"The Mystery of the Hasty Arrow" by Anna Katharine Green is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a tragic incident that unfolds in a museum, where a young girl is found dead with an arrow in her breast, creating a mystery that captivates both the museum staff and the police. The plot follows the attempts of detective Mr. Gryce as he tries to uncover the truth behind the girl's death and the circumstances surrounding it. The opening of the novel reveals a scene filled with shock and tension as museum visitors witness the aftermath of the girl's tragic fall. The atmosphere is chilling as attendees rush to understand the situation. Among those present is Ermentrude Taylor, a remarkable woman who becomes a key figure in the unfolding mystery. The narrative introduces the complex emotions surrounding the incident and hints at a potential crime, with various characters already drawn into the web of intrigue as the detective begins his investigation. The initial chapters set the stage for a compelling whodunit, drawing readers into a world of suspense, emotional turmoil, and the quest for justice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Riddle of the Frozen Flame" by Mary E. and Thomas W. Hanshew is a mystery novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around Mr. Maverick Narkom, the superintendent of Scotland Yard, and his brilliant associate, Cleek, who are drawn into a series of perplexing bank robberies that have left the police puzzled. As the narrative unfolds, the investigation intersects with the mysterious disappearance of Sir Nigel Merriton’s uncle and supernatural occurrences surrounding the eerie "Frozen Flames" that glow in the inky depths of the Fens. At the start of the book, Mr. Narkom urgently seeks Cleek's insight into a troubling crime wave involving a string of bank heists where only gold is stolen, leaving no clues behind. As they delve deeper, the introduction of Sir Nigel Merriton, who is depicted as a man haunted by the legacy of his uncle’s mysterious vanishing five years prior, sets the stage for a thrilling narrative. The intrigue intensifies with reports of strange flames flickering in the marshes, rumored to be tied to sinister events. Merriton, defying warnings, becomes fascinated by these flames, foreshadowing an encounter that promises to entwine his fate with the supernatural happenings and unresolved mysteries lurking within Merriton Towers. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Passenger from Calais" by Arthur Griffiths is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of early 1900s European travel, the story explores themes of intrigue, deception, and the complexities of human relationships. The plot centers around Colonel Basil Annesley, who finds himself embroiled in the mysterious circumstances surrounding a woman named Mrs. Blair, who has a troubled past. The opening of the book introduces Colonel Annesley as he embarks on a seemingly routine train journey from Calais to Basle. He quickly becomes aware of a peculiar situation in the train where he is the only passenger, soon joined by Mrs. Blair, who arrives with a child and her maid. The tension builds as her nervousness about traveling with just a few people, including Annesley, hints at a dark secret tied to her past. Annesley is drawn to Mrs. Blair but is also troubled by the ambiguous nature of her character, which raises questions about her true intentions. As the narrative unfolds, the presence of a sinister figure, Domenico Falfani, introduces an additional layer of conflict, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of crime and morality along their journey. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"L'Affaire Lerouge" by Émile Gaboriau is a detective novel written in the mid-19th century. The story centers around the mysterious death of the widow Lerouge, who is found murdered in her home, prompting a police investigation led by a diligent magistrate and his aides as they seek to uncover the truth behind her tragic demise. The narrative unfolds through the initial gathering of witnesses and detectives, establishing a gripping atmosphere that hints at complex interpersonal dynamics and societal themes. At the start of the novel, a group of concerned villagers approaches the police after the widow Lerouge goes missing, culminating in the discovery of her lifeless body in a disordered home. As the investigating officers arrive, they encounter a scene marked by violence, with signs of a struggle and theft, leading to the implication of foul play rather than a mere robbery. The police begin to piece together the widow's life, revealing scant information about her past and potential motives for her murder, indicating this case may be entwined with broader secrets and possibly implicating notable figures from her past. Through the perspective of various characters, the narrative expertly builds suspense while exploring the themes of crime, perception, and justice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Le parfum de la Dame en noir" by Gaston Leroux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story continues the adventures of Joseph Rouletabille, a young reporter who has solved a famous murder case in a previous work, "The Mystery of the Yellow Room." In this sequel, Rouletabille faces new challenges and mysteries, centering around relationships, past traumas, and a haunting figure known as the Dame en noir. At the start of the novel, we see the wedding of Robert Darzac and Mathilde Stangerson taking place in secret, two years after a notorious trial involving dark and convoluted events. Guests at the ceremony, including the narrator, are anxious about the possible return of Frédéric Larsan, a figure linked to a tragic past. As the wedding unfolds, the absence of Rouletabille raises concerns, particularly for Mathilde, who seems to be grieving. The narrative hints at Rouletabille's complex emotions and connections to the past as the characters confront shadows of their former lives, especially when a mysterious telegram arrives, igniting fear and urgency in the already charged atmosphere. