Subject
Apparitions -- Fiction Books
Best books
Albert W. Aiken
The skeleton scout; or, The border block
"The Skeleton Scout; or, The Border Block" by Major Lewis W. Carson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a hazardous setting during a time of conflict between settlers and Native Americans in the West. The central character is a tall, quirky Yankee named Seth Spink, whose humorous antics and bravery contrast with the tension surrounding his new allies, Captain William Floyd and the mysterious Dead Chief of the Pottawatomie tribe. This mixture of adventure, survival, and cultural encounters provides an intriguing backdrop as the characters navigate their precarious situation. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to the serene landscape alongside a great river that quickly gives way to suspense as a group of painted Native Americans, led by the chief Willimack, silently stalk a log cabin. However, the arrival of Seth Spink, who casually navigates the river on a log, disrupts the scene. His unexpected entrance leads to comedic exchanges, revealing his unique character traits. Despite the initial light-hearted tone, tension escalates when Willimack's deceptive intentions are uncovered, prompting a series of survival challenges that affect Floyd and Madge, a beautiful girl staying with the Floyd family. As the unfolding events spiral toward hostile confrontations, readers are left eager to see how Spink's exaggerated bravado and the supernatural specter known as the Skeleton Scout will intertwine to shape their fates against the looming threat from the savages.
May Agnes Fleming
The queen of the isle : $b A novel
"The Queen of the Isle" by May Agnes Fleming is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Campbell's Isle, a small yet strikingly beautiful island with a history steeped in legend and a reputation for ghostly sightings, as we are introduced to its current inhabitants, Guy Campbell and his sister Sibyl. Young Guy, who is set against the backdrop of his family's storied past, grapples with his reckless inheritance while becoming entangled with a mysterious passenger named Richard Grove. At the start of the tale, we are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Campbell's Isle, where the ghostly history and legends linger over its inhabitants. As the narrative unfolds, we meet various characters steeped in their own mysteries, such as the devoted old servant Aunt Moll and the enigmatic young girl Christie, whose origins raise questions. The opening chapters set the stage for unfolding dramas, including Richard Grove’s tragic backstory and the supernatural elements introduced by the cursed narrative of the past, merging suspense and romance. The heart of the plot begins to emerge as Sibyl and Guy Campbell navigate their lives amid the island's haunting charm, accompanied by the intriguing presence of Grove and the apparitions that disrupt their world.
Maro O. (Maro Orlando) Rolfe
The Phantom Rider; or The Giant Chief's Fate: A tale of the old Dahcotah country
"The Phantom Rider; or The Giant Chief's Fate: A Tale of the Old Dahcotah" by Maro O. Rolfe is a novel written in the early 1870s. The story unfolds in the North-west during a period when settlers faced dangers from both nature and native tribes. The plot centers around Vinnie Darke, the daughter of a frontier hunter, and her struggles against an Indian chief, Ku-nan-gu-no-nah, who is determined to claim her as his wife. At the start of the tale, the bleak atmosphere reflects the challenges faced by Vinnie and her father, Emmett Darke, as they prepare for a stormy night. Vinnie displays a courageous spirit as she confronts the chief's advances, while Emmett is depicted as a protective father, ready to defend his daughter against any threats. Their home, a log cabin nestled within the forest, serves as a backdrop for growing tensions, especially as Vinnie contemplates the danger posed by the chief's obsession with her. As the chapter unfolds, the reader is introduced to a rich landscape of peril and bravery, setting the stage for a gripping narrative filled with suspense and conflict.
William R. (William Reynolds) Eyster
The luckless trapper; or, The haunted hunter
"The Luckless Trapper; or, The Haunted Hunter" by William R. Eyster is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in a rugged wilderness, focusing on themes of survival, danger, and the supernatural. The central character, Harry Winkle, navigates a treacherous environment filled with hostile forces, including rival trappers and Native Americans, as he seeks vengeance for personal grievances. At the start of the novel, tension builds as Winkle hears a rifle shot and witnesses a confrontation between two men. One man, Dick Martin, warns Winkle about the dangers in the area, hinting at personal conflicts and suspicions of stirred animosities. As Winkle continues his exploration, he discovers a dead body drifting in a stream, heightening the sense of foreboding that permeates his nighttime experiences. These events foreshadow a series of encounters that will challenge Winkle's skills, resolve, and moral compass amidst a backdrop of looming violence and supernatural elements.
Frederic Henry Balfour
Austin and His Friends
"Austin and His Friends" by Frederic Henry Balfour is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Austin Trevor, who becomes a cripple after losing a leg due to a medical condition. Despite his physical challenges, Austin maintains a positive outlook on life, filled with imaginative thoughts and a deep appreciation for nature and art. The novel presents a light-hearted approach to the ghost story genre, showcasing Austin's unique perspective on life and the people around him. The opening portion of the book introduces the reader to Austin's life and circumstances. Described vividly, Austin's home is depicted as a serene and comforting environment where he has grown up. Following a life-altering surgery that results in him losing his leg, Austin must adapt to his new condition, but instead of sinking into despair, he finds beauty in his surroundings and even in his new wooden leg. The text emphasizes his philosophical musings and the affectionate yet humorous interactions with his Aunt Charlotte, who struggles to understand his approach to life. In this section, we glimpse Austin's determination to embrace life with joy and humor, setting the tone for his adventures and explorations ahead.
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