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Fiction Books
Best books
Fergus Hume
The Green Mummy
"The Green Mummy" by Fergus Hume is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young couple, Archie Hope and Lucy Kendal, as they navigate romance against a backdrop filled with mystery and intrigue, particularly centering on a rare mummy that Lucy's archaeologist stepfather, Professor Braddock, is eager to acquire. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Archie and Lucy, who share a playful yet serious conversation about their engagement. Archie reveals the lengths he has gone to in order to gain Professor Braddock’s consent to marry Lucy, involving the purchase of a valuable Peruvian mummy from Malta. Their lighthearted banter is soon overshadowed by more foreboding concerns regarding the mysterious mummy, as Lucy expresses unease about her stepfather's obsession with archaeology. The opening establishes a combination of romantic elements and hints at darker, unforeseen complications, setting the stage for a larger mystery involving the disappearance of the mummy and the tragic fate of Braddock’s assistant, which subsequently unfolds.
Unknown
Twenty-Five Ghost Stories
"Twenty-Five Ghost Stories" by W. Bob Holland is a collection of supernatural tales compiled and edited in the early 20th century. This anthology captures the essence of ghostly encounters, eerie experiences, and the enigmatic presence of spirits. It showcases renowned stories such as Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat," exploring themes of guilt, madness, and the consequences of one's actions involving supernatural influences. At the start of the collection, the preface reveals the editor's longstanding fascination with supernatural tales, noting that both young and old are captivated by eerie stories. The opening story, "The Black Cat," introduces a character struggling with alcoholism who descends into madness after cruelly mistreating his beloved cat. Following a chilling series of events, including an act of violence leading to his wife's tragic end, the protagonist experiences haunting retribution from the feline spirit. The collection promises various ghostly narratives that blur the lines of reality and the supernatural, enticing readers with suspense and intrigue.
E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
The Yellow Crayon
"The Yellow Crayon" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Mr. Sabin, a man of apparent prominence who is engulfed in a mysterious and troubling circumstance—the disappearance of his wife, the Duchess of Souspennier. The narrative unfolds with Mr. Sabin's internal turmoil and his determination to uncover the truth behind her absence, showcasing themes of love, deception, and the quest for justice. The opening of "The Yellow Crayon" sets the stage with a rich, languorous atmosphere, describing a beautiful summer day juxtaposed with Mr. Sabin's deep introspection and melancholy. After a prolonged period of contemplation in his lavish yet empty surroundings, he prompts his servant, Duson, to prepare for their imminent departure to New York, as he is set on locating his wife. The details of their flight lead to a hurried telegram to Felix, hinting at a connection to greater stakes. Exploring the immediate aftermath of his wife’s disappearance and Mr. Sabin's resolve, the beginning tantalizingly hints at both the personal stakes involved and the broader intrigues that await in the unfolding mystery.
Unknown
The Lock and Key Library: Classic Mystery and Detective Stories: Modern English
"The Lock and Key Library: Classic Mystery and Detective Stories: Modern English" edited by Julian Hawthorne is a collection of classic mystery and detective stories compiled in the early 20th century. This anthology features notable authors such as Rudyard Kipling, A. Conan Doyle, and Wilkie Collins, showcasing suspenseful tales that delve into crime, the supernatural, and the intricacies of human nature. The book offers a glimpse into the genre’s evolution, reflecting social conditions and the human psyche through its distinctive narratives. The opening of the anthology provides a vivid introduction to a spectral tale by Rudyard Kipling called "My Own True Ghost Story," where the protagonist encounters eerie happenings in a dilapidated dâk-bungalow in India. The protagonist narrates experiences filled with tension and atmospheric dread, detailing ghostly sounds and the unsettling presence of unseen entities during a stormy night. These initial sketches set the tone for the collection, weaving themes of fear, the unknown, and the human response to uncanny events, while establishing a sense of place and cultural backdrop essential to many of the stories included in the anthology.
