Edgar Wallace 
The Iron Grip 

1929 short story collection by Edgar Wallace revolving around the demobbed soldier (WWI) Jack „Wireless” Bryce and his engagement by the law firm „Hemmer & Hemmer”. Operating on the fringes of lawlessness, Bryce uses his brains and brawn to protect a range of the firm’s more vulnerable and downright gullible clients. His new career as a detective creates a compelling tale of adventure. Most of his adventures involve rescuing various damsels in distress from the clutches of men who are far from gentle. The tales are told with real zip, with a dash of grit and humor. Eventually, however, he is overpowered – caught in the tender grip of love from which he has no desire to escape.