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Detective and mystery stories -- Periodicals Books
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Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0041: Een weddenschap zonder winner
No description available.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0039: De krankzinnige van Hanwell
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Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0040: De valsche spoorwegdief
No description available.
Various
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942
"Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942" by Various is a collection of crime fiction written in the early 20th century. This issue prominently features the character of the Black Hood, a vigilante detective who operates outside the law to confront the criminal underworld. The stories revolve around themes of deception, intrigue, and the battle against corruption, showcasing the dangerous encounters faced by the Black Hood and his adversaries. At the start of the book, the narrative quickly introduces the violent world surrounding the Black Hood. It begins with a foreboding atmosphere at the Weedham Industries metal stamping plant, where the unsuspecting night watchman, Joseph, finds himself in grave danger as he is brutally attacked by criminals plotting a robbery. Meanwhile, we are introduced to the titular character, the Black Hood, who remains a mysterious yet compelling figure driven by a desire for justice. The unfolding chaos draws in several key characters, including various henchmen and other potential lawmen, setting the stage for conflict and action that will characterize the rest of the volume. The opening portion of the text skillfully establishes tension and a sense of impending danger, inviting readers into a gritty world of crime and justice.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0373: De krankzinnige
"Lord Lister No. 0373: De krankzinnige" by Matull, Blankensee, and Hageman is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Edward Lark, an aged and poverty-stricken man, who collapses outside a theater in London, attracting the attention of Lord Aberdeen, a wealthy philanthropist who is secretly the infamous Gentleman Burglar, John Raffles. The narrative hints at themes of social disparity, compassion, and the mysterious past of Lark’s family, particularly as it touches upon the tragic fate of his daughter, Nelly, who is suffering from insanity. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a bustling London evening, leading to Edwin Lark's distressing collapse amidst the autumn chill. Raffles, intrigued by Lark’s plight, rushes to help him, revealing a layered story that intertwines their lives. Lark’s background is quickly explored, disclosing his struggles post-war, his daughter’s mental illness, and a sinister secret that connects to Lark's son-in-law, who has seemingly vanished after the war. This opening sets the tone for a narrative rich in character development, societal critique, and suspense, inviting readers into a complex web of human suffering and hidden truths waiting to be uncovered.
Anonymous
Lord Lister No. 0115: Een Sinterklaas-verrassing
"Lord Lister No. 0115: Een Sinterklaas-verrassing" by Anonymous et al. is a fictional narrative likely written in the late 19th century. The story weaves together elements of mystery, familial relationships, and the celebration of Sinterklaas, a traditional Dutch holiday. Central to the plot is the character of Mr. Deelman, a Spanish consul living in Rotterdam, and his wife, who unexpectedly receive a mysterious parcel containing a living child, setting off a series of curious events. At the start of the narrative, the scene is established on the evening of December 5th, marking the Sinterklaas festivities despite the dreary weather. In their stately home, the Deelmans reflect on the changes in their family dynamics and traditions since their daughters have moved abroad. The narrative takes a turn when they receive an unexpected delivery: a beautifully wrapped basket containing a baby. The couple's shock and confusion lead to a detailed examination of the infant, revealing hints of nobility through its clothing and a large check hidden among its garments. This startling surprise suggests a deeper mystery involving a noble lineage and possible connections to larger narratives, creating intrigue right from the beginning.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0013: De inbraak in den slaapwagen
"Lord Lister No. 0013: De inbraak in den slaapwagen" by Matull and Blankensee is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the intricate relationship between Lord Edward Lister, a master thief under the alias John C. Raffles, and a complicated love triangle that leads to deadly consequences. The narrative is set against a backdrop of intrigue and suspense, focusing on themes of honor, betrayal, and the duality of identity, as Lord Lister finds himself in a perilous situation involving a duel and a femme fatale. The opening of the novel introduces a tense scene in the Bois de Boulogne, where three men await Lord Lister, who is late for a duel with his former friend, Markies Raoul de Frontignac. As they prepare for the confrontation, it becomes clear that the duel is over the affections of a beautiful woman, Adrienne, and that underlying animosities threaten the bonds of friendship. When the duel finally occurs, it results in tragic consequences, exposing deeper secrets of betrayal and identity that intertwine Lord Lister’s life as Raffles with the lives of his acquaintances. The chapter sets the stage for an adventure filled with suspense, deception, and the pursuit of both love and retribution.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0305: De schijndooden