Jun'ichiro Tanizaki
羹
"羹" by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of young characters, particularly focusing on the central figure,宗一 (Soichi), and his romantic entanglement with美代子 (Miyoko). The narrative explores themes of love, social expectations, and the personal struggles faced by the characters as they navigate their relationships and societal norms. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to宗一 (Soichi) taking a train journey from沼津 (Numazu) to東京 (Tokyo), filled with emotions and anticipation as he awaits the arrival of美代子 (Miyoko). The scene vividly captures the train's atmosphere, the interactions of various characters, and Soichi's inner thoughts about his past illness and his feelings for Miyoko. As he imagines their reunion and reflects on their budding romance, his excitement is palpable, despite the social complexities and family dynamics that exist between them. The opening sets the stage for a rich exploration of love, identity, and societal implications as the relationship develops amidst their personal histories.
Natalie Sumner Lincoln
The Red Seal
"The Red Seal" by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a mystery novel likely written during the early 20th century. The narrative begins in a police court, where the complex circumstances surrounding a case of house-breaking unfold, involving the unfortunate incident of James Turnbull, a bank cashier who dies under mysterious conditions. The story intricately weaves the lives of the McIntyre twins, particularly Helen and Barbara, as they grapple with the implications of Turnbull's death and a puzzling connection to their social circle. At the start of the book, the tension builds as the courtroom drama reveals character testimonies that lead to the arrest of a man named John Smith, who is implicated in the alleged house-breaking. As the proceedings unfold, Helen McIntyre, one of the twin daughters of a wealthy colonel, intimately witnesses the trial and the unraveling events. The narrative then shifts dramatically when a sudden heart attack befalls Turnbull, who is later discovered disguised as the burglar. The opening portion culminates in Helen's emotional confrontation with the repercussions of the tragedy, hinting at deeper themes of love, deception, and societal expectations. As the characters navigate through grief and suspicion, questions arise about Turnbull's true motives and the circumstances leading to his death, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of intrigue and human emotions.
Margaret Pedler
The Vision of Desire
"The Vision of Desire" by Margaret Pedler is a novel dating from the early 20th century. It explores themes of love, desire, and the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations, set against a backdrop of luxurious European settings. The story centers around a strong-willed young woman, Ann Lovell, and her interactions with Tony Brabazon, as they navigate complex emotional landscapes shaped by their pasts and financial circumstances. The opening of the novel introduces a poignant scene where Eliot receives a letter of rejection from a woman he loves, which leads to deep reflections on love and loss. In the subsequent chapters, we meet Ann and Tony in Switzerland. Ann, a woman deeply aware of her responsibilities, tries to protect Tony from the pitfalls of gambling inherited from his father’s legacy, while Tony grapples with his own feelings for Ann amidst societal pressures. The narrative sets a tone of romantic tension as Ann helps Tony confront his identity and the expectations placed upon him, while also dealing with her own complicated feelings and obligations.
Upton Sinclair
King Midas: a Romance
"King Midas: A Romance" by Upton Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around young Arthur, an aspiring poet, and Helen, the vibrant, beautiful daughter of a clergyman, as they navigate their incredibly charged feelings for one another amidst an enchanting backdrop of nature. The tale explores themes of love, artistic ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. The opening of "King Midas: A Romance" introduces readers to a picturesque May morning in a lush forest, where Arthur, a young man clad in black, finds solace among blooming flowers and a playful stream. His serene moment is interrupted by the arrival of Helen, a captivating young girl whose spirit embodies the joy of springtime. As they reminisce about their shared past and the deep bond they formed as children, Arthur's long-buried feelings rise to the surface. However, as their casual reunion unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the love he harbors is not reciprocated in the same way, leading to tension that unfolds dramatically. The beginning of the story establishes a rich setting that enhances the emotional stakes between the characters, hinting at the conflicts and challenges that will follow in their journey.
