Author
Frank L. (Frank Lucius) Packard
1877-1942
Frank L. (Frank Lucius) Packard (1877-1942) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Frank L. (Frank Lucius) Packard
The Adventures of Jimmie Dale
"The Adventures of Jimmie Dale" by Frank L. Packard is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Jimmie Dale, a wealthy gentleman and a graduate of Harvard, who also operates as the masked criminal known as the Gray Seal. The narrative begins by establishing Jimmie Dale's dual identity and hints at a captivating interplay of crime and moral complexity as Jimmie navigates the glamorous yet dangerous world of New York City. The opening of the book sets the stage for a tale steeped in intrigue and suspense. It begins with a dinner conversation between Jimmie Dale and a newspaper editor, Herman Carruthers, who is reminiscing about the notorious Gray Seal, a crook who mysteriously ceased to commit crimes over a year ago. As the plot unfolds, Jimmie receives an urgent letter from a woman linked to his past, prompting his return to a life of crime under the Gray Seal guise. The tension escalates with the revelation of a murder connected to the Gray Seal's name, forcing Jimmie to confront both the criminal underworld and the law as he seeks to clear his identity and unravel the mystery surrounding Metzer's death, all while showcasing his ingenuity and artistry in thievery.
The Further Adventures of Jimmie Dale
"The Further Adventures of Jimmie Dale" by Frank L. Packard is a crime novel written in the early 20th century. The book continues the story of Jimmie Dale, a hero with a double life as a millionaire and the masked thief known as the Gray Seal. The narrative dives into the darker alleys of society, exploring themes of crime, deception, and moral ambiguity as Jimmie attempts to help those in need while evading the police and underworld figures. The opening of the book sets a grim tone as it introduces an artist named Smarlinghue, who is caught in a desperate situation confronted by a corrupt police officer named Clancy. This tense encounter reveals Smarlinghue’s past connections with the criminal underworld and ultimately leads to the shocking transformation into Jimmie Dale, who assumes this alternate identity to delve back into his previous life in the underworld. As Dale grapples with the police's involvement and the dangers of his double life, the narrative becomes an intricate web of intrigue and suspense, hinting at thrilling escapades ahead that would keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The White Moll
"The White Moll" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story introduces the character Rhoda Gray, a woman who has become a renowned figure in New York's underground world, known as the White Moll. She is depicted as a compassionate and courageous individual who navigates the treacherous streets of crime, often acting as a protector for those in need, which underscores her complex duality between criminality and virtue. The opening of the book captures a gritty and suspenseful scene as Rhoda confronts a thug who attempts to rob her, only to be recognized and released upon realizing her true identity as the White Moll. This encounter sparks memories of her past and her journey from a sheltered life to one within the criminal underbelly. The narrative portrays Rhoda not only as a benevolent figure among thieves but also highlights her inner conflicts and the harsh realities of her environment. The groundwork is laid for an intricate plot filled with danger, loyalty, and moral dilemmas as she seeks to protect those around her while grappling with her own identity.
From Now On
"From Now On" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows Dave Henderson, a man entrenched in the world of betting and racing, who faces a moral dilemma as he discovers a chance to seize one hundred thousand dollars in cash from the wealthy Martin K. Tydeman. The narrative explores themes of temptation, ethics, and the impact of a person's choices on their destiny. The opening of the story introduces a chaotic scene at a racetrack where Dave Henderson is confronted by Bookie Skarvan, who is in dire straits after a series of losses. Skarvan convinces Henderson that he must retrieve a substantial amount of money from Tydeman to resolve his financial woes. As Henderson races to meet this challenge, he reflects on his life, his struggles, and the allure of the cash, all while grappling with the implications of what it would mean to double-cross someone who offers him that money in trust. Ultimately, he contemplates a plan to acquire the funds, setting in motion a sequence of events that could change his life forever.
Doors of the Night
"Doors of the Night" by Frank L. Packard is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around Billy Kane, a young man who has recently taken up the role of confidential secretary to the affluent David Ellsworth. The story begins on a troubling note as Kane senses that something is amiss with his employer, which ultimately leads to a shocking murder that complicates Kane's life and positions him at the center of a criminal conspiracy. The opening of the novel sets a tense atmosphere as Billy Kane paces in Ellsworth's lavish study, reflecting on the eccentric millionaire's odd behavior after dinner. His concern escalates when he receives a distressing letter suggesting he might not be trustworthy. When he discovers Ellsworth dead and learns that he has been framed for the murder, Kane's world spirals into chaos. With the police on his tail and his life hanging in the balance, he decides to go underground, adopting the persona of a notorious criminal known as "the Rat" in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the murder and clearing his name. This setup promises a gripping tale of intrigue and suspense as Kane navigates the darker streets of New York in search of justice.
