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Dime novels Books
Best books
Charles Garvice
Only a girl's love
"Only a Girl's Love" by Charles Garvice is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a young girl named Stella, who seeks refuge with her uncle, James Etheridge, after running away from a strict and unhappy school in Florence. As Stella integrates into her uncle's world, the novel hints at her struggles and a potentially deepening relationship with James, while introducing themes of love, family, and personal fulfillment. The opening of the novel paints a serene picture of early summer in the English countryside, contrasting the tranquility of nature with Stella's tumultuous past. As James Etheridge, a painter, quietly works in his cottage, Stella unexpectedly arrives, filled with emotion and a longing for warmth and connection following her father's death. Their ensuing conversation reveals Stella’s personal hardships and her uncle's deep care for her well-being. The chapter ends with hints of romantic tension as Stella finds herself drawn to the nearby Wyndward Hall, home to the enigmatic Leycester Wyndward, setting the stage for deeper interactions and developments as the story progresses.
Mrs. Gordon Smythies
Addie's Husband; or, Through clouds to sunshine
"Addie's Husband; or, Through Clouds to Sunshine" by Mrs. Gordon Smythies is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book opens with a focus on the Lefroy family, particularly the spirited and thoughtful Addie, who grapples with the challenges of her impoverished situation following her father's abandonment. As the family faces the harsh realities of their social decline, the story unfolds in a setting steeped in nostalgia and longing for their once-prosperous home, Nutsgrove. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Addie and her siblings as they banter about their futures while navigating the struggles of poverty and the responsibilities of growing up without parental guidance. The dynamic within the Lefroy family is marked by both camaraderie and the tensions of their financial troubles, culminating in a sense of impending change as they confront the loss of Nutsgrove and their childhood innocence. Addie's encounter with Tom Armstrong, the new master of their childhood home, sets the stage for a pivotal confrontation regarding her future, culminating in a marriage proposal that challenges the very essence of her identity and desires. The opening pages offer a poignant mix of humor, vulnerability, and the weight of societal expectations, inviting readers to explore a tale of resilience and hope amidst adversity.
Rita
The Mystery of a Turkish Bath
"The Mystery of a Turkish Bath" by Rita is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set in a luxurious hotel in England, where a group of women frequents a Turkish bath for health treatments. The story introduces the beautiful Princess Zairoff, whose arrival stirs intrigue amongst the guests and unveils a deeper mystery involving her occult powers and a past relationship with Colonel Estcourt, a fellow guest. At the start of the book, we find ourselves in the opulent atmosphere of the Turkish baths, where various women discuss their ailments amidst the luxurious décor. Their conversations shift dramatically when the mysterious Princess Zairoff enters, capturing everyone’s attention with her otherworldly beauty. The ladies, particularly the curious American Mrs. Ray Jefferson, become fascinated by the princess, who reveals hints of her troubled past and her connection to the Colonel. This opening sets the stage for a blend of supernatural intrigue and personal drama, as dark secrets and the occult begin to intertwine within the seemingly mundane setting of a health spa.
Alex. McVeigh Miller
Sworn to silence : $b or, Aline Rodney's secret
No description available.
Charles Garvice
Nell, of Shorne Mills : $b or, One heart's burden
"Nell, of Shorne Mills: or, One Heart's Burden" by Charles Garvice is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the life of Nell Lorton, a spirited young woman living with her brother Dick and their stepmother, Mrs. Lorton, in the picturesque village of Shorne Mills. Through her interactions with her family and the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Drake Vernon, the narrative hints at themes of love, identity, and the complexities of social class. The opening portion of the book introduces us to the lively relationship between Nell and Dick, highlighting their playful bickering and their dynamic as siblings. Nell, tasked with household chores, becomes frustrated with Dick's banjo playing while she attempts to check the butcher's book. The atmosphere shifts when they take care of their delicate stepmother, Mrs. Lorton, who embodies a kind of genteel entitlement. As a stranger, Drake Vernon enters their lives after falling off his horse near their home, adding an element of intrigue and potential romance that could transform Nell’s world and ignite her yearning for excitement beyond the confines of her mundane existence.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
The Babbington case; Or, Nick Carter's strange quest
"The Babbington Case; Or, Nick Carter's Strange Quest" by Nicholas Carter is a detective novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows the renowned detective Nick Carter as he investigates a mysterious case involving the death of Edythe Lynne, the daughter of a wealthy man, under suspicious circumstances that suggest murder rather than suicide. The opening of the narrative introduces Nick Carter, who comes across tracks in the snow leading to a lavish estate known as Pleasantglades. Upon further investigation, he uncovers that a man had entered with a woman but only the man emerged, creating questions about the woman's fate. Following his instincts, Carter enters the property and discovers Edythe's lifeless body, apparently a victim of foul play disguised as a suicide. As Carter delves deeper, various connections and questions arise regarding her family and acquaintances, creating an intricate web of motives surrounding her tragic end. The stage is set for a gripping tale of deception, intrigue, and the quest for truth.
Ida Reade Allen
Heart to heart : $b or, A race for love
No description available.
