Author
Fred M. (Fred Merrick) White
1859-1935
Fred M. (Fred Merrick) White (1859-1935) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Fred M. (Fred Merrick) White
The Yellow Face
"The Yellow Face" by Fred M. White is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the life of Claire Helmsley and her engagement to the ambitious Jack Masefield, who harbors suspicions about Claire's guardian, Spencer Anstruther. The story is set against a backdrop of a mysterious and chilling poster featuring a sinister yellow face, which seems to hold deeper implications that haunt the characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Claire and Jack as they await dinner while discussing the enigmatic Nostalgo poster that captivates London. Jack’s unease about Claire's guardian grows as conversations about their secret engagement reveal tensions. Soon, a series of strange events unfold, including the unnerving similarities between the poster and Anstruther’s demeanor, as well as Jack's unsettling discovery of a murder linked to the mysterious figure. The opening portion sets the stage for a gripping exploration of mystery, suspicion, and possibly murderous intrigue that intertwines with the personal lives of the characters.
The Cardinal Moth
"The Cardinal Moth" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Sir Clement Frobisher, a wealthy orchid enthusiast, who discovers a rare flower known as the Cardinal Moth and becomes embroiled in intrigue, as his obsession with beautiful orchids draws various characters into a web of deceit, crime, and possibly murder. The characters include the sinister Paul Lopez, who presents the mysterious flower, and Angela, Frobisher's ward, who finds herself caught in the machinations surrounding the orchid. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Sir Clement Frobisher in his lavish orchid-house, indulging in the beauty of his floral creations while contemplating his wealth and reputation. As he converses with his acquaintance Paul Lopez, excitement mounts when Lopez presents him with the Cardinal Moth. However, the delight quickly turns to tension when the terrified butler, Hafid, overhears their conversation and fears the flower's dark history. Hafid's frantic warnings hint at a deeper, menacing narrative involving the flower, setting the scene for the mysterious and possibly fatal unfolding of events centered around the prized orchid. With layers of intrigue established early on, readers are drawn into a world where beauty and danger intertwine.
The Mystery of the Ravenspurs A Romance and Detective Story of Thibet and England
"The Mystery of the Ravenspurs" by Fred M. White is a romance and detective story written in the early 20th century. The novel centers around the Ravenspur family, who are haunted by a mysterious curse that has led to the deaths of several members through bizarre and tragic circumstances. With only a few family members remaining, the looming threat of an unseen enemy casts a dark shadow over their historic castle, intertwining themes of love, loyalty, and the quest for truth. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Ravenspur Castle, a grand structure steeped in history and lore, where the remaining members of the Ravenspur family gather in a desperate attempt to confront a string of mysterious deaths. The head of the family, Rupert Ravenspur, reflects on the ominous fate that has befallen his kin, while the youngest members, Geoffrey and Vera, find solace in their budding romance amid the chaos. The tense atmosphere escalates with the arrival of Ralph Ravenspur, Rupert's estranged and newly-blind son, whose presence promises both intrigue and the potential for revelations about the family's dire situation. As the story unfolds, the family grapples with their haunted past and the encroaching darkness of their present, setting the stage for a thrilling and emotional journey.
The Sundial
"The Sundial" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around John Charlock, a troubled portrait painter who faces personal tragedy with the impending death of his young son, which sets off a cascade of emotional turmoil and marital strife with his wife, Kate. John grapples with feelings of betrayal and rage as he uncovers Kate's secretive behavior, suggesting deeper issues within their marriage. The opening of the novel introduces readers to John Charlock in a moment of profound grief as he watches his dying son, reflecting on his life choices and strained relationship with Kate. Meanwhile, Kate is depicted as being neglectful, choosing to entertain herself at a card party instead of supporting her husband during their child's final moments. This volatility escalates, showcasing the couple's contrasting responses to tragic circumstances. As John navigates through this heart-wrenching ordeal, he is also confronted by chilling signs of deceit and emerging threats tied to the household, marked by the mysterious death of their maid, Hortense. The blend of personal strife and looming danger sets the stage for a gripping narrative filled with tension.
The Doom of London
"The Doom of London" by Fred M. White is a collection of six interconnected stories that were published in the early 20th century. The narratives delve into fantastical calamities besetting London, exploring themes of societal panic, natural disasters, and the human response to crises. In the opening chapter titled "The Four White Days," the focus is on a severe Arctic winter that grips London, plunging the city into chaos as supplies dwindle and the frigid conditions wreak havoc. At the start of the book, the editor of a newspaper, Mr. Fisher, grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic blizzard that has isolated London, creating fears of famine and cold. As communication falters and supplies diminish, a sense of urgency pervades the city. The chapter introduces various characters, highlighting their struggles against the unprecedented winter. Fisher’s realization of the looming crisis is ignited by breaking news of a prominent figure's suicide, intertwining personal tragedies with the city's plight. The grim atmosphere sets the stage for the stories to follow, inviting readers into a vividly imagined world where London faces multiple apocalyptic challenges.
