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The Lost Clue
In this intriguing mystery, Captain Fortesque finds himself torn between two loyalties. Having been educated in the finest schools of England, he enjoyed acceptance in high society, but kept his true upbringing a secret. Then the day came that changed the course of his life. It all started with the mysterious note that could only be read after his father’s death. Will he be able to endure the dramatic challenges he will now face?
In the meantime, everything in Daisy Bank seemed crooked and out of shape. Across stretches of dark stagnant water, Marjorie wandered over the wilderness of ashes, wondering how anything could grow in such poor and barren soil. But she learns that even in the midst of that bleak, coal-mining region, she can be ‘a tree of the Lord’s planting,’ bringing sunshine and growth to the dark, dreary world in which she finds herself.
In the meantime, everything in Daisy Bank seemed crooked and out of shape. Across stretches of dark stagnant water, Marjorie wandered over the wilderness of ashes, wondering how anything could grow in such poor and barren soil. But she learns that even in the midst of that bleak, coal-mining region, she can be ‘a tree of the Lord’s planting,’ bringing sunshine and growth to the dark, dreary world in which she finds herself.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1907
76 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Mrs. O.F. Walton
71 books19 followersAmy Catherine Walton, better known as Mrs O.F. Walton, was a British author of Christian children's and teenage books, mainly but not exclusively fiction. She was born Amy Catherine Deck in 1849, and died in Leigh, Kent in 1939.
Amy was the daughter of the vicar of St Stephen's Church, Spring Street, Hull.
Her career as an author began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1874 came one of her most famous books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend, the aged organ-grinder Treffy. It was introduced to Japan in 1882 and was published in 1885 by the translation of Tajima Kashi. It was one of the earliest books in history of both Christian's and children's literature of Japan and was re-translated in 1903 and 1994.
In 1875 she married Octavius Frank Walton, who was her father's curate at the time. It was under her husband's name, as Mrs O. F. Walton, that she was to become better known. In the year of their marriage they moved to Jerusalem where Octavius took up a ministry in a church on Mount Zion until 1879. While there in 1877, her book A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. It is the story of Rosalie, a child who works in a travelling theatre.
The Waltons lived at Cally, Kirkcudbrightshire for a while, and from 1883 to 1893, Octavius was in the ministry at the church of St Thomas, York, moving to St Jude's, Wolverhampton in 1893. He retired in 1918.
Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society.
(from Wikipedia)
Amy was the daughter of the vicar of St Stephen's Church, Spring Street, Hull.
Her career as an author began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1874 came one of her most famous books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend, the aged organ-grinder Treffy. It was introduced to Japan in 1882 and was published in 1885 by the translation of Tajima Kashi. It was one of the earliest books in history of both Christian's and children's literature of Japan and was re-translated in 1903 and 1994.
In 1875 she married Octavius Frank Walton, who was her father's curate at the time. It was under her husband's name, as Mrs O. F. Walton, that she was to become better known. In the year of their marriage they moved to Jerusalem where Octavius took up a ministry in a church on Mount Zion until 1879. While there in 1877, her book A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. It is the story of Rosalie, a child who works in a travelling theatre.
The Waltons lived at Cally, Kirkcudbrightshire for a while, and from 1883 to 1893, Octavius was in the ministry at the church of St Thomas, York, moving to St Jude's, Wolverhampton in 1893. He retired in 1918.
Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 9, 2021
This was a most intriguing mystery to read, and one that would do many people a great deal of good. The many lessons contained in the book were taught so very gently that they seemed to hardly be there, until you took a closer look and compared your life with the lives of these characters.
The contrast between Lady Violet and Marjorie was artfully drawn, showing me the difference in desiring my own good, and desiring the good of someone else. Marjorie and her family, though they had lost much more than Lady Violet’s family had, were more concerned about Captain Fortesque’s wellbeing, and less about their own. And then their cheerful acceptance of the providence that had come over them was an inspiration to me, for sure. They never murmured about the lost money; they instead prayed about what to do and found a way to help themselves, and further Christ’s kingdom in the world. Marjorie’s attitude when faced with living in a dismal home for a time was a call to me to rise above complaining, and instead seek to spread joy and contentment around me. And her attitude endeared her to all who knew her.
