Author
Guy Boothby
1867-1905
Guy Boothby (1867-1905) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Guy Boothby
In Strange Company: A Story of Chili and the Southern Seas
"In Strange Company: A Story of Chili and the Southern Seas" by Guy Boothby is a novel published in 1894. When Marmaduke Plowden embezzles two hundred thousand pounds from his London clients and flees to Chile, a group of unsavory characters learns of the theft and sets their own plans in motion to claim the money. The pursuit spans from London to the Argentine Republic, Chile, Tahiti, Thursday Island, and Batavia in this adventure across the southern seas.
A Prince of Swindlers
"A Prince of Swindlers" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the intriguing life of Simon Carne, a masterful con artist who manages to infiltrate high society in London while executing a series of elaborate swindles. The narrative opens with a reflection on the events that have led to a well-known series of thefts, establishing a world where charm and deception intermingle with the opulence of the elite. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the protagonist, Simon Carne, who recounts how he innocently introduced a notorious adventurer into London society, setting the stage for a wave of high-profile crimes. The chapter details Carne's previous life as a Viceroy and his subsequent journey to England, where he navigates through social circles and meticulously plans his daring heists. The narrative builds on his strategic mind and explores themes of disguise and deception, as he prepares to exploit the wealth that the season of festivities brings to the city. Ultimately, the opening lays a foundation for a thrilling tale of crime and cunning that promises to captivate readers with its mix of intrigue and adventure.
Pharos, The Egyptian: A Romance
"Pharos, The Egyptian: A Romance" by Guy Boothby is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Cyril Forrester, an artist whose life becomes entangled with the mysterious and sinister figure of Pharos, an Egyptian who embodies darkness and manipulation. The narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the supernatural against a backdrop of intrigue and moral conflict. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Sir William Betford, who receives an unexpected visit from a man named Honoré de Silva, who delivers a cryptic packet from Forrester. This leads to a letter revealing the tragic circumstances that prompted Forrester to leave England. When we delve into Forrester's account, he recounts a series of fateful events, including an encounter with a drowning man and a subsequent meeting with Pharos, who exudes an unsettling influence over him. As the narrative unfolds, Forrester’s past and the dark connections to his family come to the fore, setting the stage for a tale filled with suspense, mystery, and existential dread.
The Beautiful White Devil
"The Beautiful White Devil" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows George De Normanville, a medical doctor, who embarks on an unexpected adventure after becoming entangled with the enigmatic and notorious figure known as the Beautiful White Devil. Set against the backdrop of Hong Kong and the surrounding seas, this tale brims with elements of mystery, danger, and romance as De Normanville encounters various characters and scenarios that challenge his perceptions and skills. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the sweltering scene in Hong Kong, where De Normanville finds himself amidst a group of officers discussing the exploits of the Beautiful White Devil, a woman suspected of masterminding heists and abductions. As the conversation unfolds, a mysterious man named Horace Venderbrun approaches De Normanville with an urgent and lucrative proposition to attend to a smallpox outbreak on a remote island. Following a brief but intense discussion, the doctor agrees, only to be whisked away into a tumultuous adventure that involves piracy, a deadly encounter on a junk, and ultimately leads him to the luxurious yacht of the Beautiful White Devil herself, whose true character and intentions remain shrouded in intrigue as he contemplates the nature of good and evil.
A Bid for Fortune; Or, Dr. Nikola's Vendetta
"A Bid for Fortune; Or, Dr. Nikola's Vendetta" by Guy Boothby is a novel published in 1895. Young Australian Richard Hatteras, fresh from pearl-diving riches, travels to Sydney where he falls for the Colonial Secretary's daughter. But her father has crossed paths with the sinister Dr. Nikola, who demands a mysterious oriental object through devious schemes. As Nikola's plot threatens the woman he loves, Hatteras must race to rescue her from danger.
The Kidnapped President
"The Kidnapped President" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Dick Helmsworth, a chief officer in the shipping industry, who finds himself embroiled in intrigue and conspiracy after being unfairly discharged from his position by a vindictive captain. He becomes involved with a mysterious Spaniard, Don Guzman de Silvestre, who offers him a lucrative but perilous opportunity to assist in the deportation of a South American president. The beginning of the book introduces us to Helmsworth's seafaring life and the dissatisfaction he feels after a tumultuous voyage under Captain Harveston. As he navigates the complexities of ship duties and unwarranted complaints from his captain, we witness Helmsworth's growing frustration. This culminates in his dismissal from the shipping company, leading to his chance encounter with Don Guzman, who proposes a daring plan to reclaim political power in his homeland by using Helmsworth's unique skills. This intriguing setup suggests a blend of adventure, political intrigue, and personal stakes that promise an engaging narrative ahead.
