Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of Daredevil

Daredevil

Written by Leslie Charteris

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"Daredevil" by Leslie Charteris is a novel written in the late 1920s. It centers on crime, suspense, and adventure, featuring a cast of tenacious detectives, bold villains, and ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The story's main characters include Captain Christopher "Kit" Arden (nicknamed "Storm"), the resilient Susan Hawthorne, and Inspector Teal, all of whom become entangled in the mysterious activities of the shadowy criminal organization known as the Alpha Triangle. The likely topic is the unraveling of a major criminal conspiracy, with Storm leading the charge against a cunning and dangerous enemy. The opening of the novel introduces Susan Hawthorne, a courageous and independent young woman recently orphaned and struggling to find her footing, and her reunion with the charming, adventurous Captain Arden, an old friend with a reputation for courting danger. Through the perspectives of Storm, Inspector Teal, and various secondary characters, the early chapters establish a web of intrigue: respectable citizens and reformed criminals receive enigmatic calling cards bearing the symbol of a triangle; attempts are made on the lives of both Storm and those connected to the investigation; and a palpable sense of menace grows as the Alpha Triangle's influence spreads. The narrative is energetic and character-driven, blending witty dialogue and action, as Storm and his allies attempt to decipher the purpose and reach of the criminal gang, while the threat to their own lives steadily escalates.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Daredevil, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • adventurous
  • tense

Leslie Charteris's "Daredevil" plunges readers into a thrilling 1920s world of crime and suspense, centering on Captain Christopher "Kit" Arden, known as "Storm," and the resilient Susan Hawthorne. Recently orphaned, Susan is reunited with the adventurous Storm, only to be swept into a dangerous conspiracy involving the enigmatic criminal organization, the Alpha Triangle. As mysterious calling cards appear and attempts on lives escalate, Storm, aided by Inspector Teal, leads the charge to unravel the Alpha Triangle's widespread influence. The novel is an energetic, character-driven adventure that blends witty dialogue, action, and a growing sense of menace as the protagonists race against time to expose a cunning and perilous enemy.

"Danger is merely opportunity in disguise, Susan, for those with the nerve to seize it."

Key themes

Justice vs. Criminality
The central conflict of the novel revolves around the forces of law and order (represented by Storm and Inspector Teal) battling against the widespread, shadowy criminal organization known as the Alpha Triangle. This theme explores the struggle to uphold justice in the face of organized, cunning, and seemingly untouchable evil.
Courage and Resilience
Explores the capacity of individuals, both seasoned adventurers and ordinary citizens, to face extreme danger, adversity, and fear with bravery and an unwavering spirit. It highlights the strength required to stand against overwhelming odds.
Mystery and Deception
This theme delves into the enigmatic nature of the Alpha Triangle, its hidden motives, and the pervasive layers of secrecy and misdirection employed by its members. The narrative is driven by the protagonists' quest to unravel these mysteries and expose the truth.

Worth discussing

How does the Alpha Triangle's method of operation—using enigmatic calling cards and shadowy influence—contribute to the novel's suspense?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!