The Web of the Golden Spider

by Frederick Orin Bartlett

"The Web of the Golden Spider" by Frederick Orin Bartlett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers on a theological student named Wilson, who finds himself aimlessly wandering through Boston when he encounters a mysterious girl, Jo Manning. Their unlikely alliance unfolds as they are drawn into a dangerous adventure that involves evading the law and uncovering a deeper secret related to Jo's enigmatic father. At the start of the story, Wilson is depicted as a troubled young man with ambitious dreams that have been thwarted by misfortune. After losing his financial support, he ventures into the night streets of Boston, where he becomes captivated by Jo, a young woman in distress. Their paths converge dramatically when Wilson intervenes to save her from a police officer, leading them on a thrilling escape through the city's darkened alleys. This opening sets up a narrative rich with tension and unexplored potential, highlighted by their immediate connection and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Jo’s quest to find her father, who may not be entirely gone after all.