Subject
Crime -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton
Lucretia — Complete
"Lucretia — Complete" by Edward Bulwer Lytton is a novel written in the early 19th century that explores complex themes surrounding human nature, ambition, and the moral impact of society and upbringing. The narrative centers on Lucretia Clavering, an heiress raised in a household marked by pride and ambition, and examines her intricate relationships with her uncle, Sir Miles St. John, as well as with potential suitors who embody contrasting societal standings. The beginning of the novel establishes a dark and atmospheric setting, beginning with a scene during the Reign of Terror in Paris, where a father observes his son’s fascination with a spider's web as they head to witness an execution—foreshadowing themes of violence and moral corruption. This somber tension shifts to a family setting in England several years later, where Lucretia is introduced alongside characters like the ambitious Mainwaring, who struggles with his feelings for her and the shadow of her lineage, and her tutor Dalibard, who grapples with the ramifications of their ambitions. The prologue and opening chapters set up a rich psychological exploration of Lucretia's character, her upbringing, and the complex interplay between personal desires and societal expectations, hinting at the turbulent journey that lies ahead for her and those around her.
Paul Bourget
Le disciple
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Arthur Stringer
The Man Who Couldn't Sleep
"The Man Who Couldn't Sleep" by Arthur Stringer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Witter Kerfoot, a Canadian author who has found success writing tales set in Alaska, despite his inexperience with the region. As his personal life and career begin to crumble under the weight of his deceitful past, Kerfoot faces the unraveling of his sanity and self-worth, prompting him to navigate a world of societal expectations and personal ambition. The opening of the novel introduces Witter Kerfoot, who reflects on his life as an author and the precarious facade he has managed to maintain among New York's elite. As he grapples with a growing sense of failure and insomnia, the narrative reveals his internal struggles while immersing him in a complicated web of relationships and aspirations, particularly regarding his love for Mary Lockwood, a wealthy woman who challenges him to pursue more meaningful work. The tension escalates when Kerfoot inadvertently gets embroiled in a violent incident, leading to a night of turmoil and self-discovery that will force him to confront the specter of his own life choices.
Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve
Constance Dunlap
"Constance Dunlap" by Arthur B. Reeve is a novel written during the early 20th century. The narrative primarily revolves around Constance Dunlap, a woman caught in a tumultuous and morally ambiguous world of crime as she and her husband, Carlton, navigate the dark consequences of his embezzlement and their subsequent partnership in forgery. At the start of the story, Carlton Dunlap is seen returning home with a fearful demeanor, hinting at his troubled conscience. He confesses to Constance that he has engaged in embezzlement and intends to flee to escape the repercussions. Constance, initially distraught, quickly shifts from shock to resolve as she proposes ideas for forgery to help their situation. Together, they execute a plan to forge a check that could provide them the means to escape their financial troubles and start anew. This opening establishes a gripping and tense atmosphere, portraying the complexities of their relationship and the ethical dilemmas they face as they spiral deeper into crime.
Donald E. Westlake
Call Him Nemesis
"Call Him Nemesis" by Donald E. Westlake is a crime fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book centers around a unique blend of crime and mystery, exploring the chaotic aftermath of a series of criminal activities and the peculiar figure known as the Scorpion, who intervenes in unexpected ways. The narrative reflects a time that captures the quirks of that era's societal views on crime and justice. The story unfolds through a bank robbery gone awry, resulting in police involvement and the emergence of the Scorpion, a young boy with extraordinary powers that allow him to affect the temperature of objects at will. As the narrative progresses, we see the Scorpion responding to various criminal events, including a man rampaging with a firearm and a street fight between gangs, each time leaving his mark – literally and figuratively. The police, led by Detective-Sergeant Stevenson, are baffled by the events, as they uncover a pattern indicating the boy's eccentric methods in combating crime. The eventual focus on Eddie Clayhorn, the boy behind the Scorpion persona, adds an intriguing childlike innocence to the otherwise serious crime genre, culminating in a blend of humor and suspense.
Miriam Michelson
In the Bishop's Carriage
"In the Bishop's Carriage" by Miriam Michelson is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story introduces us to Nancy Olden, a spirited young woman who finds herself embroiled in a series of misadventures in a city teeming with opportunity and mischief. The narrative promises a blend of humor, social commentary, and a touch of romance as Nancy navigates through her escapades. The opening of the book establishes Nancy’s character as clever, bold, and somewhat reckless, stealing a watch and donning a beautiful red coat that doesn’t belong to her while escaping from the police. As she retreats into a women’s waiting room at the train station, she observes the various women around her, revealing a mix of humor and social critique. Eventually, she slips into a luxurious carriage, mistakenly assuming it belongs to her father, only to discover it is the Bishop's. As the Bishop enters, the plot unfolds with an entertaining mix of misunderstandings and deception, hinting at a deeper exploration of Nancy’s ambition and identity throughout the novel.
