Author
Sax Rohmer
1883-1959
Sax Rohmer (1883-1959) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Sax Rohmer
The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu
"The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu" by Sax Rohmer is a novel published in 1913. When Nayland Smith arrives unexpectedly from Burma, Dr. Petrie learns of a sinister threat: the brilliant Chinese criminal Dr. Fu Manchu is targeting men connected to India. Through London's opium dens and English country estates, Smith pursues this master poisoner and chemist, who leads a mysterious "Third Party" and seeks to capture Europe's best engineers for an unknown purpose. But Fu Manchu proves a cunning adversary who outwits his pursuers at every turn.
The Yellow Claw
"The Yellow Claw" by Sax Rohmer is a mystery novel written during the early 20th century. The story begins in the atmospheric setting of a novelist's study and takes a dramatic turn when beauty and terror intertwine as the glamorous yet troubled Lady of the Civet Furs arrives, seeking help from the reclusive writer Henry Leroux. As events unfold, intrigue surrounding her appearance suggests a deeper plot involving murder, a missing husband, and sinister forces at play. At the start of the book, we find Leroux engrossed in his writing when a frantic, beautiful woman appears at his door, fearing for her safety. This woman, covered in a luxurious civet fur cloak, brings an air of mystery and urgency, revealing her distress as she pleads for Leroux's assistance. The tension escalates when she collapses, revealing the precarious nature of her situation. As Leroux's world spirals into chaos, the narrative introduces a cast of characters that includes a doctor and a politician, setting the stage for a complex web of murder and deception, firmly establishing the tone of suspense that defines the novel.
Bat Wing
"Bat Wing" by Sax Rohmer is a mystery novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the enigmatic character Paul Harley, a private detective in London, as he becomes embroiled in a bizarre case involving Colonel Juan Menendez, a mysterious Spanish figure who fears for his life due to dark forces and superstitions tied to Voodoo. Themes of danger, suspense, and the interplay between the exotic and the familiar permeate the narrative. The opening of "Bat Wing" introduces readers to Paul Harley in his London office just as he is about to finish a report for the Home Office. His day is interrupted by the arrival of Colonel Menendez, who expresses his urgent need for Harley's services. As the conversation unfolds, the Colonel reveals his paranoia, detailing a series of ominous events that suggest he is being watched and targeted for harm. The curious atmosphere thickens when he presents Harley with a bat wing, which he claims is linked to supernatural threats originating from his past in Cuba. In this beginning, we're set on a path that hints at supernatural elements woven through a detective story as Harley prepares to confront these unsettling mysteries.
Dope
"Dope" by Sax Rohmer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Monte Irvin, an alderman in London, whose life begins to spiral into chaos as he grapples with marital troubles and suspicions surrounding his wife, Rita. The plot thickens with the involvement of an enigmatic figure named Kazmah, a dream-reader, and the world of drugs and deceit that unfurls as Irvin seeks the truth. At the start of the book, the focus is on Monte Irvin's mounting anxiety as he waits for his wife, who is apparently entangled in a secretive affair. Irvin plants himself in his library, pacing anxiously and contemplating the disarray of his life. The narrative quickly introduces key characters, particularly the charming but troubled Margaret Halley and the aristocratic Sir Lucien Pyne, as well as the mysterious Kazmah. As Irvin fears the revelation of his worst suspicions regarding his wife’s loyalty, he receives troubling news that complicates the situation further, setting the stage for a tangled web of intrigue, betrayal, and potential danger that appears centered around the mystique of Kazmah and the illicit drug trade.
Tales of Secret Egypt
"Tales of Secret Egypt" by Sax Rohmer is a collection of fictional narratives likely written in the early 20th century. The stories set in Egypt feature a mix of mystery, adventure, and supernatural elements, revolving around intriguing characters who navigate the mysticism and secrets of the ancient land. Rohmer’s unique style invites readers into a world filled with exotic allure and hidden dangers, emphasizing the enigma of Egypt's magical past. The opening portion introduces the reader to the character Kernaby Pasha, who finds himself embroiled in a series of mysterious and potentially dangerous events in Cairo. After observing a suspicious one-eyed beggar and exhibiting concern for his friend, Ali Mohammed, who seems terrified by the beggar's presence, Kernaby's curiosity leads him deeper into Egypt's secrets. The tension escalates as he encounters Abû Tabâh, a magician, and is drawn into a world of intrigue involving theft, dark magic, and the supernatural. As the plot unfolds, Kernaby discovers that his involvement with Ali Mohammed and other key characters places him at the center of an unfolding mystery, linking personal safety with the esoteric traditions that permeate Egyptian culture.