The Wire Devils
"The Wire Devils" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around a master thief known as Harry Maul, also referred to as "the Hawk," who has recently been released from prison and is plotting a series of elaborate heists. The narrative presents an intricate web of criminal activity, centered on the railway communication system and involving various mysterious characters engaged in illegal activities. The opening portion introduces the atmospheric setting of a deserted railway station just before the Hawk embarks on his latest criminal endeavor. It depicts the quiet tension of the night, interrupted only by the approach of a freight train and the Hawk's stealthy entrance into the station. As he prepares to intercept telegraph messages using a secret code, the reader is drawn into his criminal mind. The chapter hints at the presence of other criminals in the area and sets the stage for conflicts between the Hawk and law enforcement, as well as rival thieves, making it clear that the stakes are high and danger is ever-present.
The Sin That Was His
"The Sin That Was His" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a Yukon mining camp and follows Arthur Leroy, known as "Three-Ace Artie," a polished yet enigmatic gambler, as he navigates the complex social dynamics of the camp. The plot centers around Artie's interactions with a naive newcomer known as the Kid, and dives deep into themes of ethics, redemption, and personal struggle against a rugged backdrop of winter. The opening of the novel introduces Three-Ace Artie, who is depicted as a well-dressed and skilled gambler in Ton-Nugget Camp. It quickly unfolds how the arrival of a young man, dubbed the Kid, disrupts the status quo, as he spends lavishly and easily attracts the attention of seasoned gamblers like Artie. The atmosphere thickens as Artie observes the Kid's reckless behavior while feeling a modicum of compassion. When Artie ultimately decides to intervene and offer the young man a second chance, tensions rise, resulting in a confrontation that may lead to dire consequences. Through these intricate character interactions and the vivid setting, Packard hints at deeper moral quandaries and personal transformations awaiting in the ensuing chapters.
The Miracle Man
"The Miracle Man" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. It tells the story of a group of characters drawn together by the allure of a supposed miracle worker, the Patriarch, who resides in a small, isolated town in Needley, Maine. The main characters include the Flopper, a physically deformed man, and the cunning Doc Madison, who plans to exploit the Patriarch's reputation to create a profitable sham of a faith-healing cult. At the start of the narrative, the Flopper is introduced in a vivid scene, highlighting his struggle in the rough environment of the Bowery and establishing the grim reality of his life. As he navigates the bustling streets, we see a glimpse of his aspirations for sympathy and generosity from the crowd he encounters. The opening sets the stage for the main plot, which revolves around Doc Madison’s plan to manipulate the town’s spiritual leader for financial gain through fraudulent healings, while also establishing the relationships among the characters that will drive the story forward. The story promises a mix of themes including exploitation, faith, and the dynamics of trust that will unfold as the characters interact with each other and the enigmatic figure of the Patriarch.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Frank L. Packard
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Frank L. Packard" by Frank L. Packard is a comprehensive compilation of his literary works, likely assembled in the early 21st century as part of the Project Gutenberg initiative. The book categorizes Packard's contributions, which include adventure novels and crime fiction, and reflects the early to mid-20th century's fascination with thrilling narratives and complex characters. The likely topic of this book is an index featuring various narratives that involve crime, adventure, and suspenseful scenarios. The content of this index spans several of Packard's notable works, including "The Adventures of Jimmie Dale," "The White Moll," and "The Miracle Man." Each entry provides a glimpse into gritty, fast-paced tales featuring dynamic protagonists immersed in a world of thievery, deception, and moral complexity. Jimmie Dale, a prominent figure in several stories, epitomizes the dual life of a gentleman who moonlights as a master criminal, embodying themes of identity and social justice. The narratives explore not only thrilling exploits but also deeper ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, making this collection rich in both entertainment and thought-provoking scenarios.
