Results: 2180 books
Sort By:
NewTrending

The Piccadilly Puzzle: A Mysterious Story

Fergus Hume

"The Piccadilly Puzzle: A Mysterious Story" by Fergus Hume is a mystery novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the discovery of a woman's dead body on a foggy night in Jermyn Street, involving various characters entwined in London society, including Spencer Ellersby, a wealthy and educated man, and Myles Desmond, a literary aspirant with personal ties to the woman. The novel promises an exploration of secrets, scandals, and a murder mystery that calls for resolution through the detective work of characters such as Dowker, who is tasked with unraveling the truth behind the crime. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to a bustling ball hosted by the Countess of Kerstoke, where Ellersby, returning from his travels, is caught up in the social intrigues and gossip of London. After leaving the ball, he encounters various societal figures and learns about the complex relationships surrounding Lord Calliston and Lady Balscombe. However, the night takes a dark turn when he accidentally discovers the body of a woman in Jermyn Street. The narrative sets the stage for an investigation, with a focus on the deceased's identity, the circumstances surrounding her death, and hints at betrayal and jealousy among the characters, leading to a compelling and immersive mystery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Mystery Crash - Sky Scout Series, #1

Van Powell

"The Mystery Crash" by Van Powell is a children's mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three young boys, Bob, Al, and Curt, who stumble upon a mysterious airplane hidden in a cornfield while on a joyride. Their curiosity sparks a series of adventures as they endeavor to solve the mystery behind the abandoned aircraft and the strange events that follow, including a plane crash that leads to their involvement in a larger investigation. At the start of the book, Bob, Al, and Curt are on an airplane during a test flight when they spot an airplane concealed among trees in a field below. Eager to explore this enigma, they convince the pilot, Lang, to circle back for a closer look. Upon investigation, they discover the aircraft is hidden and seemingly abandoned, leading to a note that adds to the mystery. The following day, the boys return to find the plane has vanished, ultimately redirecting their curiosity towards a recent airplane accident that involves a pilot missing after a crash near Rocky Lake. This incident intertwines their lives with a more significant mystery related to their father's detective work, setting the stage for the boys to form a club called the Sky Squad as they navigate the thrilling twists of the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Red-headed Man

Fergus Hume

"The Red-headed Man" by Fergus Hume is a detective novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the young realistic novelist Frank Darrel, who becomes entwined in the mystery surrounding a peculiar crime involving a red-headed man, leading to a murder in a dark London alley. As Darrel investigates the circumstances of the man's death, he encounters various characters and clues that suggest a deeper conspiracy tied to an unknown woman and a secret society. At the start of the story, we meet Frank Darrel, who observes a suspicious red-headed man one evening while exploring the streets of London. Intrigued by the man's erratic behavior, Darrel decides to follow him. This decision leads him to the discovery of the red-headed man's lifeless body in Mortality Lane shortly after he mysteriously vanished from a cab. As news of the murder spreads, Darrel becomes a witness and ultimately seeks to unravel the enigma surrounding the crime. With the introduction of the character Mr. Torry, a detective, the plot thickens as they work together to deduce the circumstances leading to the double murders tied to both the red-headed man and a mysterious woman. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Neljä naista ristillä: Jännitysromaani

Maurice Leblanc

"Neljä naista ristillä: Jännitysromaani" by Maurice Leblanc is a thrilling novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Véronique d'Hergemont, a woman whose tumultuous past haunts her, including the mysterious deaths of her father and son, as well as her troubled marriage to Alexis Vorski. As she navigates through her grief and the shadows of her former life, the plot promises an unraveling of secrets, betrayal, and an unforeseen journey into her dark history. The opening of the novel introduces a series of dramatic events surrounding Véronique and her family. It recounts the circumstances of her father's attack and the subsequent kidnapping of Véronique, tragically leading to a false sense of closure regarding her family's fate. Years later, driven by a need for clarity, Véronique receives a letter that stirs up memories and leads her back to a desolate hut in Brittany, where she uncovers a body and a disturbing drawing depicting four women on crosses. This discovery sets off a chain of events that compel her to seek the truth about her past, igniting a path filled with mystery and suspense. As she delves deeper, her journey unveils connections to her lost son and a dark prophecy surrounding her family, positioning her at the heart of a thrilling narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Vanishing of Tera

