Author
Herman Landon
1882-1960
Herman Landon (1882-1960) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Herman Landon
The Gray Phantom's Return
"The Gray Phantom's Return" by Herman Landon is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Patrolman Joshua Pinto, who finds himself embroiled in the mysterious murder of Sylvanus Gage, a tobacconist suspected of engaging in shady dealings. As events unfold, a connection to the elusive character known as the Gray Phantom emerges, setting the stage for intrigue and deception. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to Officer Pinto patrolling a dreary neighborhood when he is alerted by a frantic housekeeper about a potential emergency involving Gage. Upon breaking into Gage's shop, Pinto discovers the tobacconist fatally wounded, and in his last moments, the man whispers the name of the Gray Phantom as his assailant. This dramatic opening lays the groundwork for a layered narrative as Pinto navigates through a web of betrayals and hidden motives, while the Gray Phantom—a figure known for his cunning escapes and charitable deeds—finds himself unjustly accused, compelling him to uncover the truth behind the murder and clear his name.
The Gray Phantom
"The Gray Phantom" by Herman Landon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces a mystical and theatrical backdrop, involving a tension-filled performance at the Thelma Theater that quickly spirals into tragedy when a leading actress mysteriously dies amidst a haunting atmosphere. The narrative centers around Helen Hardwick, a young playwright whose work has garnered attention, as she navigates the unfolding drama and the enigmatic figure of Mr. Shei, a shadowy criminal who may be connected to the events that transpire. At the start of the book, the audience at the Thelma Theater is struck by an eerie hush just before the climax of a play that Helen has written. The sudden stillness is ominous, foreshadowing the tragic death of actress Virginia Darrow, who utters the name "Mr. Shei" before collapsing in a strange fit of laughter. The unfolding chaos reveals the complexities of the theater scene, where Helen, watching from her box, becomes increasingly fascinated by the actors and unnerved by the mysterious woman in the back row. After the commotion, Helen finds herself embroiled in the investigation surrounding Darrow's suspicious demise, hinting at deeper connections to her own life and the elusive Gray Phantom, a figure from her past who may hold the key to unraveling the mystery.
The seventh shot : $b A detective story
"The seventh shot : A detective story" by Herman Landon is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. Set in Broadway’s backstage world, it follows volatile new star Alan Mortimer, producer Max Dukane, and ingénue Sybil Merivale as their show collides with the ousted leading lady Grace Templeton and the calculating Kitty Legaye. When anonymous threats and jealousies surface, detective Jim Barrison moves from a technical consultant on fingerprints to an uneasy guardian as danger seems to gather for opening night. The opening of the novel traces a sweltering rehearsal season on the Rialto: Kitty befriends job-hunting Sybil over lunch, Mortimer (already the object of multiple entanglements) impulsively anoints her his new leading woman after Grace Templeton is fired, and Dukane cautiously agrees to test her. Rehearsals reveal Mortimer’s intoxicating charm and predatory will—he forces an onstage kiss during the “tag,” rattling Sybil and stoking Norman Crane’s jealousy—while a superstitious stage manager frets and an anonymous letter warns Mortimer of doom “on the opening night.” Barrison, brought in to coach a fingerprint scene, quietly reads the room: Grace’s smoldering fury, Kitty’s designs, Sybil’s fearful fascination, and Mortimer’s enraged response to the note; Grace later tries (and fails) to hire him to shadow Mortimer, and Tony Clay reports she has bought a revolver. On opening night, with the theater stifling and security tightened, Barrison spots Grace in a box dressed in black, watches her sit strangely calm as Mortimer makes his entrance, and senses the fuse has been lit.