Sheilah McLeod: A Heroine of the Back Blocks
"Sheilah McLeod: A Heroine of the Back Blocks" by Guy Boothby is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set in Australia and centers around the lives and adventures of Jim Heggarstone and Sheilah McLeod, whose paths intertwine through various challenges, including a devastating bushfire and complex family dynamics. The book appears to explore themes of love, loyalty, and personal growth against the backdrop of the rugged Australian landscape. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Jim Heggarstone, who reflects on his solitary life as a white man on a South Sea island while awaiting the arrival of a trading schooner. The prologue sets up the story dramatically, showcasing Jim’s conflicts with outsiders, notably a missionary, and foreshadowing the presence of threats to both his and Sheilah's lives. Following this, the story unfolds with Jim's recollections of his childhood, the arrival of Sheilah and her father after a flood, and their developing friendship. The opening chapters emphasize their early bond amidst the beauty and dangers of their environment, ultimately hinting at the growth of deeper feelings as they face threats together.
A Cabinet Secret
"A Cabinet Secret" by Guy Boothby is a novel published in 1900. Set during the Boer War, the story follows a shadowy council of conspirators who orchestrate devastating attacks on Britain's leadership, including the destruction of the Woolwich Arsenal and the assassination of the Prime Minister. As Cabinet Ministers and military commanders mysteriously vanish, the nation faces an unprecedented crisis. This fast-paced thriller combines political intrigue with sensational plot twists in a tale of conspiracy and danger.
'Farewell, Nikola'
"Farewell, Nikola" by Guy Boothby is a novel published in 1901. This fifth and final installment reunites readers with the enigmatic Dr. Nikola, now residing in a sinister Venetian palace conducting mysterious scientific experiments. When he crosses paths with Sir Richard Hatteras and old acquaintances, secrets of Nikola's dark past emerge, including his birth story and a consuming obsession with revenge against the son of his mother's betrayer.
The Red Rat's Daughter
"The Red Rat's Daughter" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around John Grantham Browne, a wealthy bachelor navigating the complexities of his fortune and social expectations in high society. The narrative suggests themes of adventure and romance, particularly as Browne becomes embroiled with a mysterious young woman named Katherine Petrovitch after a fateful encounter in Norway. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Browne, who has recently inherited a vast fortune from his father and is enjoying life aboard his luxurious yacht in the beautiful Norwegian fjords. During an excursion, he comes to the aid of Katherine Petrovitch, who has injured herself while painting on the mountainside. Their initial meeting sets off a series of events that promise to intertwine their lives further, especially as Browne is drawn to her charm and mystery. As he navigates social pressures and the expectations of marriage while developing feelings for Katherine, the stage is set for a compelling exploration of love, social class, and personal desires.
The Mystery of the Clasped Hands: A Novel
"The Mystery of the Clasped Hands: A Novel" by Guy Boothby is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two friends, Godfrey Henderson and Victor Fensden, both of whom are artists with contrasting personalities and lifestyles. As they navigate the bohemian atmosphere of London, they find themselves entangled in a mystery involving a beautiful Italian girl, Teresina, who becomes the model for Godfrey's new painting, sparking a complicated emotional scenario. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Godfrey and Victor's tongue-in-cheek conversation as they explore a foreign restaurant in Soho. Their differing perspectives on life and art are immediately apparent, with Victor's adventurous and cosmopolitan spirit contrasting sharply with Godfrey's more conventional views. The narrative swiftly shifts as Victor reveals he has found the perfect model for Godfrey's painting. The moment they meet Teresina, described as stunningly beautiful, Godfrey is captivated. This themes of love, artistic aspiration, and the potential consequences of their friendship are set in motion, hinting at the complexities that will define their relationships as the story unfolds.