Fergus Hume

"The Vanishing of Tera" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story revolves around Tera, a Polynesian girl known as Bithiah, who is caught between her cultural heritage and her new life in England as the ward of a missionary. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and the tensions arising from different societies, as Tera navigates her feelings for her sailor beau, Jack, and her complicated relationship with her guardian, Mr. Johnson, who harbors unrequited love for her. The opening of the book introduces us to Tera during a lively sermon by a missionary named Korah Brand, who emphasizes the evil in her homeland to his congregation. Tera, adorned in vibrant clothes that reflect her royal lineage, stands out among the largely monochromatic congregation. She is torn between her longing for her native island of Koiau and the affections of Jack, who wants to marry her. Tera's emotional turmoil is exacerbated by her guardian's feelings and her father's plans for her return to her homeland. As the plot unfolds, we see her desperate attempt to regain autonomy over her life amidst the conflicting desires of those around her, foreshadowing her disappearance that sets the stage for the unfolding mystery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Rainbow Feather

Fergus Hume

"The Rainbow Feather" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with a prophetic encounter involving a young woman named Milly participating in a fortune-telling session with a gipsy, who ominously warns her of death and murder. The narrative unfolds around Milly's complex relationships, particularly with the wealthy Darcy Herne, to whom she is engaged, and Lucas Lovel, an artist with whom she shares a flirtation. At the start of the book, the stage is set with a mystery that commingles love, betrayal, and dark prophecy. The opening chapter establishes the characters of Milly and Lovel, showcasing their flirtation and the tensions of Milly's impending marriage to a man she does not love. After their encounter with the gipsy, ominous themes begin to surface, hinting at the tragic outcomes of youthful indiscretions as tensions between the characters mount, foreshadowing the unfolding drama that intertwines fate and free will amidst romantic entanglements. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Girl from Malta

Fergus Hume

"The Girl from Malta" by Fergus Hume is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the enigmatic Lionel Ventin, whose troubled past and present culminate in a murder mystery that unfolds aboard the steamship Neptune as it travels to Malta. The narrative promises intrigue, romance, and the exploration of complex human relationships, primarily involving Ventin and his tragic entanglements with women and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, the stage is set on the Neptune, where passengers, including Ventin, revel in the excitement of their journey. Ventin, revealing hints of a painful history and a looming sense of dread, engages in conversations with the young and carefree Ronald Monteith. As Ventin shares his backstory filled with lost love and regret, he becomes a figure of sympathy, particularly due to his connection with a wife he fears might cause him harm. The chapter concludes ominously by establishing a tense atmosphere, foreshadowing complexities and potential calamity as the ship nears Malta. As the passengers interact, the groundwork is laid for a narrative rich in character dynamics and dramatic tension. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Lone Inn: A Mystery

Fergus Hume

"The Lone Inn: A Mystery" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a mysterious and foreboding inn, where the protagonist, Denham, finds himself as he seeks refuge after a long day of walking. Within the inn, he encounters a series of unsettling events and complex relationships involving Francis and Felix Briarfield, twin brothers entangled in a romantic rivalry and a potential murder mystery. The tone hints at themes of deception, identity, and the sinister undertones of human relationships. At the start of the book, Denham arrives at the Fen Inn, wary of its sinister appearance. He is soon met by a beautiful yet ambiguous woman named Rose and her father, the innkeeper, who share an air of mystery. Denham is eager to find a bed for the night but quickly learns that the inn is supposedly full. After a surprising reunion with his college friend Francis Briarfield, Denham discovers troubling hints about the complicated dynamics between Francis and his brother Felix, especially concerning their mutual affection for a woman named Olivia. The tension escalates as Denham senses there is more to the story, especially when he learns of Francis’s mysterious appointment and the inevitable confrontation with his brother, who is alluded to as a darker character in a brewing conspiracy. The atmosphere is steeped in suspense, and readers are left questioning the true nature of the characters and the fate that awaits them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Crimson Cryptogram: A Detective Story

