The Stolen Statesman - Being the Story of a Hushed Up Mystery by William Le Queux AUDIOBOOK

William Le Queux’s "The Stolen Statesman: Being the Story of a Hushed Up Mystery" unfurls within the corridors of British power and the nuanced drawing rooms of early twentieth-century London. In this compelling blend of political intrigue and personal reflection, Le Queux—renowned for his tales of espionage and high society—fashions an atmosphere at once measured and fraught with private sorrow.

At the heart of the novel stands the Right Honourable Reginald Monkton, a figure whose name and visage are familiar to the entire nation. Monkton’s illustrious career in law and politics—seasoned by hard-fought divisions, academic ambition, and Cabinet appointments—has brought him public glory as well as searing loneliness. As the narrative opens, it is the anniversary of his wife’s death, an occasion that deepens the sense of melancholy beneath Monkton’s dignified exterior. The emotional complexities of public and private life become central: the bustling spectacle of Charing Cross contrasts with Monkton’s internal world, haunted by memories of love and partnership, and underscored by his enduring devotion to his daughter, Sheila.

The themes of loss, ambition, and the burdens of celebrity emerge alongside observations of social rituals and political machinations. Le Queux’s prose exudes understated wit and a shrewd eye for detail in the portrayal of both grand settings—from the palm court of the Carlton Hotel to quieter, more intimate spaces—and sharply drawn characters. The heroine Sheila, her suitor Austin Wingate, and the network of politicians and family acquaintances animate a narrative steeped in gossip, loyalty, and the emergence of new technologies, such as early aviation.

Perfect for listeners captivated by turn-of-the-century mysteries, social drama, and psychological insight, this work offers both a glimpse into the world of Edwardian Britain and a meditation on what it means to be admired, yet profoundly alone.

Audiobook time & format : 6h45m32s, OPUS, 316 Mo
Audiobook free extract time & format : 5m (see below to listen), WAV
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