Tales of Chinatown
"Tales of Chinatown" by Sax Rohmer is a collection of detective fiction written during the early 20th century. The book dives into the gritty and mysterious underbelly of London's Chinatown, exploring themes of crime, intrigue, and cultural clashes through the perspectives of various characters involved in the shadowy dealings of the notorious Huang Chow and his associates. The opening of the book introduces two characters, Jim Poland and Freddy Cohen, who are engaged in a tense conversation at a public house near Chinatown. Poland suspects Cohen's involvement in the recent death of a Chinaman and warns him about the dangers associated with old Huang Chow, hinting at hidden treasures and a web of crime surrounding the area. The dialogue sets a claustrophobic atmosphere filled with threats and unspoken fears, underlying the tension between the two men as they navigate the underworld's dangerous currents. Chief Inspector Kerry is soon introduced as he investigates the connection between these events and the deaths that plague the community, laying the groundwork for a story that intertwines mystery and crime against a backdrop of cultural intrigue.
The Quest of the Sacred Slipper
"The Quest of the Sacred Slipper" by Sax Rohmer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around a mysterious and sacred object, specifically a slipper once belonging to the Prophet Mohammed, which has become the center of intrigue and peril, drawing the interest of dangerous factions. The narrative follows the protagonist, journalist Mr. Cavanagh, as he navigates a web of deceit, danger, and the supernatural in pursuit of the truth behind the slipper's significance and the threats it subsequently brings. The beginning of the story sets the tone aboard the S.S. Mandalay, where a mysterious event involving an injured passenger ignites tension among the crew and travelers. Cavanagh, intrigued by the happenings, engages with a fellow passenger, Mr. Ahmad Ahmadeen, who hints at the significance of the unfolding events. Soon after, Cavanagh is introduced to Professor Deeping, whose scholarly pursuits appear to connect him to the slipper's dark history. A chilling series of violent incidents follow, marking those who come into contact with the slipper and establishing an ominous backdrop that hints at the presence of the cult-like Hashishin, led by the enigmatic Hassan of Aleppo. The narrative promises suspense as Cavanagh becomes embroiled in a quest filled with supernatural elements, perilous stakes, and a cast of characters each entwined with the fate of the relic.
The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu
"The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu" by Sax Rohmer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the period of fascination with Eastern mysteries and criminal psychology. This work serves as a continuation of the notorious adventures tied to the brilliant yet menacing character, Dr. Fu-Manchu, who embodies the "Yellow Peril" stereotype prevalent in literature of the time. The story engages readers with complex characters, such as Nayland Smith, a British commissioner determined to confront the diabolical intentions of Fu-Manchu and rescue his allies from impending danger. The opening of the novel introduces Dr. Petrie, who reminisces about his last communication with Nayland Smith, hinting at his current frustration and uncertainty regarding their mutual adversary, Fu-Manchu. The conversation shifts ominously as Petrie's visitor, the Rev. Eltham, expresses a deep-seated fear about the revival of Fu-Manchu's threat in London, recalling their previous harrowing encounters. The tension escalates when we learn of a mysterious telephone call summoning Petrie to a patient, only to discover it was a hoax. Meanwhile, Eltham vanishes under suspicious circumstances, heightening the sense of urgency and calamity. When Nayland Smith arrives, he reveals his fears that Eltham may have already fallen victim to Fu-Manchu's dark designs, setting the stage for the revival of their epic struggle.
Fire-Tongue
"Fire-Tongue" by Sax Rohmer is a detective novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Paul Harley, an unofficial investigator who is drawn into a web of dangerous intrigue after a distinguished client, Sir Charles Abingdon, reveals that he believes his life is in jeopardy. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is introduced to themes of surveillance and espionage, setting the stage for a complex investigation that may involve powerful enemies and hidden motives. The opening of the book introduces Paul Harley during an uneventful day in his Chancery Lane office. He reflects on cases from his past when suddenly Sir Charles Abingdon arrives, visibly troubled and fearful. As they talk, Sir Charles details his concerns of being followed and mentions a recent assault against him. His account is punctuated by the unsettling notion that he has been the target of an unknown enemy connected to a mysterious figure he calls "Fire-Tongue." After agreeing to dine with Sir Charles that evening to discuss matters further, tragedy strikes when Sir Charles collapses and utters the name "Nicol Brinn" alongside "Fire-Tongue," leaving Harley to unravel the connections between these troubling names and the imminent peril that now surrounds him.