Albert W. Aiken
The Wolf Demon; or, The Queen of the Kanawha
"The Wolf Demon; or, The Queen of the Kanawha" by Albert W. Aiken is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set against a backdrop of turmoil and conflict between indigenous tribes and settlers, the story follows a cast of characters caught in the struggle for survival and power amid mystique and horror. Key figures include the formidable hunter Daniel Boone, the young and beautiful Virginia Treveling, and a mysterious entity known as the Wolf Demon, whose brutal attacks create havoc for the Shawnee tribe. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the eerie, atmospheric setting of the wilderness, where nature's beauty is contrasted with the lurking danger represented by the Wolf Demon, a creature with the body of a wolf and the face of a man. The narrative quickly shifts to the tense interactions between Daniel Boone and a fellow hunter named Abe Lark, who both witness a horrific murder committed by this supernatural entity. The scene culminates with the introduction of Virginia and Harvey Winthrop, who discover their feelings for each other, only to be interrupted by violence and impending danger. The opening effectively sets the stage for a thrilling saga filled with adventure, romance, and a fight against unseen malevolent forces.
Burt L. Standish
Dick Merriwell's Aëro Dash; Or, Winning Above the Clouds
"Dick Merriwell's Aëro Dash; Or, Winning Above the Clouds" by Burt L. Standish is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Dick Merriwell and his friends, who are faced with the aftermath of a tragic accident involving a little girl. As the narrative unfolds, themes of responsibility, courage, and the quest for justice take center stage, focusing particularly on Merriwell as he strives to uncover the truth behind the child's injuries. The opening of the book introduces a chaotic scene where a reckless driver, Brose Stovebridge, speeds along a road and tragically hits a young girl who is left injured on the roadside. Instead of helping her, he panics and flees the scene. In stark contrast, Dick Merriwell and his companions come across the injured child soon after, and Merriwell takes charge by carrying her to safety and seeking medical assistance. This encounter sets the stage for the ensuing conflict as Merriwell becomes determined to find out who was responsible for the accident, leading to a tense exploration of guilt, deception, and moral cowardice. With a backdrop of racing and competition, the plot promises to escalate as Merriwell seeks to bring the truth to light.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Air Ship; or, The Rival Inventors
"Motor Matt's Air Ship; or, The Rival Inventors" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This tale follows the exploits of Matt King, affectionately known as "Motor Matt," and his cheerful friend Carl Pretzel, as they navigate the dangerous world of rival inventors in the early days of aeronautics. The story begins with Matt and Carl witnessing an air-ship in distress, which sets off a chain of events involving a criminal gang and the pursuit of stolen blueprints for innovative flying machines. The opening of the story introduces Motor Matt and Carl as they enjoy a quiet picnic when they spot the erratic flight of the air-ship named "Hawk." Their curiosity leads them to intervene in a precarious situation where the air-ship is out of control. They attempt to assist the struggling pilots while also discovering that something sinister is at play. As the narrative unfolds, they soon realize that the incident is linked to a larger criminal conspiracy involving stolen inventions. The chapter effectively builds intrigue, setting the stage for Matt's subsequent kidnapping by a rival inventor, which propels the adventure across the skies and into dangerous territories.
Mary Jane Holmes
Queenie Hetherton
"Queenie Hetherton" by Mary Jane Holmes is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the character of Reinette Hetherton, a young girl who is returning to America with her father, Frederick Hetherton, after living abroad for many years. As they arrive in Merrivale, they navigate the complexities of their past and the expectations of the people in their new environment, setting the stage for drama and personal discovery. The opening portion introduces key themes and characters against the backdrop of the quaint town of Merrivale, where the return of Frederick and Reinette Hetherton stirs up excitement and curiosity. The narrative begins with Frederick's letter to Arthur Beresford, detailing their upcoming return and the preparations being made for Reinette's arrival. There is a palpable sense of anticipation and change as various townsfolk discuss the implications of the Hethertons' return and express their opinions about the lovely but enigmatic Reinette. The character interactions hint at deeper family histories and social dynamics that will likely unfold as the story progresses, particularly surrounding Reinette's unique identity and how she will fit into the society of Merrivale.
Alex. McVeigh Miller
The man she hated : $b or, Won by strategy
"The Man She Hated: or, Won by Strategy" by Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Fairfax Fielding, a beautiful young factory girl navigating love and societal expectations while grappling with her confusing feelings towards Waverley Osborne, a wealthy man, and the unexpected turn of events that leads to a disastrous marriage forced upon her by jealousy and manipulation. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Fair and her interactions with her fellow sewing girls at a factory in New York City. They discuss her supposed engagement to Waverley Osborne, whom she claims to hate and has no intention of marrying. Meanwhile, tension rises with the arrival of Miss Platt, a new embroiderer with a hidden agenda, whose jealousy towards Fair stems from her feelings for Waverley. Fair's life takes a dramatic turn when she is saved from a near-fatal accident by a wealthy man named Bayard Lorraine, who, despite his noble act, later becomes a distant memory as Fair is ensnared into a marriage with Carl Bernicci due to a vengeful plot orchestrated by Miss Platt. The opening chapters lay the foundation for Fair's poignant journey through love, betrayal, and self-identity amidst the constraints of her social status.
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