The Destroying Angel

by Louis Joseph Vance, Arthur I. Keller (Illustrator)

The Destroying Angel is a novel written by Louis Joseph Vance, first published in 1912. The story is set in the early 1900s in New York City, and follows the life of a young man named Michael Lanyard, who is also known as ""The Lone Wolf"". Lanyard is a master thief who has retired from his criminal ways and now lives a quiet life in Europe. However, when he returns to New York, he is drawn back into the criminal underworld and must use his skills to clear his name and protect his loved ones.The novel is a thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and suspense, as Lanyard navigates the dangerous world of organized crime and tries to outwit his enemies. Along the way, he meets a beautiful and mysterious woman named Lucia, who becomes his ally and confidant. Together, they must face off against a ruthless gang of criminals known as ""The Destroying Angels"", who are determined to take down Lanyard and anyone who stands in their way.The Destroying Angel is a classic example of early 20th-century pulp fiction, with its fast-paced action, colorful characters, and intricate plot twists. Vance's writing style is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into the story and keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very end. This book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and adventure stories.1912. Vance, American screenwriter, short story writer and novelist, begins The Destroying Then I'm to understand there's no hope for me? I'm afraid not...Greyerson said reluctantly, sympathy in his eyes. None whatever. The verdict was thus brusquely emphasized by Hartt, one of the two consulting specialists. Having spoken, he glanced at his watch, then at the face of his colleague, Bushnell, who contented himself with a tolerant waggle of his head, apparently meant to imply that the subject of their deliberations really must be anybody who willfully insists on footing the measures of life with a defective constitution for a partner has no logical excuse for being reluctant to pay the Piper. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

340 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1912

About the author

Louis Joseph Vance was a novelist educated in the preparatory department of the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He wrote short stories and verse after 1901, then composed many popular novels. His character "Michael Lanyard", also known as "The Lone Wolf", was featured in eight books and 24 films between 1914 and 1949, and also appeared in radio and television series.

Vance was separated from his wife (whom he married in 1898 and by whom he had a son the next year) when he was found dead in a burnt armchair inside his New York apartment; a cigarette had ignited some benzene (used for cleaning his clothes or for his broken jaw) that he had on his body and he was intoxicated at the time. He had recently returned from the West Indies, where he gathered material for a new book. The death was ruled accidental.