Author
Johnston McCulley
1883-1958
Johnston McCulley (1883-1958) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Johnston McCulley
The mark of Zorro
"The Mark of Zorro" by Johnston McCulley is a novel originally published in 1919. In early 19th-century California under Mexican rule, a mysterious masked hero defends the oppressed against corrupt officials. Don Diego de la Vega leads a double life, appearing as a wealthy Californio by day while secretly becoming the sword-wielding Zorro by night. Alongside his mute servant Bernardo and his beloved Lolita, he confronts the villainous Captain Ramon among the Spanish missions and pueblos of old California, leaving his trademark "Z" as a calling card.
The further adventures of Zorro
"The Further Adventures of Zorro" by Johnston McCulley is a thrilling novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows the legendary masked hero Zorro as he confronts pirates and defends the oppressed in Southern California, a setting rife with danger and intrigue. Through its vibrant characters and plot twists, the book explores themes of honor, bravery, and the fight against injustice. At the start of the story, a sinister pirate ship approaches the coast, commanded by the brutal Barbados and his treacherous lieutenant, Sanchez. As they plot an ambush for the unsuspecting town of Reina de Los Angeles, the narrative hints at the legendary Zorro's imminent return. Meanwhile, preparations for a wedding between Don Diego Vega and Señorita Lolita Pulido unfold, juxtaposing the impending chaos with personal stakes. The opening chapters effectively set up a gripping tale of adventure, as Zorro's past exploits against tyranny and villainy loom over the unfolding events.
The Black Star: A Detective Story
"The Black Star: A Detective Story" by Johnston McCulley is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Roger Verbeck, a clever and adventurous man determined to outwit a notorious criminal known as the Black Star. As Verbeck embarks on a series of thrilling encounters with the criminal, the narrative unfolds a mystery filled with tension and intrigue related to heists and a secretive gang. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Roger Verbeck as he wakes in the middle of the night sensing an intruder in his apartment. He confronts a burglar, who unexpectedly reveals that he is connected to the Black Star—a master thief who has eluded the police for months. The opening chapters establish a cat-and-mouse game between Verbeck and the Black Star, as Verbeck resolves to capture the criminal and his gang. This quest leads to a deeper exploration of the criminal underworld and unexpected twists, setting the tone for a gripping detective story full of clever plots and daring escapades.
Captain Fly-by-Night
"Captain Fly-by-Night" by Johnston McCulley is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of California during a tumultuous historical period, the story follows the adventures of the titular character, a caballero known for his charm and mischief, as he navigates through social and political tensions in his quest for love, wealth, and reputation. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Sergeant Carlos Cassara and a group of soldiers at a presidio in Santa Barbara, California, during a lazy siesta. Unbeknownst to them, a neophyte Indian is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his brother while being reprimanded by the sergeant. The atmosphere changes with the arrival of a mysterious traveler, whose unexpected presence stirs curiosity and suspicion among the soldiers. The beginning sets the stage for themes of deception, camaraderie, and the complexities of colonial life, while hinting at an intrigue involving conspiracy as various characters’ fates intertwine in a land rife with uncertainty.
The Brand of Silence: A Detective Story
"The Brand of Silence: A Detective Story" by Harrington Strong is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Sidney Prale, a man who returns to New York after a decade of making a fortune in Honduras, only to find himself entangled in a murder investigation upon his arrival. As he seeks to clear his name, Prale is confronted by mysterious enemies and cryptic messages hinting at retribution for undisclosed past actions. The opening of the narrative sets a vivid scene as Prale arrives in New York, reflecting on the changes after his long absence. He briefly reconnects with an acquaintance from his voyage, Rufus Shepley, only to be met with unexpected hostility. Following this, Prale discovers that someone has rummaged through his belongings, leaving behind a foreboding note about inevitable retribution. As he attempts to navigate his new life and keep his money secure, he is drawn further into a web of suspicion, enemies, and deceit, leading to his shocking arrest for Shepley's murder. This gripping introduction invites readers to unravel the mysteries surrounding Prale's past and the dangers lurking in his return home.
Black Star's Campaign: A Detective Story
"Black Star's Campaign: A Detective Story" by Johnston McCulley is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story centers around an intricate plot involving the infamous criminal known as the Black Star and Sheriff Kowen, who is determined to apprehend him. The tale unfolds with a backdrop of deception, crime, and a game of cat-and-mouse, as the sheriff deals with the consequences of an earlier raid that unintentionally aided the Black Star's escape from jail. The opening of the novel introduces Sheriff Kowen amidst a brewing crisis when a woman named Miss Blanchard approaches him with concerns about her wayward brother frequenting a gambling house. However, as the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that there is much more to Miss Blanchard than meets the eye, hinting at a potential connection to the Black Star's criminal organization. The narrative quickly escalates when the sheriff mobilizes to raid the gambling den but unwittingly falls into a well-laid trap orchestrated by the Black Star's gang, which ultimately leads to the supercriminal’s daring escape and resurgence, setting the stage for a tense confrontation between law enforcement and the criminal underworld.