The Orchard of Tears
"The Orchard of Tears" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. Setting the stage for a story steeped in intrigue and character development, it introduces Paul Mario, a gifted writer struggling to find his place in a world marred by war and personal doubt. The narrative hints at themes of artistic responsibility, societal reflection, and the complex nature of human emotions, particularly through the relationships Mario cultivates with his friend Donald and the enigmatic Flamby Duveen. At the start of the book, Paul Mario is introduced in a picturesque summer setting, enjoying solitude at Hatton Towers, a legacy from his late uncle. As he grapples with feelings of inadequacy in light of the ongoing war, he is visited by Captain Donald Courtier, rekindling their friendship and deeper discussions about art's role in a fractured world. Their conversation reveals Mario’s acute awareness of his potential impact as a writer amidst destruction, while the introduction of Flamby Duveen—a spirited, wild-haired girl with a talent for painting—adds another layer of complexity to Mario's emotional landscape. The exchange between the characters hints at their intertwined fates and sets the groundwork for a story rich in conflict, artistic quest, and deep introspection.
The Devil Doctor
"The Devil Doctor" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The storyline revolves around the notorious Dr. Fu-Manchu, a cunning and sinister figure representing the 'Yellow Peril.' The narrative details the adventures of Dr. Petrie, who reconnects with his comrade Nayland Smith as they attempt to thwart the malevolent plans of Fu-Manchu, igniting feelings of suspense and dread as the plot unfolds. At the start of the novel, Dr. Petrie converses with the Rev. J. D. Eltham about their fears concerning Dr. Fu-Manchu, presumed to be a dangerous mastermind capable of wreaking havoc once more. As Eltham expresses his suspicions that Fu-Manchu may still be alive and plotting, a sense of urgency ensues, leading to a mysterious phone call that lures Petrie out. However, this call is revealed to be a trap as Eltham goes missing, heightening the tension and the stakes. The chapter culminates with Nayland Smith's startling arrival, warning that Eltham is in grave danger, revealing the novel’s central conflict and setting the stage for the impending confrontation with Fu-Manchu.
The Sins of Séverac Bablon
"The Sins of Séverac Bablon" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Julius Rohscheimer, a wealthy and boisterous financier, along with a cast of intriguing characters who navigate the complexities of high society in London. As the title suggests, the book explores themes of morality, wealth, and social responsibility through its protagonist and the enigmatic figure of Séverac Bablon, who becomes a crucial player in the unfolding drama. At the start of the narrative, we meet Rohscheimer and his companions in an upscale restaurant as they engage in conversation that reveals tensions between wealth and poverty. Celebrities and socialites are juxtaposed with the destitute, setting the stage for a philosophical debate about charity and moral duty. When the mysterious Séverac Bablon enters the scene, he quickly establishes himself as a man of great influence who disrupts the status quo. The opening chapters hint at a burgeoning conflict, especially as Bablon seeks to challenge the wealthy elite while wielding his unique brand of philanthropy, characterized by audacious acts that blur the line between heroism and villainy.
The exploits of Captain O'Hagan
"The Exploits of Captain O'Hagan" by Sax Rohmer is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story features Captain the Hon. Bernard O'Hagan, a larger-than-life character defined by his eccentric demeanor, chivalrous ideals, and flamboyant aristocratic flair. The book explores O'Hagan's adventures, interactions with various characters, and his unique outlook on life, particularly regarding class and honor. The opening of the novel introduces Captain O'Hagan in a lively café scene where he encounters a rude pugilist named Jem Parkins. This encounter escalates when O'Hagan humorously confronts Parkins over the theft of his hat and ultimately bests him using a variety of jiu-jitsu techniques. The narrative quickly shifts to O'Hagan's interest in Pamela, the daughter of a local newsagent, and sets the stage for their ensuing interactions, showcasing O'Hagan's chivalrous nature and unexpected benevolence. This opening portion effectively establishes the Captain’s larger-than-life personality and hints at the comedic, dramatic exploits that will unfold throughout the story.