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"La corde au cou" by Émile Gaboriau is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story appears to revolve around an intense mystery involving a fire at the Valpinson estate and the attempted murder of its owner, the Comte de Claudieuse. Key characters include the mayor, Monsieur Séneschal, and Monsieur de Claudieuse, alongside the enigmatic Cocoleu, who may play a pivotal role in unraveling the events. At the start of the narrative, a frantic horseman disrupts the quiet of the night, alerting the mayor about a severe fire at the Valpinson estate. This incident is accompanied by the revelation of an assassination attempt on the count, raising the stakes significantly. As locals rush to respond to the crisis, the background of the characters and their relationships surface, notably the tension between the count and Monsieur de Boiscoran, who becomes embroiled in the subsequent investigation. As the scene unfolds, the opening provides a dramatic backdrop of urgency and suspense, setting the stage for a complex interplay of crime, community dynamics, and investigation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Cleek: the Man of the Forty Faces" by Thomas W. Hanshew is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Hamilton Cleek, an enigmatic master of disguise and criminal genius known to Scotland Yard as "The Vanishing Cracksman." The narrative begins with a thrilling chase, where a police constable accidentally lets Cleek escape while he enacts a staged robbery for a film, setting the stage for further intrigue and crime. The opening portion introduces readers to the bustling streets of early 1900s London and a variety of characters, including the unsuspecting Police Constable Collins, who falls victim to Cleek's clever ruse while trying to assist a beautiful French woman. As the narrative progresses, we learn of Cleek's notorious reputation among law enforcement and the tension surrounding an imminent jewel heist that poses a direct challenge to Scotland Yard. This blend of drama and wit lays the groundwork for a captivating series of events as Cleek navigates his criminal world while inevitably drawing the attention of the police, particularly Superintendent Narkom, leading to a thrilling tale of cat-and-mouse. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"John Thorndyke's Cases" by R. Austin Freeman is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. This book introduces the main character, Dr. John Thorndyke, a medico-legal expert, who employs scientific methods and keen observations to solve various crimes, blending elements of mystery with real forensic techniques. The opening of the book sets a vivid scene in the lonely village of Little Sundersley, where Dr. Christopher Jervis, our narrator, embarks on a quiet seaside practice as Thorndyke arrives for a visit. Their leisurely beach stroll quickly turns into an investigation when they encounter a series of peculiar footprints that hint at foul play, leading to the discovery of a murder victim on the beach. As they analyze the footprints and other evidence around the body, the opening unfolds a complex narrative that introduces the themes of scientific inquiry and deductive reasoning, setting the stage for the thrilling mysteries to follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Les étranges noces de Rouletabille" by Gaston Leroux is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Joseph Rouletabille, a young reporter renowned for solving intricate mysteries, as he navigates the confusing landscape of love and war in the Balkans during the tumultuous events leading up to World War I. His pursuit of Ivana Vilitchkov, the woman he loves, entangles him in a web of danger, treachery, and the trauma of war. At the start of the novel, Rouletabille finds himself in the midst of the First Balkan War, racing against time as he faces both Bulgarian soldiers and fleeing Turkish civilians. He is consumed by feelings for Ivana, who harbors a dark family secret and is caught up with the villain Gaulow, who has a notorious reputation. As Rouletabille endeavors to save Ivana from Gaulow's clutches, he is faced with horrifying scenes of violence and bloodshed. The opening sets a gripping tone, blending elements of romance and mystery as Rouletabille vows not only to win Ivana's heart but also to confront the brutal realities of the war that threaten all they hold dear. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Le mystère de la chambre jaune" by Gaston Leroux is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on a perplexing crime involving an attempted murder that takes place in a locked room, known as the "Chambre Jaune." The main character is the young and brilliant reporter Joseph Rouletabille, who is determined to solve the mystery surrounding the attack on Mlle Stangerson and the unexplained circumstances of the crime. The opening of the novel sets the stage for a gripping mystery as it recounts the details of the attempted murder of Mlle Stangerson, who is found critically injured in her locked bedroom. Various characters, including her father and a servant, react in panic as they discover her plight and realize the impossibility of an assailant escaping from the sealed room. Rouletabille is introduced as the key figure who takes on the challenge of uncovering the truth behind the strange events, including tracking down clues like a revolver and questioning the credibility of witnesses. As the story unfolds, Leroux builds intrigue with hints of supernatural elements, making the reader eager to discover how the mystery will be resolved. