Subject
Embezzlement -- Fiction Books
Best books
Louise Jordan Miln
The Invisible Foe A Story Adapted from the Play by Walter Hackett
"The Invisible Foe" by Louise Jordan Miln and Walter Hackett is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around three children: Stephen, an orphan who is ambitious and masterful in nature; Hugh, who is more stolid and devoted; and Helen, the pretty, imaginative daughter of their guardian, Richard Bransby. As they navigate their childhood at Deep Dale, the dynamics of their relationships foreshadow deeper themes of power, longing, and the struggles of growing up. At the start of the novel, Stephen is depicted as a curious and observant boy, captivated by the flight of birds, while Hugh engages in simple play and Helen entertains herself with imaginary friends. Their interrelations are nuanced: Stephen's desire for power often clashes with his affection for Helen, who appears seraphic yet firmly controls her surroundings. Richard Bransby, their uncle and guardian, is portrayed as a stern and complex character, burdened by the loss of loved ones and the responsibility of caring for the children. The beginning sets the stage for a narrative that explores themes of love, ambition, and the burdens of inheritance against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic childhood.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
Under the Tiger's Claws; Or, A Struggle for the Right
"Under the Tiger's Claws; Or, A Struggle for the Right" by Nicholas Carter is a detective fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the renowned detective Nick Carter, who is called in to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Cecil Kendall, a trusted bank clerk, after his employer suspects a substantial cash deficit at the bank. As the plot unfolds, themes of gambling, embezzlement, and unrequited love surface, intertwining the fates of several characters within this high-stakes drama. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Nick Carter meeting with banker Raymond Gilsey, who expresses his growing concern over Kendall's unexplained absence and the financial discrepancies that coincide with it. As Nick delves into the investigation, he uncovers details about Kendall’s dubious associations and gambling habits, while also introducing several key players in the story, including the banker’s attractive stenographer Belle Braddon and influential gambler Moses Flood. These character interactions set the stage for a gripping exploration of moral choices, betrayals, and the consequent fallout, weaving together a web of intrigue that promises to keep readers engaged in Carter's quest for the truth.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
The taking of Cloudy McGee
"The Taking of Cloudy McGee" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous crime fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the fictional town of Lost Hills, where the themes of greed, desperation, and mistaken identities come into play. The narrative revolves around the wily antics of Ferdinand P. Putney, the town's lawyer, and Amos K. Weed, the anxious cashier of the local bank, as they concoct a plan to embezzle money by involving the notorious criminal Cloudy McGee. The plot centers on a dire financial predicament faced by Amos after investing bank funds into a failed oil venture. With the bank examiner soon to arrive, he and Putney turn to Cloudy McGee, a known bank robber and gambler, to stage a fake robbery. However, in a twist of fate, a bumbling U.S. marshal, mistaking another man for McGee, arrives on the scene, leading to a chaotic culmination. This leads to both hilarity and confusion as the story unfurls with characters who are defined by their desperation, absurdity, and miscommunication. Tuttle crafts an engaging tale filled with witty dialogue and unexpected developments, making it an entertaining read.
H. B. (Horace Bowne) Fyfe
Tolliver's Orbit
"Tolliver's Orbit" by H. B. Fyfe is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book primarily centers around the character Johnny Tolliver, a space pilot working in the Jovian satellite colony of Ganymede, who finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and corruption within the Koslow Spaceways company. The story explores themes of duty, integrity, and survival in a futuristic setting, revealing the struggles of space travel and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative follows Johnny Tolliver as he navigates his work environment, which is fraught with corruption led by his manager, Jeffers. After encountering Betty Hanlon, who is actually the daughter of the company's president and is undercover to investigate corporate wrongdoing, Tolliver and Betty must work together to expose Jeffers’ illegal operations while avoiding the pitfalls of betrayal. Through clever antics and daring escapades, the duo finds themselves on a whirlwind adventure that leads to unexpected twists, exclusive revelations about their true identities, and the quest for justice in a morally ambiguous universe. Their collaboration cements a bond as they face dangers that not only threaten their lives but also the integrity of the space industry on Ganymede.
Robert Machray
The Mystery of Lincoln's Inn
"The Mystery of Lincoln's Inn" by Robert Machray is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of intrigue, personal failure, and moral dilemmas, primarily following the character Cooper Silwood, a solicitor whose life unravels due to a series of hidden secrets and financial misdeeds. As Silwood grapples with his deceitful actions, the return of a key client, Morris Thornton, creates an impending crisis that threatens to expose his past. The beginning of the novel introduces Mr. Cooper Silwood, a partner at a law firm in Lincoln's Inn, who receives troubling news that his client, Morris Thornton, is returning from Canada due to serious health issues. This news triggers a blend of anxiety and sinister contemplation in Silwood, as he realizes that Thornton’s unexpected arrival complicates his already precarious situation. Silwood’s interactions with his clerk and partner, Francis Eversleigh, reveal the mounting tension and foreshadow the potential fallout that Thornton's return may bring, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of guilt, deception, and the struggle to maintain appearances amidst personal chaos.
James Oliver Curwood
The Laugh Maker
"The Laugh Maker" by James Oliver Curwood is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book tells the story of Bobby McTabb, a man who is known for his cheerful and jovial personality, but who faces a significant life change after leaving his hometown of Fawcettville with a large sum of money obtained unethically. It explores themes of happiness, identity, and redemption, as McTabb's journey leads him through personal transformation and ultimately a quest to regain trust. The narrative follows Bobby McTabb, a rotund and lovable character who becomes the heart of his community in Fawcettville. After winning the townspeople's affection, he unexpectedly absconds with their money, embarking on an adventurous escape that leads him through hardship and self-discovery in the wilderness. As Bobby loses weight and transforms both physically and mentally, he adopts a new persona as J. Wesley Brown. When he reunites with the love interest, Kitty Duchene, he grapples with the truth about his past, leading to a dramatic revelation in a carnival funhouse. In a final act of redemption, he returns to Fawcettville to repay the townsfolk, restoring his relationships and reaffirming the love that binds him to the community he left behind.
Joseph Conrad
The nature of a crime
"The Nature of a Crime" by Joseph Conrad and Ford Madox Ford is a collaborative novel written and published in 1909. Told through a series of letters, the story follows an unnamed lawyer who has gambled away his client's trust fund. As imprisonment looms, he confesses his forbidden love for a married woman while wrestling with despair and contemplating suicide. The narrator's internal struggle explores themes of guilt, redemption, and whether life retains meaning when stripped of hope and freedom.
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