The Five Knots
"The Five Knots" by Fred M. White is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Beatrice Galloway, the niece of Samuel Flower, a wealthy and somewhat sinister ship-owner, as she grapples with a mysterious incident that occurs in the conservatory of their residence, Maldon Grange. The narrative blends suspense and intrigue, hinting at the presence of hidden dangers linked to Flower's past, with foreign elements that signal an impending threat. The opening of the novel establishes a sense of foreboding as Beatrice witnesses a strange hand attempting to unlock the conservatory door, which leads to her scream for help. Samuel Flower quickly dismisses the incident, but it triggers a chain of events that suggests a deeper mystery involving past wrongs and the ominous presence of foreign figures. As the chapters unfold, we are introduced to Wilfrid Mercer, a struggling doctor drawn into the complexities of the Galloway household. His connection to the Flower Line ship and the sinister undertones of the narrative build tension as he navigates the dangers surrounding the influential but possibly nefarious Flower. The early chapters set the stage for a gripping tale of intrigue, relationships, and the struggle between personal ambitions and darker forces at play.
The Nether Millstone
"The Nether Millstone" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mary Dashwood, a strong-willed woman entangled in a web of familial pride, love, and financial ruin. As her family's legacy is threatened by the unscrupulous Horace Mayfield, she navigates her feelings for Ralph Darnley, a man with a mysterious past and a profound affection for her, all while facing social and personal dilemmas that force her to reconsider her values and the implications of family honor. The opening of the book introduces us to Mary Dashwood, who is in a dangerous situation riding a black horse. As she is rescued by Ralph Darnley, their connection is rekindled, revealing a complicated history between them. The narrative sets up the tension between Mary's inherited pride and the threat posed by Mayfield, who seeks to exploit her family's situation for his own gain. Through this initial encounter and their ensuing dialogue, we see the characters' motivations, the looming financial crisis, and hints of deeper emotional ties, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of love amidst societal expectations and personal sacrifice.
The Slave of Silence
"The Slave of Silence" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Beatrice Darryll, a young woman facing the impending marriage to a man she loathes for the sake of her family’s reputation, as her father, Sir Charles Darryll, is involved in a scandal. Beatrice grapples with her deep discontent, mourning her lost honor while caught in a web of familial duty and financial desperation. At the start of the novel, Beatrice experiences a mix of emotions while preparing for her wedding dinner at the lavish Royal Palace Hotel. Her inner turmoil is evident as she wears black mourning attire, signifying her sorrow for selling herself into a marriage devoid of love. The narrative introduces her father, Sir Charles, who seems indifferent to the pressures surrounding him, as he manipulates circumstances to secure financial stability through Beatrice's marriage to the wealthy Stephen Richford. As the tension builds, Beatrice longs for true love and freedom, hinting at her unresolved feelings for Mark Ventmore, whom she believes she could have married under different circumstances. The opening sets the stage for a drama filled with emotional conflict and social intrigue, suggesting that Beatrice's struggles will lead to significant consequences for her and those around her.
The Weight of the Crown
"The Weight of the Crown" by Fred M. White is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young woman named Jessie Harcourt, who finds herself ensnared in a web of royal intrigue after an unexpected dismissal from her job leads her to a mysterious invitation that promises adventure and considerable money. Confronted with both challenges to her pride and dangerous liaisons, Jessie steps into a role that intertwines her fate with that of royalty, paving the way for dramatic developments. At the start of the novel, we meet Jessie, who is fiercely defending herself against accusations of misconduct involving Prince Boris, the son of a Russian princess. Dismissed from a millinery shop, she receives an enigmatic letter requesting her assistance, allegedly tied to a woman in distress, and promises financial reward. Her curiosity piqued and desperation mounting, Jessie decides to attend the meeting, leading her to a high-stakes scenario that involves switching identities with the Duchess Vera Galloway just as she becomes enmeshed in the lives of royals and the political machinations surrounding the throne of Asturia, revealing interwoven narratives of danger, deception, and the potential for romance.
