Author
Paul Thorne
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Subjects
Books by Paul Thorne
The Sheridan Road Mystery
"The Sheridan Road Mystery" by Paul Thorne and Mabel Thorne is a detective novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story begins with an atmospheric and suspenseful crime scene, where the protagonist, Detective Sergeant Murphy, is drawn into a potential murder investigation initiated by a gunshot heard in an apartment building. The early chapters introduce intriguing characters, including a suspicious tenant named Marsh and Detective Sergeant Morgan, who eventually takes the lead in unraveling the mystery surrounding the empty apartment and a possible crime involving counterfeit money. The opening of the novel sets a tense and engaging tone, with Policeman Murphy's nighttime patrol leading him to a scene of chaos and uncertainty. After hearing sounds of a struggle followed by a gunshot, he meets Marsh, a resident of the building who expresses concern about a likely murder occurring in the flat above. As police investigations unfold, Murphy's initial suspicions are further complicated by Marsh's mysterious demeanor and motives. The narrative shifts focus to Detective Morgan, who begins digging deeper into both the crime scene and the relationships between the building's tenants, particularly the potentially intertwined lives of the Marshes and the Atwoods, leading to the thrilling premise of secrets and deceptions lurking beneath the surface.
The Secret Toll
"The Secret Toll" by Paul Thorne and Mabel Thorne is a crime fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Robert Forrester, a young civil engineer who, after returning from military service, finds himself targeted by a mysterious criminal gang called the "Friends of the Poor," which extorts money from wealthy citizens under the threat of death. The plot thickens as Forrester refuses to comply with their demands, becoming embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. At the start of the tale, Forrester discusses the gang's activities with a friend in an exclusive Chicago club, revealing his disbelief in their power over the police. He receives a chilling letter demanding a large sum of money under threat of death, which brings the case of George Nevins, a recent victim, perilously close to home. The opening chapters set the stage for Forrester's resolve to confront this menace, leading him to involve the police and a private detective while also emphasizing the escalating threat posed by the gang, who have left previous victims dead. Forrester’s determination to act against the shadowy figures behind the extortion promises a gripping conflict as the story unfolds.