Fergus Hume

"The Crimson Cryptogram: A Detective Story" by Fergus Hume is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Dr. Robert Ellis, a young and disillusioned physician, and his friend Harry Cass, a journalist, who find themselves embroiled in a murder case when a desperate woman named Mrs. Moxton arrives at their door, claiming her husband has been murdered. The narrative unfolds with elements of mystery and suspense, as they navigate the complexities surrounding Mrs. Moxton and the events leading to her husband's death. The opening portion introduces readers to the strained lives of Ellis and Cass, who are sharing their struggles and aspirations. Their discussion turns unexpectedly when Mrs. Moxton appears, panic-stricken and claiming her husband has been killed. The chapter paints a picture of her background, hinting at her isolation and the troubling dynamics in her marriage. Following her dramatic arrival and the confirmation of her husband's murder, a series of enigmatic clues come to light, including cryptic blood signs on the victim’s arm, suggesting a deeper conspiracy at play. As the narrative progresses, it raises questions about Mrs. Moxton's possible involvement, the identity of the murderer, and the uncharted territory of their investigation, setting the stage for a gripping unfolding mystery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Black Patch

Fergus Hume

"The Black Patch" by Fergus Hume is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a secluded setting, known as The Camp, where Beatrice Hedge, the protagonist, navigates the complexities of her life entangled with the eccentric miserliness of her stepfather, Jarvis Alpenny. As Beatrice grapples with her emotions, romance, and family secrets, the narrative hints at darker elements, including danger and a mysterious presence signified by the ominous "Black Patch." At the start of the book, we are introduced to Beatrice and her stepfather Jarvis Alpenny, who is a usurer living in a derelict garden transformed from old railway carriages. The opening scene presents Beatrice with her friend Dinah discussing their loves and frustrations, capturing the innocence of young women in a stifling environment. As the narrative evolves, a sense of foreboding emerges when another character, Vivian Paslow, interacts with Beatrice, warning her about secrets related to her stepfather and the foreboding "Black Patch." The atmosphere grows electric with the storm that approaches, paralleling the dark turmoil beneath the surface of Beatrice's life, setting the stage for an exploration of love, danger, and mystery intertwined with her destiny. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Tom Terror, the Outlaw

James Jackson

"Tom Terror, the Outlaw" by James Jackson is a thrilling novel written in the late 19th century, set in the wild and lawless landscapes of the American West. This action-packed story follows the notorious outlaw Tom Terror, who has a reputation steeped in danger and defiance. As he navigates various challenges, including confrontations with vigilantes and rival outlaws, the narrative unfolds the grim realities and moral dilemmas of frontier life. The novel primarily revolves around Tom Terror's return to Cut-throat Canyon, where he encounters an array of characters, including an indomitable young boy known as Judge Lynch, Jr., who administers his own form of frontier justice. The dynamic between Tom and his adversaries leads to intense confrontations that highlight themes of revenge, lawlessness, and redemption. Alongside the thrilling action, the story also delves into personal histories and secrets, particularly concerning the true identity of Myra, a young girl tied to the sordid pasts of the outlaw world. The climax brings together these various threads as the characters face reckoning and the ultimate struggle for power and survival in a beautiful yet brutal landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Puzzle in the Pond - A Judy Bolton Mystery

Margaret Sutton

"The Puzzle in the Pond" by Margaret Sutton is a mystery novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around the young and adventurous Judy Bolton as she navigates various mysteries surrounding her life in a small town, including the theft of a friend’s typewriter and the unsettling discovery of a familiar piece of furniture in a beaver dam. At the start of the novel, Judy is busy preparing an exhibit for the library while reminiscing about her grandmother's treasures. Her day takes a turn for the dramatic when her friend Holly arrives, frantic over her stolen typewriter, prompting Judy to join her on a quest to recover it. As they chase after potential suspects and piece together clues, their adventure leads them to unexpected encounters, including a strange shopkeeper and a mysterious boy watching beavers. The opening sets the foundation for Judy's determined and resourceful character as she tackles the challenges that come her way, hinting at the deeper puzzles waiting to be unraveled. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Arsène Lupin Mauretanian keisari