Brood of the Witch-Queen
"Brood of the Witch-Queen" by Sax Rohmer is a supernatural horror novel published in 1918. When Sir Michael Ferrara dies under mysterious circumstances, Robert Cairn suspects his adopted son Antony Ferrara of wielding dark Egyptian magic. A terrifying investigation unfolds involving human prey, ancient pyramids, and the legendary Book of Thoth. H.P. Lovecraft compared the novel to Bram Stoker's "Dracula," while critics praised Rohmer's occult lore and claustrophobic pyramid scenes as perhaps his finest work.
The Haunting of Low Fennel
"The Haunting of Low Fennel" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Major Dale, who is grappling with the strange occurrences at Low Fennel, a house that is rumored to be haunted due to a past filled with unsettling incidents. The narrative follows Major Dale and his skeptical companion, Addison, as they attempt to uncover the mystery behind the terrifying ghostly appearances, including a nightmarish figure with a contorted face that has recently frightened the housekeeper. The opening of the novel describes the initial exploration of Low Fennel, where Major Dale reveals the haunted history associated with the property, including the unsettling legacy of a previous occupant found dead. As they delve deeper into the home’s peculiarities, Addison's curiosity piques upon hearing about the apparition encountered by the housekeeper. The investigation intensifies when mysterious events unfold that challenge the characters' perceptions of reality and push them to confront the supernatural forces believed to be at play in the location, with a mounting tension that hints at dark secrets waiting to be unveiled.
The Hand of Fu-Manchu Being a New Phase in the Activities of Fu-Manchu, the Devil Doctor
"The Hand of Fu-Manchu" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story features the notorious villain Dr. Fu-Manchu, with the narrative unfolding through the perspectives of Nayland Smith and his companion Dr. Petrie as they confront the menacing machinations of a mysterious organization known as the Si-Fan. The book is steeped in elements of suspense, adventure, and intrigue as the protagonists seek to uncover the truth behind various threats posed by this shadowy group. The opening of the novel immerses readers in a tense atmosphere, introducing Dr. Petrie, who is recuperating at the New Louvre Hotel in London after a return from Cairo. Strange sounds in the fog-laden corridor prompt his unease, foreshadowing the ominous events to come. His friend, Nayland Smith, soon arrives with alarming news about the resurgence of threats linked to Fu-Manchu's secretive organization, the Si-Fan. As they discuss the disturbing situation surrounding another character named Sir Gregory Hale, whom they find in a state of disarray, hints of deeper conspiracies begin to surface. The stage is set for a gripping confrontation with a villainous legacy that threatens to unravel the very fabric of tranquility in their lives.
The Green Eyes of Bâst
"The Green Eyes of Bâst" by Sax Rohmer is a gripping mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a series of strange events that unfold in London, beginning with the protagonist's eerie encounter with mysterious eyes at night, which sets the tone for the dark, suspenseful narrative. Key characters include a freelance journalist grappling with his past, the enigmatic Isobel Merlin, and law enforcement figures investigating a chilling murder. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the narrator, who enjoys a secluded life away from the city's hustle and bustle. His peaceful existence is disrupted when he becomes embroiled in a bizarre series of occurrences after witnessing a strange pair of green cat-like eyes outside his window. As he contemplates the unusual sights and noises of the night, a sense of dread envelops him. The subsequent chapter reveals a murder mystery involving the recently deceased Sir Marcus Coverly, whose body is found in a crate at the docks. The plot thickens as the narrator discovers troubling connections to Isobel, the woman he once loved, unraveling a tale of jealousy, intrigue, and the supernatural linked to ancient Egyptian deities.
The Golden Scorpion
"The Golden Scorpion" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious and menacing London, the story begins with Dr. Keppel Stuart, whose quiet life as a suburban physician is disrupted by strange occurrences, including an unsettling encounter with a ghostly figure in a cowl. The novel seems to delve into themes of supernatural elements, hidden dangers, and the intersection of Eastern mystique with Western intrigue, particularly through characters like the enigmatic Mademoiselle Dorian. The opening portion of the narrative introduces Dr. Stuart as he experiences a jumpy awakening in the middle of the night, haunted by a sense of unease and the presence of an unknown menace. Following his unsettling interactions, including a visit from a mysterious woman, the plot gradually reveals connections to a string of deaths linked to "The Scorpion." The chapter sets up a promising blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and character introspection as Stuart finds himself drawn into a dark mystery that intertwines his fate with that of the alluring Dorian and a potential threat from a shadowy figure.