Grant Allen
Recalled to Life
“Recalled to Life” by Grant Allen is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Una Callingham, who suffers a traumatic event that causes her to lose all memories of her past, including her name and family. This catastrophic occurrence comes immediately after witnessing her father's murder, and the novel explores her psychological journey of rediscovering her identity and uncovering the truth behind her father's death. The opening of the novel introduces Una's first recollection, which is a vivid memory of the horrifying moment when she sees her father shot dead. As she grapples with the trauma and the effects of her shock, she describes her state as a ‘Second State,’ likening it to a newborn baby devoid of all memories. The narrative explains how she begins her life anew, struggling to reclaim her identity over the years, with flashes of her past haunting her. The beginning sets the stage for a psychological mystery, with the promise of exploring themes like memory, trauma, and the quest for truth, as Una slowly pieces together the fragments of her past while remaining burdened by a deep sense of horror.
Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb
The Escape of Mr. Trimm His Plight and other Plights
"The Escape of Mr. Trimm" by Irvin S. Cobb is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Hobart W. Trimm, a convicted banker who is set to serve a lengthy prison sentence after the collapse of the Thirteenth National Bank. The narrative explores Trimm's experiences as he tries to navigate the humiliation of his situation and ultimately seek a form of escape from the "grips of the law," leading readers into a tale of desperation and ingenuity. The opening of the book details Mr. Trimm's transition from his former life of wealth and power to being handcuffed and escorted on a train to prison. His feelings of detachment and disdain for his situation are evident as he recalls his social standing and the media's portrayal of him throughout the trial and sentencing. As he embarks on this journey, he is determined to maintain his dignity, but chaotic events unfold, particularly when a train collision occurs, leading to his unexpected freedom. After the train wreck, Trimm finds himself alone in the woods, considering the possibility of escaping the justice system entirely, even as he battles the physical constraints of handcuffs that symbolize his fall from grace.
A. Frank Pinkerton
Dyke Darrel the Railroad Detective; Or, The Crime of the Midnight Express
"Dyke Darrel the Railroad Detective; Or, The Crime of the Midnight Express" by Frank Pinkerton is a gripping novel written in the late 19th century. This story follows the daring and skilled detective Dyke Darrel as he investigates a brazen express robbery that not only resulted in the theft of $30,000 but also ended in the murder of his friend, the express messenger Arnold Nicholson. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to a cast of characters, including Dyke’s sister Nell and his friend Mr. Elliston, all of whom are entwined in the high-stakes quest for justice amidst ominous threats and deceptions. At the start of the tale, we witness the aftermath of the shocking crime through Dyke’s determination and anxiety as he prepares to track down the culprits. The opening chapters depict his discussions with Nell and Elliston, revealing both personal stakes in the case and the dangerous nature of the criminals involved. Dyke's resolve intensifies upon learning more about the murder of Nicholson, leading him to Chicago for inquiries. There, he encounters potential witnesses and suspects, including a mysterious young man named Watson Wilks, who might hold vital information about the robbery. As Dyke grapples with his obligations to capture the outlaws, he also uncovers deeper connections among the characters that will shape the unfolding of this suspenseful narrative.
George Thompson
City Crimes; Or, Life in New York and Boston
"City Crimes; Or, Life in New York and Boston" by George Thompson is a novel published in 1849. This sensational urban gothic follows protagonist Frank Sydney as he descends into the city's dark underbelly, encountering the horrifying Dead Man—a disfigured criminal who rules the underground Dark Vaults through torture, murder, and depravity. Amid graphic violence and sexual transgression, the story weaves through multiple characters navigating greed, virtue, and desire in a claustrophobic portrait of urban corruption and moral decay.
Carolyn Wells
Vicky Van
"Vicky Van" by Carolyn Wells is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Victoria "Vicky" Van Allen, a lively and captivating young woman who is at the center of an intrigue that unfolds during an evening gathering in her charming New York City home. As the narrative starts, we meet the main character Chester Calhoun, who is intrigued by Vicky's vibrant personality and the social dynamics at play among her eclectic group of friends. At the start of the book, we are drawn into Vicky’s world through the eyes of Chester Calhoun, a junior partner at a law firm who often mingles within the fashionable circles of New York society. The narrative sets a light-hearted tone as Chester describes his admiration for Vicky and her fashionable salon filled with lively games of bridge and charming guests. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts when a tragic event occurs; a man named Somers is mysteriously stabbed, which sparks concern for Vicky's safety and involvement. The opening chapters offer hints at Vicky’s elusive nature, her relationships with her friends, and the tensions that arise when scandal enters her seemingly glamorous life. As the mystery unfolds, the stakes are raised, leading readers to question Vicky's innocence and the true nature of her social world amidst the shocking turn of events.
George Barr McCutcheon
Yollop
"Yollop" by George Barr McCutcheon is a comedic novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the unlikely encounter between Crittenden Yollop, an earnest and somewhat naive man, and Cassius Smilk, an inept but self-aware burglar. Their interaction begins under peculiar circumstances, leading to a humorous exploration of crime, identity, and moral dilemmas in a whimsical narrative. At the start of the novel, Mr. Yollop accidentally overpowers a burglar, Cassius Smilk, who is disarmed and bewildered by Yollop's actions. The opening chapter sets a comedic tone, showcasing Yollop's deafness and his strange, bumbling attempts to communicate while holding Smilk at bay with a revolver. As they engage in a banter of misunderstandings and absurd exchanges, readers are introduced to the contrasting personalities of Yollop's innocence and Smilk's roguish charm. This unique introductory scenario hints at the larger exploration of societal norms, the absurdities of life, and the unexpected friendships that can form in the most unlikely situations.
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