Captain Fortesque offering his father forgiveness, full and free, was one of the most convicting parts of the story. Although he had suffered from a grievous wrong done to him, he wrestled in prayer until he could honestly forgive his father, and he was rewarded by knowing the love of his birth father for the first time in his young life.
The lessons of cheerfulness and joy and forgetting self to serve others were the highlights of this book, and definitely ones that I will think back upon for some time to come.
The contrast between Lady Violet and Marjorie was artfully drawn, showing me the difference in desiring my own good, and desiring the good of someone else. Marjorie and her family, though they had lost much more than Lady Violet’s family had, were more concerned about Captain Fortesque’s wellbeing, and less about their own. And then their cheerful acceptance of the providence that had come over them was an inspiration to me, for sure. They never murmured about the lost money; they instead prayed about what to do and found a way to help themselves, and further Christ’s kingdom in the world. Marjorie’s attitude when faced with living in a dismal home for a time was a call to me to rise above complaining, and instead seek to spread joy and contentment around me. And her attitude endeared her to all who knew her.
Captain Fortesque offering his father forgiveness, full and free, was one of the most convicting parts of the story. Although he had suffered from a grievous wrong done to him, he wrestled in prayer until he could honestly forgive his father, and he was rewarded by knowing the love of his birth father for the first time in his young life.
The lessons of cheerfulness and joy and forgetting self to serve others were the highlights of this book, and definitely ones that I will think back upon for some time to come.
May 31, 2013
This book was so sweet! It was a light read - the chapters were short and the wording was not overly fancy - but it had such a lovely story line... and the ending was ever so romantic and charming. 5 stars.
September 22, 2016
The heroine is such a great example of keeping a great attitude and concern for the needs of others although she was going through very difficult circumstances.
I read it to my 14, 12, 9, & 6 year old children and they all liked it.
I read it to my 14, 12, 9, & 6 year old children and they all liked it.
July 17, 2012
Though the financial ruin is not his fault, and is as much–if not more–his own ruin as that of the Douglass family, young Kenneth Fortesque feels duty bound to repay what they have lost. It was, after all, his father’s foolishness that lost money that was not his to loose. In the days and years ahead, he and Marjorie remain determined to bend their own wills to that of God’s. What better days await them?
NOTE: Written in 1907, this book not only has good values, it is also easy to read and very entertaining.
Audience: All ages (reading level is probably 11 and up)
NOTE: Written in 1907, this book not only has good values, it is also easy to read and very entertaining.
Audience: All ages (reading level is probably 11 and up)
April 27, 2022
I just loved everything about this book! It's a very wholesome, easy-to-read, and entertaining story. I really liked the Bible verses and hymns throughout the book, and the ending was really good. I love Kenneth, and Marjorie is such a sweet, God honoring and hardworking girl. Definitely adding this to my favorites!
November 8, 2017
The world needs more books like this. A good, Christian love story with a mystery overshadowing a young man after his dad's death.what was the letter he so urgently pressed him to read after his passing, but has now vanished. Why is his own liniege a puzzle to him. And how is he ever to repay the monstrous debt left on his shoulders.
January 4, 2023
This was a sweet book, I enjoyed the romance, and how solid both of the main characters were. One star simply because it was a bit slow.
June 17, 2019
This was a great read! I liked the type of writing and setting. The small amounts of mystery in this book was easy to figure out. I saw a lot of things coming. The bit of romance was sweet. All in all this was a book I recommend to any one.
December 29, 2025
oh my goodness did I love this book I'm def due for a reread but I remember it being sO fun in its own old-fashioned way
August 6, 2024
I truly enjoyed this one; and would have loved just one more chapter! The two main characters are worthwhile role models to be influenced by.
February 2, 2018
Moma received this for Christmas. The kids choice this as our family read-a-loud...krb 1/14/18
Suspenseful, full of great examples to follow and what not to follow. We had fun trying to figure out who was who...krb 2/2/18
Suspenseful, full of great examples to follow and what not to follow. We had fun trying to figure out who was who...krb 2/2/18
August 29, 2016
This was such a good book! It blessed my heart so much! I love books like these that have a good message in them and such wonderful main characters.
