Author
Earl Derr Biggers
1884-1933
Earl Derr Biggers (1884-1933) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Earl Derr Biggers
苦悶の欄
"苦悶の欄" by Earl Derr Biggers is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I London, it introduces readers to Jeffrey West, an American who becomes intrigued by the peculiar personal ads featured in a newspaper column known as "苦悶の欄" (the column of anguish). The storyline weaves romance and mystery, focusing particularly on West's fascination with a captivating woman he observes while dining at a hotel. At the start of the novel, the oppressive heat of London is palpable as Jeffrey West reflects on his longing for his hometown in the U.S. While selecting breakfast at the Carlton Hotel, he is drawn to the personal ads that fill him with both amusement and curiosity. He discovers a series of romantic and sometimes bizarre messages that hint at deeper emotional complexities. The plot thickens when West encounters an enigmatic woman at the hotel, setting the stage for an unfolding narrative filled with romance, intrigue, and an impending sense of danger as wider events, including the looming war, begin to unravel around the characters.
The Agony Column
"The Agony Column" by Earl Derr Biggers is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I London, the story follows Geoffrey West, an American expatriate, who becomes captivated by the personal messages found in the "Agony Column" of the Daily Mail. The messages range from comical to tragic, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human emotions, while West finds himself particularly drawn to the notices after encountering a mysterious and beautiful young woman at a hotel. At the start of the story, Geoffrey West grapples with the oppressive heat of the London summer as he enjoys a breakfast of strawberries while perusing the Agony Column. His routine is interrupted when he notices a captivating young woman dining nearby, which stirs his imagination. The narrative unfolds with West's foray into romance and mystery, sparked by his growing fascination with the young lady, who soon becomes entangled in a murder investigation that pivots on a series of personal ads. Intrigue deepens as circumstances and personal connections unravel, leading to questions of loyalty, crime, and unexpected twists linking several characters through their relationship to the deceased Captain Fraser-Freer. The opening portion effectively sets the stage for a blend of romantic allure and suspenseful mystery surrounding the fate of the characters entangled in this intriguing case.
The house without a key
"The House Without a Key" by Earl Derr Biggers is a novel published in 1925. This first Charlie Chan mystery unfolds in 1920s Hawaiʻi, where a Boston bond trader arrives to retrieve his vacationing aunt but becomes entangled in a murder investigation. The victim, a former Boston society member, has been killed under mysterious circumstances. As the straitlaced young Bostonian assists Detective Charlie Chan, he discovers the islands' enchanting culture, encounters unexpected romance, and finds himself questioning his carefully planned future back East.
Seven Keys to Baldpate
"Seven Keys to Baldpate" by Earl Derr Biggers is a novel published in 1913. Writer Billy Magee seeks solitude at the remote Baldpate Inn to work on his next novel, expecting complete isolation. Instead, he discovers six other people possess keys to the supposedly empty inn. What follows draws him into a chaotic tangle of secrets involving bribery, violence, and gunfire. This bestselling mystery became a popular stage play and inspired numerous film, radio, and television adaptations over the decades.
Inside the Lines
"Inside the Lines" by Earl Derr Biggers and Robert Welles Ritchie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book tells the story of Jane Gerson, a young American buyer for a New York department store, who finds herself caught in the midst of rising tensions in Europe just before the outbreak of World War I. As she navigates her way through Paris, she becomes entwined with Captain Woodhouse, a British army officer, and other characters who are deeply involved in espionage and the brewing conflict. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Jane Gerson as she arrives in France, determined to recover a lost trunk and fulfill her duties as a foreign buyer. The chaotic scene at the customs shortly leads her to Captain Woodhouse, who assists her, revealing a deep sense of duty and concern for her safety amid the political unrest. Their conversation broaches the topic of potential war in Europe, contrasting Jane’s optimistic views with Captain Woodhouse’s grave apprehensions. This initial meeting foreshadows their complex relationship as they both confront the implications of war while striving to achieve their personal goals, setting the stage for a narrative rich with both adventure and romance in a historic context.
Love Insurance
"Love Insurance" by Earl Derr Biggers is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Lord Harrowby, an English nobleman who is concerned about marrying Cynthia Meyrick, a wealthy American heiress. With the wedding approaching, Harrowby seeks an unusual insurance policy to protect himself from the possibility of losing her affections, prompting a series of comedic and romantic entanglements as they navigate their feelings and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, we meet Lord Harrowby, who arrives at a New York office to propose a bizarre insurance plan to the Lloyds firm—insuring against the chance of his fiancée changing her mind and abandoning him before their wedding. His interactions with the firm’s underwriters reveal his nervousness and the absurdity of his request, but they ultimately agree to help him. In the course of the opening chapters, Harrowby's plan takes off as we are introduced to Richard Minot, a capable assistant sent to ensure the wedding proceeds as planned. The beginning establishes a lighthearted tone infused with witty dialogue, intriguing characters, and the comedic elements of a romantic adventure.