Maurice Leblanc

"Arsène Lupin Mauretanian keisari" by Maurice Leblanc is a novel written during the early 20th century. This adventurous tale follows the cunning gentleman thief Arsène Lupin as he faces off against various adversaries, including the determined police chief Weber. The story is filled with mystery, intrigue, and a series of twists that challenge Lupin's legendary intelligence and resourcefulness. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Don Luis Perenna, who is in a precarious situation as Weber, a formidable adversary, closes in on him. Don Luis skillfully navigates through tension-filled conversations, revealing his intent to protect his allies from imminent danger. As he engages in a tense duel of wits and strategy, we glimpse the stakes involved, especially regarding the lives of Marie and Florence. The atmosphere is thick with suspense as Lupin must rely on his cunning and quick thinking to escape capture and prevent a looming catastrophe, underscoring the high tensions and intricate plotting characteristic of Leblanc's work. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Arsène Lupin miljoonaperillisenä

Maurice Leblanc

"Arsène Lupin miljoonaperillisenä" by Maurice Leblanc is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the enigmatic character Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief, and his involvement with a murder mystery linked to a vast inheritance. The narrative promises intrigue with a mix of crime, deception, and clever investigations that are a hallmark of Leblanc's work. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to a tense atmosphere in the police prefecture, where Inspector Vérot is in a state of distress and urgency related to a past murder and impending threats of more killings set to happen that very night. He appears to be suffering from some unseen danger, ultimately collapsing from a mysterious affliction, as he attempts to convey vital information regarding the case. Simultaneously, the prefect and his colleagues await meetings with various dignitaries, including the elusive Don Luis Perenna, who is set to become central to unraveling the dark plot surrounding an inheritance and the fateful events that lead to murder. As the tension unfolds, readers can sense that not only is Lupin's legendary cunning needed, but also that betrayals and secrets abound within high society, setting the stage for a thrilling narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

813: Arsène Lupinin merkilliset seikkailut

Maurice Leblanc

"813: Arsène Lupinin merkilliset seikkailut" by Maurice Leblanc is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to the enigmatic character Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief and master of disguise, who engages in thrilling escapades that often involve crime and clever maneuverings. The central plot appears to focus on a mystery involving Rudolf Kesselbach, who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous scenario filled with suspicion and intrigue. At the start of the novel, we meet Rudolf Kesselbach, a wealthy man, who has just returned to his hotel room after dinner to discover signs of a break-in. He is agitated and convinced that a thief has been in his room, despite his assistant’s skepticism. Tension builds as Kesselbach makes plans to involve the police, and the atmosphere grows increasingly suspicious when Kesselbach reveals a larger ambition that hints at political power. This opening chapter sets the stage for a conflict involving Kesselbach, a mysterious villain, and ultimately, the infamous Arsène Lupin, who is suggested to be lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to unveil his next grand scheme. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Mystery Queen

Fergus Hume

"The Mystery Queen" by Fergus Hume is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Lillian Moon, the daughter of a wealthy and recently murdered millionaire, Sir Charles Moon, and her lover Dan Halliday, who is determined to solve the mystery surrounding her father's death. As the plot unfolds, dark secrets, familial expectations, and a dangerous gang threaten the couple's future, all set against a backdrop of affluent society and intrigue. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Lillian and her family, including her controlling father, Sir Charles, and her chaperone, Mrs. Bolstreath. After a dramatic dinner, Sir Charles mentions the presence of "dangerous people" in his life, foreshadowing his impending doom. Following an appointment with a mysterious woman named Mrs. Brown, who claims her son, a crew member of one of Sir Charles's ships, has drowned, she poisons him, plunging Lillian into grief and uncertainty. Amid the unfolding chaos, Dan Halliday vows to uncover the truth behind her father's murder to win Lillian's heart, setting off a chain of events filled with tension and suspense. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Naisen haamu: Mysterio neljässä kertomuksessa