"Lord Lister No. 0305: De schijndooden" by Matull, Blankensee, and Hageman is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins in a large hospital in London, focusing on a mysterious and severely injured man known only as "Brown," who draws the attention of the nursing staff and several visitors, including a beautiful young woman and a detective. The opening sets the tone for a tale filled with intrigue, hidden identities, and the machinations of criminal organizations. The beginning of the novel introduces the main character, who, despite being in a vulnerable state, is embroiled in a complex web of deception. Following his admission to the hospital after a violent attack, various characters emerge, including two men seeking to speak with him under questionable circumstances, casting shadows over his identity and intentions. Additionally, a detective’s involvement raises the stakes as the characters navigate a dangerous world of thievery and betrayal, hinting at a larger conspiracy at play involving the protagonist and a shadowy antagonist named Dr. Fox.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0011: De diamanten van den hertog van Norfolk
"Lord Lister No. 0011: De diamanten van den hertog van Norfolk" by Kurt Matull et al. is a fictional detective novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on Lord Lister, a clever and audacious character involved in a series of intricate capers, including an audacious theft related to the priceless diamonds of the Duke of Norfolk. The narrative unfolds in a richly detailed London setting, combining elements of suspense, crime, and clever deception. The opening of the story introduces us to Lord Lister and his friend Charly Brand, who are engaged in a high-stakes scheme involving the embezzlement of funds from various deposit banks under the alias Samuel Rottwell. The plot leads them into a precarious situation with the police after their illicit dealings are discovered. As the narrative progresses, Lister must navigate challenges posed by Inspector Baxter and a series of misadventures, eventually revealing a deeper criminal plot intertwining a murder mystery with themes of identity and deception surrounding the coveted diamonds. The reader is drawn into this thrilling tale filled with twists and turns, as Lister’s cunning and charisma hold the key to both his cunning success and his ultimate jeopardy.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0312: In de klauwen van een woekeraar
"Lord Lister No. 0312: In de klauwen van een woekeraar" by Kurt Matull et al. is a detective novel presumably written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the enigmatic gentleman thief, Lord William Aberdeen, also known as John Raffles, and his companion Charly Brand. Their adventures unfold as they confront criminal elements in London, particularly targeting the vile loan shark Stephen Ross, who has nefarious plans that put the lives of others at risk. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Raffles and Charly as they share a quiet dinner, reflecting on their recent escapades and the threatening presence of Dr. Fox, a notorious criminal mastermind. They quickly discover alarming news about the escape of Dr. Fox, which compounds their unease, and later hear distressing updates regarding the fate of Robert Spencer, who faces dire circumstances due to his financial troubles with Ross. This opening sets the stage for a gripping tale of crime, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of justice, while hinting at personal stakes involving friendship and loyalty as Raffles prepares to take action against those who exploit others.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0018: Het geheim van de verminkte kinderen
"Lord Lister No. 0018: Het geheim van de verminkte kinderen" by Matull and Blankensee is a fictional novel set in a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere, likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Lord Lister, also known as John Raffles, an elusive gentleman-thief who is drawn into a dark investigation involving the wealthy Mr. Pigott and his questionable activities regarding mutilated children. The book promises an intriguing mix of crime, mystery, and adventure as Raffles seeks to unravel a sinister secret. At the start of the narrative, we find Lord Lister in his lavish London home, discussing the curious wealth of a man named Pigott with his friend Charly Brand. Lister's curiosity drives him to investigate Pigott further, leading to a failed burglary attempt that quickly escalates into a dangerous situation. In the midst of the chaos, Brand overhears shocking sounds indicative of child suffering coming from Pigott's residence. As Raffles continues his inquiry, he secretly dons disguises and employs clever tactics, motivated by both a sense of justice and the apprehension of confronting unthinkable crimes. This opening sets the tone for a gripping tale of intrigue and moral conflict intertwined with the pursuit for truth.
Kurt Matull
Lord Lister No. 0001: De Groote Onbekende
"Lord Lister No. 0001: De Groote Onbekende" by Kurt Matull and Theo von Blankensee is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the infamous character John Raffles, a clever and elusive thief, within the bustling streets of London. The narrative introduces Raffles as he cunningly outsmarts various charlatans, including a wealthy bank manager named James Gordon and noblemen like Lord Lister. The opening portion of the novel sets the stage with Mr. Lukas Brown, a wealthy silk importer, who becomes increasingly anxious about the notorious Raffles, who has recently committed a major jewel heist. As Brown dismisses his assistant’s grudging admiration for Raffles, the plot swiftly unfolds when a fresh employee, Miss Walton, finds herself in a precarious situation with Brown. A mysterious stranger intervenes, saving her just as the narrative connects to Raffles, who is portrayed as both a criminal mastermind and a gentleman with a strange sense of morality. The opening establishes complex character dynamics and hints at Raffles's future escapades, foreshadowing a thrilling tale of deception and intrigue.
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