Mystery
The overarching theme in this novel is mystery. The theme is alluded to in the title: “The Seven Dials Mystery.” Besides, some mysterious things happen in the novel. First, Bundle learns about the eight clock that was missing from the mantelpiece. Later, the clock is located on the lawn. No one knows how the clock got there. Secondly, Bundle comes across a letter that was authored on the day of Gerry Wade’s tragic demise. The letter is addressed to Lorraine. The letter mentions the mysterious “Seven Dials business” that kids like Loraine should not participate in. This letter raises lots of questions in Bundle’s mind. Thirdly, on her way to town, a man “reel[s] out of the hedge” and stops in front of Bundle’s car. The man is Ronald Devereux. Bundle assumes that she hit him. The man’s last words before he dies are “Seven Dials.” He instructs Bundle to tell Jimmy Thesiger about Seven Dials. Bundle takes him to a doctor who confirms that the man died of a gunshot. The man’s death, his gunshot and his last words complicate the mystery that Bundle is striving to unravel.
Suspicious deaths
Gerry Wade and Ronald Devereux, who are friends, die mysteriously. Wade dies in his sleep, whereas Devereux dies as a result of a gunshot. It is presumed that Gerry Wade took an overdose of chloral, a sleeping medication, which killed him. However, Lorraine Wade confirms to Bundle that her half-brother never took sleeping pills to fall asleep. She makes this confirmation after Devereux’s unexplainable death. The confirmation suggests that both of them were murdered. These mysterious deaths make the plot intricate; they drive Bundle’s actions, which are instrumental in resolving the major conflict in the novel. The major conflict is unearthing the mystery surrounding Seven Dials.
Investigations
Bundle, Jimmy and Loraine are persuaded that Seven Dials has something to do with a secret society that is responsible for Wade and Devereux’s deaths. They are determined to get to the bottom of it; each one of them has plans that are not known to the others. As part of her plans, Bundle visits Scotland Yard and asks Superintendent Battle to update her about the secret societies headquartered in Seven Dials. The superintendent tells her that there are no secret societies there. Bundle explains her reason for demanding the information; it is connected to Devereux’s death, which the superintendent is already aware of. The superintendent advises her to leave the matter with him since he is a professional in such matters. Eventually, the superintendent gives Bundle a list of all the secret societies associated with Seven Dials. He reminds her of the danger that she is getting herself into. However, Bundle is determined to continue her investigations into Seven Dials. The superintendent informs her that she can get lots of valuable information concerning Seven Dials from Mr. Bill Eversleigh. Bundle makes an appointment with Bill to continue with her investigations. Bundle’s determination is crucial in advancing the plot. Through her investigations, she makes discoveries that are crucial in filling in the puzzles concerning Seven Dials. She displays the meticulousness that is typical of a professional detective, although she is an amateur.
