Subject
Criminals -- Fiction Books
Best books
Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist
"Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens is a novel originally published as a serial from 1837 to 1839. The story follows orphan Oliver Twist, who escapes a workhouse and finds himself in London among a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the criminal Fagin. As Oliver navigates this dangerous underworld, mysteries surrounding his parentage begin to surface. Dickens exposes the cruel treatment of orphans and the sordid lives of criminals in mid-19th century England, creating an early social novel that satirizes child labor and exploitation.
Sax Rohmer
The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu
"The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu" by Sax Rohmer is a novel published in 1913. When Nayland Smith arrives unexpectedly from Burma, Dr. Petrie learns of a sinister threat: the brilliant Chinese criminal Dr. Fu Manchu is targeting men connected to India. Through London's opium dens and English country estates, Smith pursues this master poisoner and chemist, who leads a mysterious "Third Party" and seeks to capture Europe's best engineers for an unknown purpose. But Fu Manchu proves a cunning adversary who outwits his pursuers at every turn.
Leroy Scott
Children of the Whirlwind
"Children of the Whirlwind" by Leroy Scott is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a gritty neighborhood in New York City, focusing on the lives of two main characters, Maggie Carlisle and Larry Brainard, whose tumultuous fates begin in a humble and unremarkable setting. The book explores themes of struggle, ambition, and the seductive pull of a life of crime versus the challenging journey toward redemption. The opening portion of the novel introduces the reader to a drab street where Maggie lives with her enigmatic landlady, the Duchess, and her father, Old Jimmie, who is a petty criminal. We learn about Maggie's longing for a better life and her complex feelings toward the returning Larry Brainard, a charming yet flawed character with a criminal past. As Maggie navigates her daily life and contemplates her unfulfilled dreams, the narrative hints at the potential for both beauty and destruction in their lives, setting the stage for the unfolding drama and tension that will define their relationship. The initial encounters paint a vivid picture of the characters' struggles while foreshadowing the conflicts and decisions they will face as they grapple with their pasts and future aspirations.
Norbert Jacques
Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler : $b Roman
"Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler" by Norbert Jacques is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the world of gambling and deception, centering around the enigmatic character of Dr. Mabuse, a master manipulator and skilled card player. Set against the backdrop of a society gripped by the allure of chance and fortune, it explores themes of obsession, control, and the darker aspects of human nature. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to a high-stakes game in an exclusive club where young Hull encounters a mysterious and elegantly dressed old man, referred to as Balling. As the tension at the gaming table escalates, Hull finds himself entrapped in a whirlwind of bad luck, leading to a heavy gambling loss that he struggles to comprehend. The evening spirals into confusion, and Hull becomes increasingly unsettled by his interactions with the old man, who seems to hold a haunting sway over him. By the end of this opening portion, Hull's life is irrevocably altered, setting the stage for a broader conflict involving deception and psychological manipulation, raising questions about identity and reality.
Harry Harrison
The Misplaced Battleship
"The Misplaced Battleship" by Harry Harrison is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around interstellar intrigue and crime, specifically the implications of a powerful battleship being secretly built in a peaceful sector of the galaxy. It addresses themes of deception, adventure, and the moral complexities faced by characters navigating both lawful and unlawful pursuits in a futuristic setting. The narrative follows the protagonist, Slippery Jim diGriz, a master thief turned agent for the Special Corps, as he uncovers a plot involving the covert construction of a Warlord-class battleship on the planet Cittanuvo. DiGriz, initially sent to investigate, finds himself embroiled in a deeper conspiracy when he discovers that a criminal mastermind named Pepe Nero, with the assistance of a cunning woman named Angelina, has orchestrated the construction and theft of the battleship for his own nefarious purposes. As diGriz races against time to apprehend Pepe and prevent chaos, he finds that nothing is as straightforward as it seems, challenging his wits and resolve at every turn. The climax showcases a tense showdown as diGriz confronts the duo, ultimately leading to unexpected twists and moral dilemmas about loyalty and betrayal.
Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist, Vol. 2 (of 3)
"Oliver Twist, Vol. 2 (of 3)" by Charles Dickens is a novel originally published serially from 1837 to 1839. This second volume continues the journey of orphan Oliver Twist through London's criminal underworld. After escaping a workhouse, Oliver falls into the hands of Fagin's gang of pickpockets but finds refuge with the kind Mr. Brownlow. As mysterious forces conspire to hide Oliver's true parentage, he becomes entangled in robbery, betrayal, and violence that will determine his fate and uncover long-buried family secrets.
Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist, Vol. 1 (of 3)
"Oliver Twist, Vol. 1 (of 3)" by Charles Dickens is a novel originally published serially from 1837 to 1839. An orphan escapes his brutal workhouse existence only to fall into London's criminal underworld, where a gang of child pickpockets operates under the sinister Fagin. As Oliver struggles between criminality and respectability, mysterious figures conspire to hide his true identity. This pioneering social novel exposes the cruel treatment of orphans and the dark reality of child exploitation in Victorian England.
Daniel Defoe
The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders
"The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders" by Daniel Defoe is a novel published in 1722. Born in prison to a convict mother, Moll navigates survival through a series of marriages, deceptions, and reinventions. As circumstances strip away her security time and again, she transforms from hopeful young woman to skilled con artist to accomplished thief. Through cunning and charm, Moll pursues the one thing that eludes her: lasting prosperity and peace in a world that offers women few honest paths to independence.
Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress. Illustrated
"Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress. Illustrated by Charles Dickens" by Charles Dickens is a novel originally published as a serial from 1837 to 1839. After escaping a brutal workhouse, orphan Oliver Twist flees to London, where he falls into the hands of Fagin and his gang of child pickpockets. As Oliver struggles to break free from the criminal underworld, mysterious figures work to conceal his true parentage. This early social novel exposes the harsh treatment of orphans in Victorian England through a tale of survival, secrets, and the search for belonging.
Marie Conway Oemler
Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man
"Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man" by Marie Conway Oemler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a small town called Appleboro, South Carolina, and follows the experiences of Father Armand De Rancé, a Catholic priest, as he navigates his calling and the vibrant community around him. Central to the narrative is the character John Flint, also known as Slippy McGee, a noted burglar whose life takes a turn after a devastating accident. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the quaint town of Appleboro and its inhabitants through the eyes of Father De Rancé. His reflections on the town's traditions, as well as on the nature of his ministry and the people he serves, add depth to the setting. The opening portion reveals the arrival of John Flint, who is found severely injured near the railroad tracks. In the Parish House, Father De Rancé and the kind-hearted Dr. Westmoreland work to save Flint, resulting in the traumatic amputation of his leg. As Flint begins his recovery, we see glimpses of his past life, and the tensions between his criminal identity and the compassionate community that surrounds him, setting the stage for a transformative journey through pain, redemption, and the discovery of his true self.
Brand Whitlock
The Turn of the Balance
"The Turn of the Balance" by Brand Whitlock is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of Elizabeth Ward and the Koerner family, exploring themes of social class, justice, and personal responsibility within the context of a snow-laden winter in a small town. As we delve into Elizabeth's world of privilege, we also encounter Gusta, a maid whose father's recent accident serves as a poignant contrast to Elizabeth's comfortable life. The opening of the novel introduces Elizabeth Ward, who delights in the beauty of the first snowfall while dealing with the mundanity of her daily responsibilities. As she navigates her privileged life, the narrative shifts to Gusta Koerner, who faces the harsh realities of her family's struggles following her father's injury in a railroad accident. The contrasting experiences between Elizabeth, with her light-hearted outlook, and Gusta, burdened by familial responsibilities and societal expectations, set the stage for poignant developments that explore broader themes of justice and morality in the face of personal turmoil.
Henry Fielding
The History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great
"The History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great" by Henry Fielding is a satirical novel published in 1743. It tells the story of Jonathan Wild, a notorious London underworld boss who worked as a thief-taker while secretly managing a criminal network. Fielding uses Wild's life to satirize English society and political corruption, particularly targeting Prime Minister Robert Walpole. The novel blends criminal biography with romance and social commentary in a darkly ironic portrait of "greatness."
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