The dream detective
"The dream detective" by Sax Rohmer is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. It follows the eccentric, occult-leaning sleuth Moris Klaw and his sharp-witted daughter Isis as they unravel uncanny crimes often tied to museums, relics, and legends, accompanied by a skeptical inspector and a journalist-biographer. Expect locked-room puzzles, exotic lore, and audacious disguises. The opening of this collection presents two complete cases and the start of a third. First, a night watchman dies in a locked gallery at the Menzies Museum; Klaw’s “dream” method and keen observation reveal a booby‑trapped “Athenean Harp” that lethally pricks whoever lifts it after it has been played, and the culprit proves to be the curator’s sleepwalking daughter unknowingly setting events in motion. Next, an Egyptian potsherd coveted by a suave new neighbor leads to eerie séances and a daring theft; the twist shows that “Doctor Zeda” and the phantom singer were Klaw in disguise and Isis, retrieving the artifact as a matter of poetic justice. The third tale opens with Klaw and allies called to Crespie Hall, where a new owner is found slain by a crusader’s ax in the old banqueting hall, setting the stage for another impossible‑seeming mystery.
She who sleeps : $b A romance of New York and the Nile
"She who sleeps : A romance of New York and the Nile" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. It blends New York society intrigue with Egyptian archaeology and a hint of the supernatural. The story centers on Barry Cumberland, a wealthy collector’s son haunted by a mysterious, priestess-like woman and drawn into an expedition proposed by the imposing dealer Danbazzar, whose papyrus hints at a princess preserved alive across millennia. Expect romance, occult science, and a transatlantic chase that links a modern mystery to pharaonic secrets. The opening of the story follows Barry racing through a mountain storm, glimpsing an Egyptian-looking woman on a balcony moments before crashing his car, then awakening in a hospital with a nameless rescuer and no way to trace the site. He finds the secluded house but meets only a hostile caretaker and shuttered windows, later spotting the same woman from afar in a walled garden, again behind a veil in a passing limousine, and possibly once more at a pier. Meanwhile, Barry’s father entertains Danbazzar, who unveils a unique papyrus about Princess Zalithea, a captive allegedly placed into suspended life in Seti’s time; experts authenticate the document while debating its claims, and Danbazzar reveals he has located the unopened tomb and a related formula. John Cumberland agrees to fund an excavation up the Nile, and as plans form, Barry prepares to depart—still compelled by the elusive woman whose appearances bookend the beginning.
Moon of madness
"Moon of madness" by Sax Rohmer is a novel written in the early 20th century. It blends romantic adventure with espionage, following narrator George Decies as he’s drawn into Major Edmond O’Shea’s covert mission to stop Communist agents from smuggling documents that could imperil a royal figure. Set chiefly in sun-drenched Madeira, it centers on wilful debutante Nanette, her earnest suitor Jack Kelton, the enigmatic O’Shea, and the predatory Gabriel da Cunha. Expect flirtation, danger, and a cat‑and‑mouse pursuit that turns a holiday idyll into high-stakes intrigue. The opening of the novel introduces the party at Reid’s Hotel in Funchal, where Nanette’s reckless charm and Jack’s devotion collide with the arrival of O’Shea and the sinister da Cunha. After Nanette’s near-scandalous escapades and a tense night at the casino, O’Shea reveals his mission: recover a black dispatch-box tied to a royal scandal, now in da Cunha’s orbit. When Nanette secretly meets da Cunha at his hill bungalow, Jack and Decies—led by O’Shea—race up a goat track; Jack is felled in a brutal fight, O’Shea drops da Cunha and seizes the box. O’Shea then departs, breaking Nanette’s heart with a calculated “goodbye,” but returns covertly when it’s learned the letters were photographed; with Macalister acting for da Cunha, Nanette boldly outswims pursuit at a moonlit harbour to snatch the portfolio from a motor cruiser and deliver it to O’Shea, setting the stage for further danger as the Reds try again.