What I Liked: The two main characters, Marjorie Douglas and Kenneth Fortescue were two very vivid and encouraging characters. Throughout this story I felt like I was right there with them as they journeyed through this chapter of their lives. Marjorie doing her best to be content and find joy in where she believed God had placed her, even if they were not the best of circumstances, and Kenneth faced with a huge debt that he feels obligated to pay on behalf of his recently deceased father. Along the way, he has to deal with the challenge of forgiveness toward a couple characters in this book.
These were both very selfless characters who made right decisions. I can't tell you how refreshing this book was. Were Marjorie and Kenneth perfect? No. They struggled with discouragement, discontentment, and the struggle to forgive at times, but it was clear that their hearts were after God and they sought to live their lives to the glory of His name, regardless whether they were comfortable in this life or not.
I loved the mystery in this book. It was very skillfully done and I couldn't wait to find out and get to the end of this story, but yet, I wanted to savor it and read it slowly. It definitely kept me turning the pages.
This book encouraged me more in living selflessly. There was an excellent contrast between selfless and selfish characters in this book and it very clearly depicted what true selflessness looks like.
What I Didn't Like: I didn't particularly have anything that I disliked about this book. There is some question about one of the character's legitimacy of birth, but it all turned out fine in the end and didn't go too far. Just some very mild speculation in one paragraph, I believe.
I give this book 5 stars for an excellent book with high values and the importance of keeping our eyes focused on the Lord. Because when we keep our eyes fixed upon Him, we shall act like He acted when He was here upon the earth. This book is definitely one of my favorites now.
What I Liked: The two main characters, Marjorie Douglas and Kenneth Fortescue were two very vivid and encouraging characters. Throughout this story I felt like I was right there with them as they journeyed through this chapter of their lives. Marjorie doing her best to be content and find joy in where she believed God had placed her, even if they were not the best of circumstances, and Kenneth faced with a huge debt that he feels obligated to pay on behalf of his recently deceased father. Along the way, he has to deal with the challenge of forgiveness toward a couple characters in this book.
These were both very selfless characters who made right decisions. I can't tell you how refreshing this book was. Were Marjorie and Kenneth perfect? No. They struggled with discouragement, discontentment, and the struggle to forgive at times, but it was clear that their hearts were after God and they sought to live their lives to the glory of His name, regardless whether they were comfortable in this life or not.
I loved the mystery in this book. It was very skillfully done and I couldn't wait to find out and get to the end of this story, but yet, I wanted to savor it and read it slowly. It definitely kept me turning the pages.
This book encouraged me more in living selflessly. There was an excellent contrast between selfless and selfish characters in this book and it very clearly depicted what true selflessness looks like.
What I Didn't Like: I didn't particularly have anything that I disliked about this book. There is some question about one of the character's legitimacy of birth, but it all turned out fine in the end and didn't go too far. Just some very mild speculation in one paragraph, I believe.
I give this book 5 stars for an excellent book with high values and the importance of keeping our eyes focused on the Lord. Because when we keep our eyes fixed upon Him, we shall act like He acted when He was here upon the earth. This book is definitely one of my favorites now.
November 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and plan to own a copy for my home library. I was quickly pulled in to the mystery, I loved the characters, I never wanted to stop reading. It isn't often I find good clean mysteries that are not centered around murder. It had wonderful people, especially Kenneth and Marjorie, who showed admirable qualities like faith, service to others, good attitudes, making the best of whatever situation you find yourself in. It was a sweet clean romance, built over time, with no kissing or further action mentioned.
As best I could tell based on train stations mentioned, military schools, etc it likely takes place in the latter half of the 19th century. It aged fairly well in most aspects, a small amount of outdated spelling, some very blunt commentary on lack of intelligence in certain people but overall a really enjoyable book. Elevated vocabulary, wonderful descriptions, highly recommend.
As best I could tell based on train stations mentioned, military schools, etc it likely takes place in the latter half of the 19th century. It aged fairly well in most aspects, a small amount of outdated spelling, some very blunt commentary on lack of intelligence in certain people but overall a really enjoyable book. Elevated vocabulary, wonderful descriptions, highly recommend.
May 15, 2015
Wow! This book was amazing. It is definitely going on my list of favorites.
February 12, 2012
this is one of my favorite books from the lamplighter rare collector's series
June 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Physically, the book cover is nicely textured, enhancing the reading experience. The story is exceptional. It takes place in England, probably late 1800s. The main character, Kenneth Fortescue, is a man in his twenties who goes from riches to a life of harder work.