Wilkie Collins

"Naisen haamu: Mysterio neljässä kertomuksessa" by Wilkie Collins is a collection of mystery tales written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the character Percy Fairbank, who finds himself in a precarious situation with his wife while they are in a foreign land, leading to an unexpected encounter with a mysterious figure. Themes of love, danger, and supernatural elements intertwine, promising readers an intriguing exploration of human emotions and the uncanny. The opening of the book introduces Percy Fairbank, an English gentleman, who is stranded in a deserted courtyard with his wife, Alicia, and a lame horse. Struggling with the absence of help, Percy reflects on their lives and marriage, revealing a sense of unease and an unsettling atmosphere. The tension escalates when they encounter Francis Rawen, an odd man whose strange dreams hint at darker secrets. As the story unfolds, his inexplicable fear and prior experiences set the stage for suspenseful occurrences, leaving readers curious about the intertwined destinies of the characters and the unfolding mystery surrounding Rawen's past. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Teresa of Watling Street: A Fantasia on Modern Themes

Arnold Bennett

"Teresa of Watling Street: A Fantasia on Modern Themes" by Arnold Bennett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Richard Redgrave, a young man who has transitioned from a clerk to a specialist in private inquiries. Set against the backdrop of early 1900s London, the narrative explores themes of wealth, mystery, and the subtleties of human behavior, particularly as Richard gets embroiled in the curious case surrounding a bank manager named Raphael Craig. The opening of the novel introduces Richard as he navigates a bustling area of the City of London, stepping into a world of banking that is as romantic as it is complex. With a blend of imagination and ambition, Richard attends a meeting with the directors of the British and Scottish Bank, where he is tasked with investigating Craig, who recently inherited a large fortune yet remains dedicated to his banking career. As the story unfolds, Richard’s inquiry leads him to Dunstable and a circus, where he encounters Teresa Craig, Raphael's daughter, and uncovers layers of mystery and danger intertwined with her family's secrets. The narrative sets the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with intrigue and the exploration of modern life’s eccentricities. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Wooden Hand: A Detective Story

Fergus Hume

"The Wooden Hand: A Detective Story" by Fergus Hume is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Eva Strode, a young woman living in a gloomy cottage known as Misery Castle, as she anticipates the return of her estranged father, Mr. Strode, from Africa. The novel sets the tone for an intriguing exploration of familial tension, love, and the foreboding atmosphere surrounding Eva's relationship with her father and her budding romance with Allen Hill. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to Eva and her bleak existence with Mrs. Merry, her old nurse, who has a suspicious and pessimistic view of her father's character. Eva is uncertain about her father's return after years apart, and her worries are intensified by a horrific dream she has, which suggests her father may come to harm. As the opening unfolds, it becomes clear that the novel will weave between supernatural elements, the dynamics of Eva's romantic engagement, and the chilling prophecies surrounding her father's fate. The stage is set for a mystery that will undoubtedly intertwine the dreams with reality, as hints of danger loom. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The White Room

Fergus Hume

"The White Room" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the early 20th century, likely during the early 1900s. This mystery unfolds in a quiet suburb of London, where the seemingly serene neighborhood conceals dark secrets. The story begins with the murder of a young woman found dead in a lavish, all-white room, alongside the intertwining lives of various characters, including a constable named Mulligan, and the mysterious young man who was last seen near the victim. The opening of the novel introduces Constable Mulligan on his night watch, where he becomes intrigued by a mysterious light and music coming from Ajax Villa. After encountering a well-dressed young man, whose sister is supposedly singing inside, Mulligan is lured away from his post, only to later discover the shocking murder of a woman in the white room of the villa. As details unfold, the plot raises questions about the identity of the woman, the circumstances leading to her death, and the enigmatic connection to the man carrying the latch-key to the house. (This is an automatically generated summary.)