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Gloved Hand" by Burton Egbert Stevenson is a detective story written in the early 20th century. The book introduces the reader to a thrilling mystery that unfolds around a series of unusual events involving the reclusive Worthington Vaughan, his daughter, and a peculiar light that descends from the sky every midnight. The narrative follows Lester, a sympathetic character, who is drawn into the enigma through his friend and police reporter Jim Godfrey, as they attempt to uncover the secrets behind this strange phenomenon and the troubled family dynamics at play. The opening of the book meticulously establishes the setting and main characters, beginning with Lester's weariness from a demanding case in court, before being invited by Godfrey to a summer retreat where he hopes to uncover the truth behind the mysterious midnight occurrences. As the narrative progresses, we see their expedition lead them to a shocking discovery that intertwines the lives of the characters — particularly that of Miss Vaughan. The chapter culminates in a dramatic and unsettling scene where a scream pierces the night, suggesting that deep, dark secrets are about to emerge from behind the walls of Vaughan's estate, setting the stage for an intricate investigation that promises suspense and intrigue. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Four Max Carrados Detective Stories" by Ernest Bramah is a collection of detective stories written during the early 20th century. The book follows the unique and cunning blind detective Max Carrados as he uses his other heightened senses to solve intriguing mysteries, demonstrating that sight is not the only means of perception. The opening of the first story, "The Coin of Dionysius," introduces Mr. Carlyle, a private detective, who seeks the expertise of Mr. Baxter, a coin dealer, to authenticate a rare coin. Carlyle is in a desperate situation, believing the coin to be linked to an arrest that hangs in the balance. He learns about another expert, Wynn Carrados, who has the reputation for exceptional knowledge despite being blind. The exchange between Carlyle and Baxter lays a foundation of urgency and intrigue as Carlyle seeks to find Carrados and navigate through a web of deceit involving an alleged forgery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Moon Rock" by Arthur J. Rees is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a somber funeral in a bleak Cornish churchyard, focusing on the recently deceased Mrs. Turold and the emotional detachment of her husband. Central characters include Robert Turold, who is driven by his obsession with restoring his family's noble title, and his daughter Sisily, who grapples with her father's harsh demeanor and the impact of her difficult upbringing. The narrative hints at themes of ambition, familial duty, and the darkness underlying social aspirations. The opening of the novel introduces Mrs. Turold's funeral, placing Robert Turold in a moment of introspection as he contemplates his wife’s death and the haunting presence of their family's legacy. We meet Sisily, a young woman marked by sadness and a sense of isolation, who watches her father with a mix of fear and admiration. The tension within the family dynamic becomes evident through conversations at the funeral, as Robert’s single-minded pursuit of a title overshadows his familial relationships. As the story unfolds, themes of legacy, identity, and the costs of ambition are deeply explored, setting the stage for the dramatic revelations that follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Dead Men's Money" by J. S. Fletcher is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young man named Hugh Moneylaws, whose life takes a dramatic turn when a suspicious lodger, James Gilverthwaite, comes to stay at his mother’s home. As events unfold, the plot thickens with themes of murder, secrets, and a significant amount of money that complicates the situation further. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Hugh Moneylaws, who observes the enigmatic Gilverthwaite arriving at their home. The man, boasting of wealth and mysterious origins, soon engages Hugh in secretive dealings that set the stage for impending danger. After a series of unusual occurrences, including Gilverthwaite falling ill and sending Hugh to deliver a message under dubious circumstances, the narrative escalates when Hugh discovers a murdered man near the appointed meeting place. Caught in a web of intrigue involving money and unresolved identities, Hugh must navigate the chaos that unfolds, leading him into the depths of a perilous mystery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Mystery of 31 New Inn" by R. Austin Freeman is a detective novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers around Dr. Jervis, a medical doctor who is drawn into a perplexing case surrounding a mysterious patient named Mr. Graves, who appears to be gravely ill under peculiar circumstances that suggest possible poisoning. At the start of the narrative, Dr. Jervis reflects on his connection with the influential detective John Thorndyke while recounting a recent incident in his practice. He receives a call from a messenger, summoning him to attend to Mr. Graves, a patient who has refused medical help until now. As he arrives at a dimly lit house, he is met by a rather anxious housekeeper. Once confronted with Mr. Graves, he recognizes alarming signs that suggest opium poisoning, leading him into a web of secrecy and uncertainty. The strange atmosphere, the behavior of the housekeeper, and the ominous presence of Mr. Weiss establish a tense dynamic, raising questions about the actual nature of the illness, the motivations of those involved, and the dark secrets they might be concealing. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"L'argent des autres: 1. Les hommes de paille" by Émile Gaboriau is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work delves into themes of finance, trust, and societal norms through the story of Vincent Favoral, a meticulous bank cashier in Paris whose orderly life is disrupted when accusations of financial misconduct threaten his reputation and stability. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the tranquil setting of Rue Saint-Gilles in Paris, where Vincent Favoral lives with his family. The narrative follows a mysterious servant who inquires about Favoral's character, indicating that Favoral is widely regarded as an honest man in a seemingly ordinary life. However, various discussions reveal an underlying tension, notably around Favoral's two children, Maxence and Gilberte. The story escalates during a seemingly routine dinner when the arrival of Baron de Thaller leads to shocking allegations against Favoral, suggesting an entanglement in financial malfeasance. As panic unfolds among the dinner guests, including Favoral's family, ominous hints of betrayal and unexpected consequences loom, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of morality and the fragility of reputation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Rome Express" by Arthur Griffiths is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. Set aboard a train speeding towards Paris, the story intricately weaves the lives of its passengers around a shocking murder. The narrative predominantly focuses on the discovery of a dead man in a sleeping compartment, believed to be a victim of foul play. As the plot unfolds, characters such as General Sir Charles Collingham and Countess di Castagneto come under scrutiny, their backgrounds and connections revealing layers of intrigue and suspicion. At the start of "The Rome Express," the train's occupants are roused from their slumber to face the shocking reality of murder when a lifeless body is discovered in one of the sleeping compartments. The atmosphere quickly transforms from the mundane routines of travel into a tension-filled scenario where every passenger becomes a suspect. Early scenes set the stage for the investigation, with detectives arriving to interrogate the passengers and the porter, each detail hinting at complexities within their relationships and pasts. The execution of the protagonist’s search for truth intertwines with the exploration of the human psyche, as characters grapple with fear, guilt, and the implications of their actions in the face of a horrifying crime. The vivid descriptions and suspenseful pacing invite readers to delve deeper into the narrative to uncover the truth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Martin Hewitt, Investigator" by Arthur Morrison is a collection of detective stories written in the late 19th century. The stories revolve around Martin Hewitt, a clever private detective known for his keen observational skills and extraordinary faculties, as he tackles various cases ranging from robberies to more complex crimes. The opening narrative introduces us to Hewitt's character and the peculiar circumstances surrounding a series of robberies at a country estate, setting the tone for his investigative adventures. The opening of the book begins with a recounting of a notorious robbery case involving a series of thefts that have taken place at Lenton Croft. We meet Sir James Norris, the owner of the estate, who is desperate to solve the mysterious incidents where valuable jewelry has been stolen under seemingly impossible circumstances, leaving behind only a spent match as a clue. As Hewitt is summoned to investigate, he quickly establishes a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the thefts, questioning Sir James about each incident. This chapter sets up an intriguing premise, demonstrating the methodical approach Hewitt takes as he begins to unravel the threads of the case, further entrenching readers in the mysteries that await in this detective series. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Red Thumb Mark" by R. Austin Freeman is a mystery novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke, a medical practitioner turned legal expert who gets embroiled in a case involving the theft of a parcel of valuable diamonds, which leads to his client, Mr. Reuben Hornby, being accused of the crime when a bloody thumbprint is found at the scene. The novel deftly combines elements of forensic science with legal intrigue as Thorndyke seeks to unravel the truth behind the accusation against Hornby. The opening of the book sets the stage with the introduction of Thorndyke, who meets his friend Dr. Jervis and discusses his metamorphosis from medicine to law. The significant narrative unfolds when they receive visitors, including Hornby's lawyer and the accused nephew himself, who maintains his innocence despite the mounting evidence against him. The plot thickens as a mysterious young woman, Miss Juliet Gibson, expresses her belief in Hornby's innocence and offers to support his legal defense. The story begins to explore the complexities of character relationships, the implications of fingerprint evidence, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in the justice system as they navigate through suspicions and the pursuit of truth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Old Man in the Corner" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the enigmatic character known as the "old man in the corner," who engages in discussions with a young newspaper reporter, Polly Burton. Their conversations delve into various unsolved crimes, with the old man displaying his sharp intellect and keen deduction skills as he lays bare the motives and methods behind each mystery. At the start of the book, Polly Burton encounters the old man while she enjoys her luncheon at a café. Irked by his assertion that mysteries can be unraveled with intelligence, she challenges him with the infamous Fenchurch Street mystery, which has baffled the police for months. The old man recounts the tale of William Kershaw, who disappears under mysterious circumstances after a series of dubious financial dealings with a wealthy Siberian known as Smethurst. The complexity of the narrative is revealed as the old man weaves details about Kershaw's past, the relationship with his wife, and the suspicious letters exchanged, creating a suspenseful scenario where his deductive prowess promises to shed light on what truly transpired. (This is an automatically generated summary.)