As the title suggests, there is a mystery with a lost clue. However, this isn't a mystery novel involving a focused search. Rather, the story unfolds in a natural way and the 'lost clue' is eventually discovered. It wasn't an issue of figuring out a mystery. Even when it's cleared up, it is enjoyable reading how the story unfolds.
The main characters have exceptional character. I was very impressed with them. They are devoted Christians. There are a few references where they talk of their faith in Jesus Christ, but it's not preachy.
The writing is very good. Here's a good quote:
"Perhaps our thoughts are never more busily occupied than when we are traveling. As our bodies are being rapidly carried over miles of distance, our thoughts wander further still. As our eyes gaze out of the carriage window upon the various scenes though which we are passing, the eyes of our mind are gazing at other scenes, it may be in far-distant lands. We see the views around us as if we saw them not, for the inner pictures are so vivid that they eclipse the outward ones." P. 186
As the title suggests, there is a mystery with a lost clue. However, this isn't a mystery novel involving a focused search. Rather, the story unfolds in a natural way and the 'lost clue' is eventually discovered. It wasn't an issue of figuring out a mystery. Even when it's cleared up, it is enjoyable reading how the story unfolds.
The main characters have exceptional character. I was very impressed with them. They are devoted Christians. There are a few references where they talk of their faith in Jesus Christ, but it's not preachy.
The writing is very good. Here's a good quote:
"Perhaps our thoughts are never more busily occupied than when we are traveling. As our bodies are being rapidly carried over miles of distance, our thoughts wander further still. As our eyes gaze out of the carriage window upon the various scenes though which we are passing, the eyes of our mind are gazing at other scenes, it may be in far-distant lands. We see the views around us as if we saw them not, for the inner pictures are so vivid that they eclipse the outward ones." P. 186
August 21, 2021
Wonderful gem!
I read it in a day or so. Thouroughly enjoyed it. Short, sweet, and the two main characters have such lovely dispositions. I truly felt challenged by Marjorie's cheerful attitude and contentment in whatever lot God placed upon her. Isn't that what pleases God and is of great price in His Sight? [1 Peter 3:4]
It was also interesting and the mystery of figuring out the lost clue was a fun element to the book.
The end was sweet; on one hand you would love to read more and on the other, it was sufficient.
I would recommend. I loved how two souls received the Lord and it seems sincere as it is a fictional book.
"I do not ask my Cross to understand,
My way to see;
Better in darkness just to feel Thy Hand,
And follow Thee."
I read it in a day or so. Thouroughly enjoyed it. Short, sweet, and the two main characters have such lovely dispositions. I truly felt challenged by Marjorie's cheerful attitude and contentment in whatever lot God placed upon her. Isn't that what pleases God and is of great price in His Sight? [1 Peter 3:4]
It was also interesting and the mystery of figuring out the lost clue was a fun element to the book.
The end was sweet; on one hand you would love to read more and on the other, it was sufficient.
I would recommend. I loved how two souls received the Lord and it seems sincere as it is a fictional book.
"I do not ask my Cross to understand,
My way to see;
Better in darkness just to feel Thy Hand,
And follow Thee."
Read
May 23, 20243.5 stars. Worth a read but probably wouldn't reread.
Despite the title and the book description, this isn't really a typical mystery. No one in the book is actively playing detective, trying to track down the missing letter. Having said that, I was certainly speculating as I read it.
The characters that are meant to be likable are, and the ones that aren't are believable, rather than over-the-top villains. I enjoyed following along with Kenneth and Marjorie (they each get their own sections of the book) as they navigate life after financial loss, relying on faith and hard work to see them through. Not only do they grow through the process, some of the minor characters do as well.
I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author.
Despite the title and the book description, this isn't really a typical mystery. No one in the book is actively playing detective, trying to track down the missing letter. Having said that, I was certainly speculating as I read it.
The characters that are meant to be likable are, and the ones that aren't are believable, rather than over-the-top villains. I enjoyed following along with Kenneth and Marjorie (they each get their own sections of the book) as they navigate life after financial loss, relying on faith and hard work to see them through. Not only do they grow through the process, some of the minor characters do as well.