The Corner House
"The Corner House" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around Gordon Bruce, a young doctor who finds himself embroiled in a web of mystery and intrigue linked to the enigmatic Countess Lalage and the foreboding, abandoned property known as the Corner House. The story explores themes of love, deception, and the haunting secrets of the past. At the start of the novel, the setting is established with a stark contrast between the vibrant social life outside Number 1, Lytton Avenue, and the dark, mysterious presence of the Corner House next door. The narrative introduces Countess Lalage, a captivating figure who throws lavish parties, and her relationship with Gordon Bruce, who is drawn to both her beauty and the unsettling aura surrounding her. The opening chapters describe eerie occurrences, including a child's vision of a terrible face in the Corner House's window, suggestive of a past tragedy that still lingers. As Bruce is drawn deeper into the Countess's world, complications arise, hinting at secrets and crimes that may connect them all. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for a gripping story filled with suspense and emotional tension.
The Midnight Guest: A Detective Story
"The Midnight Guest: A Detective Story" by Fred M. White is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the murder of Louis Delahay, a famous artist, and the subsequent investigation into his death, which centers on his wife, Mrs. Delahay, and their friend, Lord Ravenspur. The narrative sets the stage for a complex web of intrigue involving secrets, mistaken identities, and the sinister machinations of the characters connected to the crime. The opening portion introduces a dramatic scene in which a veiled woman, later revealed to be Mrs. Delahay, urgently seeks out Lord Ravenspur to inform him of her husband's shocking murder. She describes her concerns and the events leading up to his death, revealing her distress and the mystery surrounding his final hours. As Ravenspur contemplates the implications of the murder and delves into an investigation alongside police inspector Dallas, questions arise about the true nature of Delahay's relationships and the circumstances of his demise, laying the groundwork for a gripping and suspenseful tale.
The Crimson Blind
"The Crimson Blind" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. This intriguing story follows David Steel, a struggling novelist who finds himself in a dire financial situation due to a brother's misconduct, leading to a night filled with unexpected twists and turns as he receives an anonymous phone call from someone who may hold the key to his salvation. The plot thickens when Steel is drawn into a web of mystery involving criminal activities, a mysterious woman, and a potential murder. The opening of the novel introduces David Steel, who, in a moment of despair, reflects on his circumstances and the imminent threat of losing everything he has worked for. As he navigates through his looming financial ruin, he receives a call from a mysterious voice offering him £1,000 in exchange for helping a friend in need. Drawn by both the alluring offer and the urgency of his own situation, Steel follows the voice's instructions, leading him to a secretive exchange that involves a package containing bank notes. However, as he grapples with his newfound financial relief, he quickly becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when a body is discovered in his conservatory, pointing towards a deeper conspiracy that he will have to unravel.
Hard Pressed
"Hard Pressed" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the late 19th century. The storyline revolves around May Haredale, the daughter of a financially struggling baronet, who navigates romantic entanglements with the wealthy South African millionaire Raymond Copley while dealing with past relationships. The book explores themes of love, social status, and moral dilemmas, particularly through the challenges faced by May as Copley seeks her hand against the backdrop of her father's financial crisis. At the start of the novel, the scene is set during a glamorous evening at the National Opera House, where May attends alongside her father and Copley, who has taken a particular interest in her. As tensions surface regarding her father's financial difficulties and Copley's intentions, May finds herself reflecting on her past and the impact of the present situation on her family’s future. The narrative introduces Harry Fielden, a figure from May's past, further complicating her emotions and the choices before her. The opening chapters reveal the stakes of social ambition and personal affection, laying the groundwork for a dramatic exploration of the characters' interactions and motivations.
The Mystery of the Four Fingers
"The Mystery of the Four Fingers" by Fred M. White is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins in a luxurious London hotel, where the American millionaire Mark Fenwick is shrouded in intrigue and an ominous atmosphere. The narrative introduces two central characters, Jim Gurdon and Gerald Venner, who are drawn into the unfolding mysteries surrounding Fenwick and a fascinating, crippled stranger, as they uncover elements of revenge, hidden pasts, and the enigma of the titular Four Finger Mine. At the start of the novel, the Great Empire Hotel buzzes with speculative excitement as guests await the arrival of Mark Fenwick, a character veiled in mystery. Among the diners, Gurdon and Venner engage in casual conversation, only for their attention to be captivated by the unexpected presence of a visibly tormented and mysterious man. The tension escalates when Venner recognizes Fenwick, leading to surprising revelations about connections from their past. These early chapters set the stage for a gripping tale filled with intrigue, set against a backdrop of suspenseful encounters in the hotel dining room, hinting at dark secrets tied to the elusive Four Finger Mine.