Author
Mary E. Hanshew
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Subjects
Books by Mary E. Hanshew
The Riddle of the Mysterious Light
"The Riddle of the Mysterious Light" by Mary E. and Thomas W. Hanshew is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Superintendent Maverick Narkom of Scotland Yard and his brilliant ally, Hamilton Cleek, as they unravel a bizarre series of events in a haunted village, where supernatural occurrences intertwine with crimes—strange lights, unsolved disappearances, and unexplained deaths punctuate the eerie atmosphere. The opening of the book introduces a sense of tranquility in London which is abruptly shattered when Narkom receives a distressing call about a mysterious case in Valehampton. As he prepares for the arrival of Cleek, an unexpected twist occurs—Narkom realizes that Cleek is missing and has been captured by a gang of Apaches. The urgency of the situation escalates as Narkom rushes to save his friend, delving into the depths of the plot that includes the supernatural elements that plague the village. This initial chapter establishes a suspenseful tone, setting the stage for the intricate mystery that ensues while highlighting the deep camaraderie between Narkom and Cleek.
The Riddle of the Purple Emperor
"The Riddle of the Purple Emperor" by Mary E. and Thomas W. Hanshew is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Hamilton Cleek, a master detective known as "The Man of Forty Faces," who is drawn into a mystery involving a young woman, Lady Margaret Cheyne, and her family’s valuable jewels, particularly the infamous "Purple Emperor," a diamond with a dark history. The narrative is set against the backdrop of intrigue and danger as Cleek uncovers layers of deception surrounding the Cheyne family. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the bustling atmosphere of Charing Cross Station as Cleek eagerly awaits the return of Ailsa Lorne from Paris. However, he encounters Lady Margaret, who has arrived alone and weary from her journey, having been overlooked at the station. Ailsa persuades Cleek to assist her in driving Lady Margaret to her newly inherited home, Cheyne Court, where dark secrets await. As Cleek drives, he learns of the ominous history tied to the family jewels and the potential dangers that they carry, especially considering the strange figures Margaret encountered on her journey. Through masterful prose, the opening sets a suspenseful tone that hints at a complex riddle and impending tragedy.
The Riddle of the Spinning Wheel
"The Riddle of the Spinning Wheel" by Mary E. Hanshew and Thomas W. Hanshew is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Mr. Maverick Narkom, Superintendent of Scotland Yard, interrupted by a distressed visitor, Miss Maud Duggan, who seeks his help regarding her father’s life, which she believes is in danger due to his wife, Lady Paula. The narrative involves elements of family intrigue, mystery, and a potential murder plot against Sir Andrew Duggan, adding intrigue to the familial and societal dynamics at play. At the start of the novel, Narkom is approached by Miss Duggan, who brings alarming news about her father, claiming that his life is threatened by Lady Paula, his second wife. She articulates her fears that Paula is plotting against Sir Andrew to ensure her son Cyril's inheritance. As Maud narrates events from Aygon Castle, tension builds around the family dynamics, including her brother Ross’s strained relationship with their father over his electrical innovations at the castle. The opening chapters create a rich tapestry of suspense, setting up a complex web of relationships laden with secrets, ambitions, and the threat of violence, inviting readers into a world where personal loyalties clash against darker motives.
The Riddle of the Frozen Flame
"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.