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Attempted murder -- Fiction Books
Best books
G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton
Manalive
"Manalive" by G. K. Chesterton is a novel published in 1912. When the eccentric Innocent Smith arrives at a London boarding house with a gust of wind, he transforms the residents' lives with his playful spirit and wild antics. But joy turns to chaos when he's accused of burglary, polygamy, and attempted murder. The household forms its own court to investigate the charges, uncovering the surprising truth behind Smith's seemingly criminal behavior in this exploration of Chesterton's "holy fool" philosophy.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
Nick Carter Stories No. 135. April 10, 1915; Straight to the Goal; Or, Nick Carter's Queer Challenge
"Nick Carter Stories No. 135: Straight to the Goal; Or, Nick…." is a serialized adventure story written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the renowned detective Nick Carter, along with his assistants, as they embark on a perilous mission to rescue a kidnapped young man from a mystical city governed by a sinister high priest. The tale introduces themes of bravery, cunning, and the battle between good and evil as the characters confront various dangers and unravel a plot that involves supernatural elements. At the start of the story, a spear arrives in the camp where Nick Carter and his companions are stationed, delivering a message signaling the capture of Leslie Arnold, the son of a wealthy shipowner. The spear is accompanied by a necktie belonging to Leslie, prompting an urgent discussion among the group about their rescue mission. Despite the dangers lurking in the city of Shangore, Nick Carter's unwavering resolve leads them to prepare for a daring confrontation with the priest Calaman and the monstrous Golden Scarab. As the narrative unfolds, tensions rise as they navigate traps, threats, and rituals amid a corrupt regime, setting the stage for an intense confrontation filled with suspense.
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The haunter of the ring
"The Haunter of the Ring" by Robert E. Howard is a short story published in 1934. When Evelyn Gordon inexplicably tries to murder her new husband three times without remembering, investigator John Kirowan suspects more than reincarnated vengeance. A mysterious copper serpent ring—a cursed relic from ancient Stygia—holds the key. Kirowan discovers that a dark elemental spirit has been summoned to possess Evelyn, but the sorcerer who conjured it may have made a fatal miscalculation about payment.
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.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The phantom hunter; or, love after death
"The Phantom Hunter; or, Love After Death" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the early settlements of Kentucky and revolves around themes of justice and betrayal as it follows the wrongful punishment of Russell Trafford, who is executed for the murder of his uncle, Doctor Trafford, despite his claimed innocence. The narrative explores the intertwining lives and relationships of several characters, including the grieving Isabel Moreland, engaged to Trafford, and the nefarious Jim McCabe, who harbors ulterior motives. The opening of the novel introduces a significant event: the execution of Russell Trafford, who stands accused of murdering his uncle, Doctor Trafford, under mysterious circumstances involving a fire. The community's suspicion is fueled by circumstantial evidence, including the discovery of Trafford with an open tinder-box during the fire incident. Although the story begins with a grim and tense atmosphere as the townspeople gather for the execution, elements of love and the supernatural surface when Isabel mourns her lost love and the possibility of Trafford’s return from the grave emerges. This initial setup hints at a deeper exploration of themes like innocence, vengeance, and the hauntings of love that may lie ahead, engaging readers interested in historical romance blended with elements of suspense and potential redemption.
William J. Brittain
Murderer's Base
"Murderer's Base" by William J. Brittain is a science fiction thriller written in the late 1940s. The story unfolds in the vastness of space, centering on the theme of betrayal and murder among space workers as one character plots to eliminate his partner in order to seize a lucrative mineral deposit. The book explores the psychological tension of the characters as they navigate their lonely and perilous work on asteroid mining missions. In the narrative, Joe Berne, a desperate and ambitious worker, decides to kill his cautious partner, Sam Hervey, to gain full control of a valuable uranium deposit they discovered. As Berne attempts to orchestrate what appears to be an accident in the void of space, he faces unexpected challenges, as Hervey proves to be far more astute and resilient than he anticipated. The story escalates into a deadly cat-and-mouse game, where Berne’s plans spiral out of control, ultimately leading to a harrowing confrontation. The tale explores themes of greed, survival, and the psychological toll of isolation, leaving readers contemplating the lengths to which one might go when driven by desperation and ambition.
H. C. (Herman Cyril) McNeile
The Valley of the Shadow
"The Valley of the Shadow" by H. C. McNeile is a suspenseful novel written in the early 20th century. The story delves into themes of jealousy, love, and the extreme lengths one might go to in a tumultuous relationship, exploring the psychological depths of its characters. The narrative centers on Hilda Garling, who grapples with her oppressive marriage to Hubert Garling, a man consumed by jealousy and heart trouble. When her husband invites Jack Denver, a charming army officer, to their home, Hilda must confront her feelings for him and the implications of her actions. As tensions rise, Hubert’s jealousy culminates in a twisted plot that traps Hilda and Jack in a small, sealed tower, where they must find a way to escape his deadly intentions. The story unfolds with urgency, revealing the complexities of love, betrayal, and the fight for survival in the face of madness.
F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace
Growing Season
"Growing Season" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the relationship between man and manipulated nature through the story of a plant scientist aboard a ship dedicated to tagging uncharted planets. The narrative delves into Alsint's journey as he attempts to prove the viability of his innovative plant concept while contending with unknown threats from his shipmates and the complexities of living in a closed, mechanical environment. The story follows Richel Alsint, a plant mechanic who has developed a unique hybrid plant designed to thrive in space. As he works on his plant aboard the tagging ship, he begins to suspect a conspiracy against him, where crew members might want to sabotage his efforts or eliminate him entirely due to the disruption his meticulous care of the plant causes. After a series of near-death experiences, including an attempt to abandon him on an uninhabited planet by his crew, Alsint discovers a talking red bird that embodies the memories of previous marooned plant mechanics. The narrative culminates in Alsint's realization of his distinct place in a civilization that prefers mechanical efficiency over the natural world, ultimately leading him to a new life among a different people who understand and value his quest for harmony between the plant and its environment.
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