Curated shelf
Mystery Fiction
Browse Mystery Fiction as a public-domain reading list on Rivro, with free classics, authors, subjects, and related books.
Dracula
Bram Stoker
Dracula
"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is a Gothic horror novel published in 1897. Told through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles, the story follows solicitor Jonathan Harker's terrifying encounter with Count Dracula in Transylvania. When the vampire Count travels to England and begins preying on victims in Whitby, a small group led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing must hunt him down. This seminal work of Gothic fiction has become the centrepiece of vampire literature, profoundly shaping the popular conception of vampires for generations.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2
Edgar Allan Poe
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 2" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of literary works, including short stories and essays, written during the early to mid-19th century. This volume contains a range of tales that delve into themes of mystery, horror, and the uncanny, showcasing Poe's mastery of suspenseful and psychological storytelling. Notable pieces include "The Purloined Letter," which features the brilliant detective C. Auguste Dupin as he solves a complex crime involving a stolen letter of great importance, highlighting both the ingenuity of the detective and the folly of the authorities. The opening of the volume features "The Purloined Letter," where the narrator and Dupin engage in deep contemplation over previous mysteries when they are visited by Monsieur G, the Prefect of the Parisian police. The Prefect brings details of a perplexing case involving a missing letter that holds significant political power, stolen by the Minister D. As the Prefect describes his failed attempts to recover the letter, Dupin's insights reveal that the straightforward nature of the theft has eluded the authorities. The narrative sets a tone of intellectual intrigue as Dupin prepares to outsmart both the Prefect and the clever Minister, emphasizing Poe’s exploration of human intellect and the nature of perception.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1
Edgar Allan Poe
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of various literary works, likely written in the mid-19th century. This volume presents a comprehensive look at Poe’s contributions to the genres of horror, mystery, and poetry, showcasing his unique ability to navigate themes of melancholy and the supernatural. This collection includes not only the celebrated tales such as "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Tell-Tale Heart," but also illuminating prefaces and analyses of his life and works, inviting readers to delve into the mind of one of America's most iconic writers. The beginning of this volume contains a preface, touching upon Poe's life, struggles, and literary achievements, and it sets the tone for the exploration of his works. Notably, it includes reflections on his early life, detailing his adoption by John Allan, his education, and his tumultuous relationships, as well as mentions of his formative experiences and the challenges he faced in his literary career. The opening gives readers insight into the origins of works that blend the macabre with the poetic, suggesting that Poe's life experiences deeply influenced his storytelling. Moreover, it serves as an introduction to the themes of despair, beauty, and complexity that define his body of work, preparing readers for the profound explorations ahead.
The Woman in White
Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White
"The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins is a mystery novel written in 1860. When a young drawing teacher encounters a mysterious woman dressed entirely in white on a London street, he unknowingly steps into a web of secrets and conspiracy. His new position teaching at an English estate draws him deeper into danger as he discovers sinister connections between the strange woman, his beautiful student, and her wealthy fiancé. Identity, deception, and a desperate fight for truth drive this early detective story.
The Moonstone
Wilkie Collins
The Moonstone
"The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1868. A cursed Indian diamond, stolen during a colonial siege, arrives as an inheritance for young Rachel Verinder on her eighteenth birthday. That night, the precious stone vanishes from her bedroom, launching a complex investigation involving suspicious servants, mysterious Indian priests, and shocking betrayals. This pioneering detective story unfolds through multiple narrators, each revealing new layers of deception as they race to solve the theft and recover the legendary gem.
The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale
Joseph Conrad
The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale
"The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale" by Joseph Conrad is a novel first published in installments in 1905–1906 and in book form in 1907. Set in 1886 London, it follows Adolf Verloc, a secret agent and shop owner who lives with his wife Winnie and her intellectually disabled brother Stevie. When Verloc is pressured to bomb Greenwich Observatory to provoke public outrage against anarchists, the operation goes catastrophically wrong. The story explores themes of espionage, terrorism, exploitation, and the devastating consequences of deception within a family.