The Marriage of Esther
"The Marriage of Esther" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the journey of Cuthbert Ellison, a man who has fallen from grace and is struggling for redemption, as he navigates his complicated relationship with Esther McCartney, a woman of strength and mystery, set against the backdrop of Thursday Island. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Ellison and his companion Silas Murkard as they arrive at Thursday Island, both down on their luck. Their unpopularity is quickly established when Murkard, intoxicated, incites a brawl at a local bar, leading to Ellison's defense of him against a fighter named Paddy the Lasher. After a fierce fight, Ellison earns the respect of the locals but is haunted by his past failures and the degradation he has suffered. The narrative hints at Ellison's internal struggles, including his desire for redemption, and lays the foundation for his encounter with Esther, a character who represents hope and the potential for a new beginning in his tumultuous life.
A Crime of the Under-seas
"A Crime of the Under-seas" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds with Christopher Collon, a somewhat elusive private detective, recounting his adventures and the peculiar trades he encounters in the exotic setting of Colombo, Ceylon. The narration takes a dramatic turn when Collon becomes embroiled in a case surrounding a precious pearl that is lost following the sinking of a ship. His journey will intertwine a web of crime, danger, and intrigue as he navigates the seedy underbelly of the East. The opening of the novel introduces Collon and two other intriguing characters, McDougall and Callingway, as they chat in the Grand Oriental Hotel. Their discussion about their lives and aspirations foreshadows the adventure ahead. Shortly after, an elderly gentleman named Mr. Leversidge approaches Collon with a unique request: to recover a valuable pearl lost with a shipwreck. However, the plot thickens as it is revealed that their mission is not straightforward; there are darker forces at play, including a possible murder linked to the pearl. As Collon prepares for the dive to retrieve the pearl, he uncovers that the agent who was transporting it has gruesomely perished, hinting at an even deeper mystery surrounding the gem.
My Strangest Case
"My Strangest Case" by Guy Boothby is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of Singapore and revolves around the adventures of Gideon Hayle, a mysterious and resourceful man whose past encounters and schemes are gradually revealed. The opening chapters hint at a treasure hunt intertwined with intrigue and deception. The beginning of the book introduces us to Singapore, characterized by its vibrant mixture of cultures and the unusual Hotel of the Three Desires, where Hayle finds himself entangled with a group of dubious characters. As Hayle reflects on his situation and prepares for an impending meeting with associates Kitwater and Codd, the tension builds, indicating that their arrival is crucial to the story’s unfolding. Hayle’s character is portrayed as shrewd yet wary, setting the stage for the twists to come as the narrative explores themes of adventure, treasure hunting, and the complexities of human nature amidst deceit and adventure.
The Childerbridge Mystery
"The Childerbridge Mystery" by Guy Boothby is a novel published in 1902. When wealthy Australian squatter William Standerton returns to England and purchases Childerbridge Manor, a blackmailer from his past follows him. After Standerton is found strangled, his son James must uncover the killer. Originally serialized in Sydney's Daily Telegraph, this murder mystery combines elements of colonial secrets and English country house intrigue in a tale of crime and investigation.
"Long Live the King!"
"Long Live the King!" by Guy Boothby is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The story follows Paul, the son of King Maximilian of Pannonia, as he reflects on his upbringing and the turbulent events that led to his family seeking refuge after the fall of the monarchy. The narrative is steeped in themes of destiny, familial loyalty, and political intrigue, centering around the relationship between Paul and his brother, Maximilian, as well as their struggles against the backdrop of revolution. At the start of the book, the narrator, Paul, reminisces about his childhood and the stark contrast between his past and the present, where their family is in exile after fleeing unrest in Pannonia. The intriguing initial moments detail Paul’s memories of royal life, including the stark differences between his scholarly father and ambitious mother and an early encounter with gypsies predicting rival fortunes for him and his brother. These prophecies set a tone of impending conflict that permeates their lives, culminating in a dramatic series of events leading to their escape from the palace as revolutionaries threaten their safety. Through these reflections, Boothby lays the groundwork for a tale exploring the fates of royal families and the personal impacts of political upheaval.
Doktor Nikola
"Doktor Nikola" by Guy Boothby is a novel published in 1896. The enigmatic Dr. Nikola enlists young Australian Wilfred Bruce for a perilous expedition to a remote Buddhist monastery in the heart of China. Their quest: to obtain mysterious treasures that promise extraordinary power—possibly connected to hypnotism or ancient magic. For £20,000, Bruce agrees to face hair-raising adventures alongside the inscrutable doctor, whose true motives remain deliberately unclear. What secrets lie hidden in that distant monastery, and what will Nikola do once he possesses them?