On the Iron at Big Cloud
"On the Iron at Big Cloud" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is centered around Richard "Dick" Holman, a young man eager to prove himself as the Locomotive Foreman of the Hill Division, a challenging position fraught with hostility from seasoned shop hands, particularly from a character named Rafferty. The narrative explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and the harsh realities of railroad work in a rugged environment. At the start of the novel, Dick Holman is determined to secure his position despite the reluctant support from his uncle, the General Manager of the Transcontinental System. After successfully convincing his uncle to let him try for the position at Big Cloud, he arrives only to find the atmosphere unwelcoming and fraught with tension, particularly due to Rafferty's influential disapproval. The opening details Holman's initial struggle to earn respect from the existing crew, hinting at the challenges he faces in not only mastering his new responsibilities but also in navigating the cutthroat work culture of the railroad. As tensions escalate, Holman is forced to confront not only Rafferty but also the intricacies of human relationships among the workers, setting the stage for personal growth and conflict.
Pawned
"Pawned" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens with a somber scene in New York's East Side, where a cabman delivers a baby girl to a pawnbroker, Paul Veniza, after the child's mother has just passed away. The narrative reveals themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships as the cabman grapples with his past and the burden of his failures. At the start of the book, the cabman, Hawkins, is in deep despair following the death of his wife, Claire. He seeks out Paul Veniza, an old friend, to care for his newborn daughter, while struggling with his own weaknesses and failures. Veniza proposes a condition under which the child will be raised as his own, contending that Hawkins must first redeem his life before he can take on the responsibility of being a father. This poignant introduction sets the stage for a tale that intertwines personal redemption with the shadowy world of pawnbroking and human dignity, hinting at the far-reaching consequences of choices made under pressure.
The Four Stragglers
"The Four Stragglers" by Frank L. Packard is a fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a chaotic scene from a battlefield, where four men, who are strangers to each other, find themselves in a thicket amid the confusion of war. As they grapple with their circumstances, the characters share their stories and backgrounds, setting the stage for a complex narrative that involves themes of survival, identity, and the impacts of conflict on individuals. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is tense and dire, reflecting the madness of war and the confusion faced by the characters. The four men, a mix of different nationalities and military backgrounds, engage in dialogue that reveals their state of mind and their experiences—their camaraderie is forged in adversity. One of them, a Frenchman, converses with a British soldier, underscoring the shared desperation of those caught in the conflict. The opening prologue effectively introduces the main players and hints at the larger story that will unfold, focusing on themes of fate, survival, and the unseen connections between lives altered by war.
The Night Operator
"The Night Operator" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to Toddles, a young, aspiring newsboy on the Hill Division of a railroad, who dreams of becoming a legitimate railroader despite his small stature and the ridicule he faces from others. The narrative explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the harsh realities of working in the rail industry. The opening of the story sets up Toddles' struggle for respect and recognition within the tough environment of the railroad. Initially, he is portrayed as an outsider trying to carve out a place for himself while dealing with the bullying of a conductor named Hawkeye. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the railroad setting and the challenges faced by the workers. As the chapter unfolds, Toddles' determined spirit shines through, revealing his longing to transcend his nickname and prove himself worthy of a career in railroading. The reader is left with an understanding that Toddles' journey will entail overcoming both external obstacles and his internal struggles for acceptance and purpose.
The Belovéd Traitor
"The Belovéd Traitor" by Frank L. Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the quiet fishing village of Bernay-sur-Mer and centers around Jean Laparde, a young fisherman deeply connected to the community and particularly to Marie-Louise, the daughter of an old fisherman who has recently passed away. The narrative hints at themes of love, responsibility, and the hidden complexities of life that often beckon individuals beyond their familiar surroundings. The opening portion introduces us to a tempestuous night where Jean, despite the fierce storm, feels compelled to visit the home of Marie-Louise and her uncle Gaston. As he navigates through the storm, the absence of the customary light in their house raises his alarm, leading him to a frantic search for them. When he arrives, he discovers the broken lamp that symbolized safety and guidance, and the dire situation of Gaston being gravely injured. In a gripping sequence of desperation and bravery, Jean battles the storm to rescue them, highlighting his loyalty and love for Marie-Louise—a portrayal of both his internal struggles and the external challenges that threaten their lives. The narrative sets a strong foundation for exploring the intertwining fates of its characters as they confront both personal and environmental storms.