The Thirty-Nine Steps
John Buchan
The Thirty-Nine Steps
"The Thirty-Nine Steps" by John Buchan is an adventure novel published in 1915. Richard Hannay, a mining engineer from Rhodesia, finds himself caught in a deadly conspiracy when his neighbor is murdered in his London flat. Possessing only a cryptic coded notebook, Hannay flees to Scotland, pursued by both police and German spies seeking to steal Britain's naval secrets. Racing against time before war erupts across Europe, he must decipher the mystery of the thirty-nine steps and stop an international plot that could change history.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Charles Dickens
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
"The Mystery of Edwin Drood" by Charles Dickens is a novel published in 1870. Dickens's final and unfinished work centers on John Jasper, a cathedral choirmaster and opium addict who desires his pupil Rosa Bud—the fiancée of his nephew Edwin Drood. When Edwin vanishes mysteriously after a tense reconciliation dinner with his rival Neville Landless, suspicion falls on Neville while Jasper's dark obsessions deepen. Set in the cathedral town of Cloisterham, this mystery remains unsolved, as Dickens died before revealing its conclusion.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 5
Edgar Allan Poe
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 5
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 5" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of literary works, likely gathered during the mid-19th century. This volume includes a variety of essays, short stories, and poetry, showcasing Poe's range in exploring macabre themes and philosophical musings, as well as his craft in conveying deep emotional experiences through language. The opening portion of the volume features "Philosophy of Furniture," where Poe critiques and examines the aesthetics of home decor, reflecting on how cultural backgrounds influence taste and aesthetic judgment, particularly contrasting American and European styles. He details the importance of coherence and artistic arrangement in interior decoration, offering keen observations and critiques of various nations' approaches to furnishing their homes. This analytical essay sets a tone that blends both satire and seriousness, creating a foundation for deeper explorations of human taste and ethics found throughout the volume.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4
Edgar Allan Poe
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 4" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of literary pieces likely written in the mid-19th century. This volume contains a blend of short stories and essays, showcasing Poe's mastery in exploring themes of horror, the supernatural, and human psychology, which is evident from the titles listed in the contents like "The Devil in the Belfry" and "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether." The beginning of the volume introduces readers to "The Devil in the Belfry," where we are transported to the quaint Dutch borough of Vondervotteimittiss, characterized by its peculiar architecture and the strange behaviors of its inhabitants. The narrative humorously describes the monotonous lifestyle of the townsfolk, who are obsessed with their clocks and cabbages, until an odd little man arrives and disrupts their orderly existence. As the clock unexpectedly strikes thirteen, chaos ensues, showcasing Poe's satirical take on societal norms and the nature of time. In this opening chapter, the grotesque blend of humor and horror sets the tone for the unique tales that follow in the collection.
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 3
Edgar Allan Poe
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 3
"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 3" by Edgar Allan Poe is a collection of narratives and short stories likely compiled during the mid-19th century. This volume includes significant works such as "Narrative of A. Gordon Pym," which introduces the titular character whose adventures at sea encompass themes of exploration, danger, and survival. The narrative intertwines fictional elements with the real-life experiences of its characters, inviting readers into a richly imaginative and suspenseful world. The beginning of this volume presents an introductory note by Arthur Gordon Pym detailing his extraordinary adventures in the South Seas, which prompted him to share his story. Pym recounts his upbringing and relationships, particularly with his friend Augustus Barnard, which sets the stage for their eventual ill-fated expedition at sea. Their reckless decision to sail out on a cold night leads to chaos when Barnard descends into intoxication, leaving Pym to manage their dangerously unsound vessel alone. The opening climaxes with a dramatic encounter that highlights the perils of their venture, ending with Pym's miraculous rescue after a harrowing sequence of events, laying the groundwork for further adventures to come.
Greenmantle
John Buchan
Greenmantle
"Greenmantle" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1916. Richard Hannay is drawn into a dangerous intelligence mission to investigate rumors of a German-orchestrated Muslim uprising during World War I. Traveling through enemy territory with trusted companions, Hannay must decode cryptic clues, assume false identities, and navigate a web of spies and conspirators. Their perilous journey leads to Constantinople and beyond, where they race to uncover the mystery of "Greenmantle" and prevent a plot that could change the course of the war.
The Beetle: A Mystery
Richard Marsh
The Beetle: A Mystery
"The Beetle: A Mystery" by Richard Marsh is a Gothic horror novel published in 1897. A shape-shifting ancient Egyptian entity arrives in London seeking vengeance against a British politician, Paul Lessingham. Through mesmerism and terror, the creature manipulates innocent victims to further its dark purpose. Told through four different narrators, the story weaves together mystery, supernatural horror, and psychological control as the Beetle pursues its prey through Victorian London, threatening everyone connected to its target.