twist at the end. The women in the story are not particularly portrayed well, but at least you can say that Clara had a conscious and tried to do the right thing. That being said the main male character comes across as a worse person in the end. I listened to this on the Classic Detective Stories podcast and the performer did a very good job of it.

[Azarudeen Abdul Haleel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good read. Reminded me of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde.

[Aimée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Poirot and Marple mysteries gave this one away early but still an enjoyable read.

[Andrew Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The twist at the end was rushed, but still an amazing story!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I did not expect them to be the same person. I was really fearful for her, thinking that she was marrying a murderer and then it turns out it was the same guy.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this as part of a promotion by Amazon 18 months ago. I am at this time attempting to clean up the books, box sets, and megapacks on my Kindle Fire.

I listened to this as part of The Second Victorian Mystery Megapack. It was a quick entertanting listen.

This is a very good British Victorian novella quick read 2023

Entertaining mystery listening

I listened to this as part of the Victorian Mystery Megapack. A very interesting short story mystery with a quick ending.

I would recommend to readers looking for a quick read or listen. 2023