An epidemic has hit West Africa, but Commissioner Sanders hears stories of a woman, M’lama, who can reportedly heal the sick and even raise the dead.

As he investigates the claims, he uncovers something that muddies the waters between scientific fact and the supernatural.

On the face of it, ‘The Keepers of the King’s Peace’ is a rip-roaring adventure story. However, with some incisive acid, Wallace throws the spotlight on the cultural clash between the invading Europeans and native Africans, during the height of the British Empire.

A superb introduction to the works of one of the 20th century’s most imitated writers, ‘The Keepers of the King’s Peace’ will delight those interested in British colonial history. Born in London, Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English writer so prolific that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England. Leaving school at the age of 12, Wallace made his first steps into the literary world by selling newspapers on the corner of Fleet Street. He worked as a war correspondent after joining the army at age 21, which honed his writing abilities. This led to the creation of his first book ‘The Four Just Men.’ Wallace is best remembered as the co-creator of ‘King Kong,’ which has been adapted for film 12 times (most notably directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director, Peter Jackson, and starring Jack Black and Naomi Watts). However, he leaves behind an extensive body of work, including stories such as ‘The Crimson Circle’ and ‘The Flying Squad’.