William Harvey Christie
A Love Story
"A Love Story" by William Harvey Christie is a novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative follows the Delmé family, particularly focusing on Sir Henry Delmé, his sister Emily, and their brother George, juxtaposing their lives, ambitions, and relationships against the backdrop of social expectations and personal desires. Central to the tale is the exploration of love and familial duty as Sir Henry grapples with his aspirations and the bonds that connect him to his family. At the start of the book, the Delmé family's ancestral home is introduced, setting the scene for their storied past. The opening chapters detail Sir Henry's commitment to restoring his family's legacy while also highlighting Emily's character and her burgeoning relationship with Clarendon Gage. The narrative quickly reveals George's hidden tumult, exacerbated by feelings toward the charming Acmé, a young Greek woman, while underscoring themes of loyalty, ambition, and the implications of societal norms in romantic pursuits. As tensions arise from George's love for Acmé and Sir Henry's own evolving feelings, the stakes grow higher for the characters, promising emotional depth and turmoil as they navigate their intertwined fates.
Anne Austin
Girl Alone
"Girl Alone" by Anne Austin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the life of Sally Ford, a 16-year-old girl living in a state orphanage, and her emotional struggles as she transitions from the institution to the outside world. The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the harsh realities faced by orphans, as well as Sally's powerful sense of hope and resilience despite her circumstances. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Sally and the other young girls in the orphanage, depicting the stark and tough conditions of their lives. As they scrub the floors of their dormitory, we see Sally’s maternal nature emerge as she entertains the younger children through play-acting. The narrative then shifts to Sally's impending departure from the orphanage, as a farmer named Mr. Carson comes to take her for the summer. This transition is filled with anticipation and fear for both Sally and her small charges, highlighting her mixture of excitement and dread about leaving the only home she has known. Overall, the opening establishes a profound connection between Sally’s nurturing spirit and her desire for a sense of belonging, setting the stage for her journey ahead.
S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett
The Lilac Sunbonnet: A Love Story
"The Lilac Sunbonnet: A Love Story" by S. R. Crockett is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a rural Scottish setting, focusing on love, social interactions, and the complexities of character relationships. The main character, Ralph Peden, is a young student of divinity who arrives in the parish of Dullarg, where he encounters the spirited Winsome Charteris, who captures his heart amidst the backdrop of vibrant rural life. The opening of the novel introduces Ralph as he makes his way to the manse of Dullarg, burdened with books and deep in contemplation about his studies and familial responsibilities. As he pauses to rest, he meets Jess Kissock, a local girl who adds a light-hearted element to his journey. This encounter foreshadows Ralph's further interactions in the community, particularly with Winsome, a beautiful and practical country girl whose charm and independence challenge his preconceived notions about women. The blend of pastoral imagery, character dynamics, and emerging romantic tension set the stage for Ralph's awakening to love and self-discovery, promising a rich exploration of life's subtleties.
Cosmo Hamilton
The Rustle of Silk
"The Rustle of Silk" by Cosmo Hamilton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces the life of a young girl named Lola Breezy, who is navigating her desires for a better social class and aspirations for a more glamorous life while contending with her humble origins as the daughter of a watchmaker. The story sets a vibrant backdrop of early 1920s London, emphasizing themes of class, social mobility, and the vibrant quest for identity. The opening of the narrative presents Lola as a captivating presence, whether during her playful interactions in the streets of Bayswater or in her yearning to transcend her modest upbringing. Observed by a man who is a playwright, Lola's enchantment with prominent figures in politics, particularly the character Fallaray, reflects her ambitions and naïve dreamscapes. Her relationship with her family—particularly her anxious mother, Mrs. Breezy, who sees Lola's allure as a threat to social status—contrasts sharply with Lola’s aspirations to step into the world of the aristocracy. As the plot unfolds, Lola’s desire to redefine herself leads her to seek a position as a lady’s maid, which would ultimately connect her to her idol, Fallaray, and propel the narrative forward into the realms of romance and personal discovery.
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