I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author.
June 9, 2019
While the message was good, the story skipped over a lot of scenes and settled for saying 'this was a difficult thing' instead of SHOWING them working. It also ended very weakly, and I so wanted to know what happened after the last bit. Still worth a read, I believe.
August 8, 2020
Would that I could give it many more stars! RTC!
January 1, 2021
Great book! Worth it! Not Shirley Temple. A touch of mystery. I reread it again and again even though it doesn’t have the same suspense
April 18, 2022
A classic (slightly cheesy) romance. Uplifting and wholesome.
July 3, 2022
I love a good story packed full of Godly characters.
January 9, 2023
I had so much fun reading this! Innocence, plot twists, and relationship to God. I'll be looking for more by this author.
February 16, 2023
Recommend this book! Story was interesting and had some unexpected twists. Was pleasantly surprised as I don't find these really old, rare, Christian books to usually be very good.
March 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book, although the ending was a little dull. Would Marjorie really enjoy having no idea where she was moving to after her marriage??
November 13, 2023
Number of pages: 287
Genre: Fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 13/14+
Summary: Kenneth has been summoned home as his father has taken ill. There he finds out that his father has lost all of his own money, his son’s money and the money of a widow he was helping. His father also tells Kenneth of a letter in the safe with important information that should be read after his death. However, when he goes to read the letter, there is only a blank piece of paper. What happened to the letter from his father?
My thoughts: This is the sweetest story ever. I love it so much. I love Marjorie; her ability to selflessly help others and be kind and content in any situation is amazing. And Captain Fortescue (Kenneth) is very similar to her; putting others above himself, sacrificing for them. And together they are the cutest couple. I’m glad that everything works out so well for them even if it is a bit unrealistic.
The story is well-written and the twists and turns make it interesting from cover to cover. While it was predictable in that I had a good idea of what would happen next, it didn’t go exactly how I envisioned it.
There’s quite a bit of Christian content; lots of verses are quoted or alluded to (the Lamplighter version I have put footnotes of all the Bible references or I might not have noticed so many). There are also two or three what I’d call sermons, where one character preaches to another. It might annoy some people, but I thought it was interesting to see how they witnessed to others.
As the book is old, some of the language might be a little bit difficult for younger readers, but honestly, it’s not that bad and the story is definitely worth it.
My personal rating: 5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 13/14+
Summary: Kenneth has been summoned home as his father has taken ill. There he finds out that his father has lost all of his own money, his son’s money and the money of a widow he was helping. His father also tells Kenneth of a letter in the safe with important information that should be read after his death. However, when he goes to read the letter, there is only a blank piece of paper. What happened to the letter from his father?
My thoughts: This is the sweetest story ever. I love it so much. I love Marjorie; her ability to selflessly help others and be kind and content in any situation is amazing. And Captain Fortescue (Kenneth) is very similar to her; putting others above himself, sacrificing for them. And together they are the cutest couple. I’m glad that everything works out so well for them even if it is a bit unrealistic.
The story is well-written and the twists and turns make it interesting from cover to cover. While it was predictable in that I had a good idea of what would happen next, it didn’t go exactly how I envisioned it.
There’s quite a bit of Christian content; lots of verses are quoted or alluded to (the Lamplighter version I have put footnotes of all the Bible references or I might not have noticed so many). There are also two or three what I’d call sermons, where one character preaches to another. It might annoy some people, but I thought it was interesting to see how they witnessed to others.
As the book is old, some of the language might be a little bit difficult for younger readers, but honestly, it’s not that bad and the story is definitely worth it.
My personal rating: 5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
May 7, 2009
I REALLY liked this book.
It was Christian, it was mysterious, and it was a bit of a really sweet romance. :D
If you don't like stories that are coincidental, then don't read this, as it is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I want to own it. :D
It was Christian, it was mysterious, and it was a bit of a really sweet romance. :D
If you don't like stories that are coincidental, then don't read this, as it is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I want to own it. :D
April 10, 2014
I really enjoyed the story the mystery is intriguing and there's a nice little romance. The author's style has a lot of descriptions compared to dialogue but the description is interesting and moves the story forward.
May 11, 2008
A good page-turner, but nothing life changing. Better than television only because it stimulates the brain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews