Subject
Fugitives from justice -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joseph Conrad
The Secret Sharer
"The Secret Sharer" by Joseph Conrad is a short story written in 1909. A young captain, commanding his first ship, discovers a fugitive clinging to his vessel at night—a first mate who has killed a crew member and escaped arrest. Recognizing the stranger as his mirror image in appearance and background, the captain hides him aboard, risking his command and credibility. As authorities search and his crew grows suspicious, he must execute a dangerous maneuver to help his double escape while proving himself as captain.
Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben
Paul Rundel: A Novel
"Paul Rundel: A Novel" by Will N. Harben is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in the southern mountain village of Grayson and revolves around Paul Rundel, a young boy struggling against the hardships of life shaped by his difficult family circumstances and societal challenges. The narrative explores themes of ambition, violence, and the desire for a better life, drawing attention to the protagonist’s turbulent environment. The opening of the novel introduces the daily life and struggles of the main character, Paul Rundel, and the people around him, particularly Cynthia and Silas Tye, who express concern for his well-being. As Paul encounters bullies and navigates the challenges posed by his turbulent home life, he demonstrates an intense and passionate spirit. The chapter sets the stage for his internal conflicts and the external obstacles he faces, including his father’s deteriorating health and the societal pressure from individuals like Jim Hoag. The scene is rich in characterization and establishes the world around Paul, highlighting the themes of resilience and the struggle for respect and identity in an unforgiving environment.
Katharine Newlin Burt
Snow-Blind
"Snow-Blind" by Katharine Newlin Burt is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in a stark, snowy wilderness, following Hugh Garth, a rough and embittered man, as he interacts with his younger brother Pete and a woman named Bella. The story explores themes of isolation, unfulfilled dreams, and the haunting past that grips Hugh, revealing the tensions in relationships formed under the oppression of their rugged, remote life. At the start of the book, Hugh Garth is introduced as a tormented figure emerging from his cabin, surrounded by a harsh winter landscape. His feelings of frustration and anger manifest in his interactions with Pete, a quiet youth who seems to idolize him, and Bella, a woman who provides a nurturing presence but also hides her own complexities. A domestic conflict arises following Hugh's harsh words toward Pete, revealing a power struggle and the emotional burdens they all carry. The tension crescendos when Hugh's past catches up with him, as it is revealed that there are men searching for him because of a crime he committed years ago. This ominous turn introduces a sense of danger and foreshadows a confrontation that could change their isolated lives forever.
James Oliver Curwood
The Golden Snare
"The Golden Snare" by James Oliver Curwood is a novel written during the early 20th century. This compelling story unfolds in the rugged wilderness of the northland and revolves around the enigmatic character Bram Johnson, a man caught between his primal instincts and the remnants of humanity within him, as well as the mysterious woman who holds a significant place in his life. The narrative intricately explores themes of identity, survival, and the dichotomy of man and nature as it delves into Bram's relationship with wolves, which serve as both his companions and his protectors. The opening of the novel introduces Bram Johnson, a fearsome and elusive figure shaped by his harsh environment. Described as both a brute and a tragic figure, Bram becomes increasingly animalistic as he chooses to live in solitude with his pack of wolves, distancing himself from human contact following a violent past. As events unfold, Philip Raine, a member of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, becomes embroiled in a quest to track down Bram after rumors swirl about his survival and a bizarre rabbit snare made from golden hair intrigues him. The plot thickens as Philip discovers a greater mystery and the possibility of a woman connected to Bram, amplifying the tension as he wrestles with duty, morality, and the haunting allure of the wild. The detailed descriptions and vivid imagery set against the backdrop of the northern wilderness create an engaging atmosphere, drawing readers into a world where the line between civilization and primal instincts blurs.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
Nick Carter Stories No. 134, April 3, 1915; The Secret of Shangore; Or, Nick Carter Among the Spearmen
"The Secret of Shangore; Or, Nick Carter Among the Spearmen" is a fictional detective story likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the early 1910s. The narrative follows the renowned detective Nick Carter, who, accompanied by his assistants and the wealthy Jefferson Arnold, embarks on an expedition to the mysterious land of the Golden Scarab to find Arnold’s son and capture a thief named William Pike. The plot promises an intriguing blend of adventure, strategy, and confrontation. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Jefferson Arnold, who is determined to track down the infamous crook William Pike in the unfamiliar terrain of the Himalayas. He is accompanied by Nick Carter, the seasoned detective, and his eager young assistant, Patsy Garvan. As they prepare for their journey into dangerous territories, tension builds with discussions of hostile encounters with the local tribes and the potential for deceit. The opening sets a tone of excitement and danger, with hints at cultural mysteries and supernatural elements as the characters express their fears and ambitions about the enigmatic land they are about to explore. A sense of foreboding is introduced through the prospect of treachery from the natives, which hints at the thrilling confrontations that are likely to ensue in their quest.
Neil Munro
The Shoes of Fortune
"The Shoes of Fortune" by Neil Munro is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the journey of Paul Greig, a Scottish lad who, after a series of fateful accidents and misadventures, finds himself fleeing his homeland and starting anew. The narrative intertwines themes of love, regret, and the quest for identity amid the backdrop of adventure across land and sea. At the start of the story, Paul Greig reflects on how a simple incident—a landlady's burnt batch of scones—set off a chain of events that drastically changed the course of his life. Caught in a frivolous snowball fight that leads to his expulsion from college, he returns to his family's estate, Hazel Den, only to feel trapped in the mundane rhythm of rural life. Paul struggles with feelings of inadequacy, particularly during encounters with Isobel Fortune, his childhood acquaintance, and his uncle Andrew, a roguish figure whose return to the family home brings both intrigue and distraction. The opening chapters establish a rich tapestry of character interactions and emotional stakes, setting the stage for the adventures that await Paul as he seeks to escape his fate.
Grace Livingston Hill
A new name
"A New Name" by Grace Livingston Hill is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Murray Van Rensselaer, a wealthy young man grappling with the ramifications of a tragic accident involving a girl named Bessie Chapparelle, whom he had recently reconnected with. As he deals with the weight of guilt and the consequences of his reckless behavior, the novel explores themes of redemption, identity, and the stark contrasts between social classes. At the start of the novel, Murray anxiously waits at Blakeley Hospital after a car accident that has left Bessie severely injured. His thoughts reveal a mix of self-loathing and regret for the choices that have led him to this moment, particularly his reckless driving and the potential impact on Bessie's mother, who has shown him kindness in the past. As he grapples with the news of her death, he feels the chilling weight of being a murderer, leading to his desperate flight from reality. The narrative sets a compelling mood, highlighting his internal conflict and the socio-economic divide that sets him apart from Bessie and her family.
Murray Leinster
The gallery gods
"The Gallery Gods" by Murray Leinster is a suspenseful short story that blends themes of crime and psychological tension, written in the early 20th century. This narrative follows William Beckwith, a man who takes pride in having killed a prominent figure, Hugh Conway, and his astonishment at discovering that no news of the murder has circulated, suggesting a larger conspiracy that defies public scrutiny. The story unfolds with Beckwith relishing the thought of his crime being revealed and the subsequent notoriety it would bring him. However, he is faced with the mysterious silence of the press regarding Conway's murder, leading him into a spiral of paranoia and desperation. As he travels back to New York, hoping to validate the death of the man he killed, he unwittingly falls into a trap set by the police commissioner, Wells. In a dramatic twist, Beckwith learns that his actions have placed him exactly where Wells wanted him, culminating in his arrest while the press captures his humiliation. The narrative delves into themes of ego, the pursuit of fame, and the ultimate consequence of one's actions when trying to defy societal expectations.
Edward W. Ludwig
A Coffin for Jacob
"A Coffin for Jacob" by Edward W. Ludwig is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story delves into themes of guilt, identity, and the quest for freedom amid the backdrop of interplanetary travel and renegade spacemen. Set in a future where humanity has ventured into space, it explores the complexities of character relationships intertwined with high-stakes adventure. The plot centers around Ben Curtis, a young astrogation officer who inadvertently kills a man named Cobb in a bar fight and subsequently flees to Venus to escape the law. Haunted by the memory of his crime and the dead man's face, Ben searches for a rumored group of renegade spacemen led by a mysterious figure named Jacob, who he believes may offer him a way to escape his past. On Venus, he encounters Maggie, Jacob's wife, who helps him recover from his injuries and reveals the intricacies of their underground operations. As Ben grapples with his loyalties, he faces a crucial decision: continue living as a fugitive or take up the mantle of a spaceman, becoming part of a sisterhood of misfits in the vastness of space. Ultimately, the story highlights themes of redemption and the pursuit of dreams against the odds.
Tom W. Harris
Get Out of My Body!
"Get Out of My Body!" by Tom W. Harris is a science fiction novella written during the late 1950s. The story centers around an alien entity known as a Ravian, who can inhabit human hosts, creating a sense of paranoia and urgency as the narrative unfolds. The central theme revolves around the infiltration of human bodies by alien beings, highlighting fears of identity loss and the nature of consciousness. The plot follows Chester Forge, a tour chief at Port Knoxville, who is tasked with finding a fugitive Ravian named Minnn that has escaped into the human population. As Chester navigates the challenges of his duty, the story interweaves the perspectives of a young girl, Sally, who unknowingly becomes a host for Minnn, and a professor who later becomes his next target. Throughout the narrative, Minnn experiences the complexities of human emotions and behaviors, which are starkly different from his own kind. As the search intensifies and Minnn's control over his hosts deepens, Chester devises a risky plan to capture him, leading to a startling confrontation that tests both human and alien logic. Ultimately, the story blends humor, existential dread, and an exploration of the boundaries between alien and human mindsets.
Charles V. De Vet
Bunzo Farewell
"Bunzo Farewell" by Charles V. De Vet is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows Sammy Tang, a manhunter who has pursued his target, the cunning criminal Bill Lutscher, across the galaxy, leading him to a mysterious alien planet. The narrative touches on themes of identity, companionship, and the cost of ambition as Tang navigates through an environment populated by bizarre creatures, attempting to comprehend the dynamics of life on this uncharted world. In the novel, Tang finally tracks Lutscher to a planet inhabited by peculiar life forms, including armored insect-like beings called mahutes and clobers, which are small, doughy creatures that the mahutes maintain as companions. The plot thickens as Tang discovers the interaction between these species and the dark secret behind Lutscher's tranquil lifestyle among them. The tension escalates as Lutscher becomes a victim of a gruesome fate, revealing the gruesome cycle of life on the planet where the clobers serve as mere hosts for the larval stages of the predatory ankites. Tang is left to grapple with the moral implications of his duty as he confronts the reality of Lutscher's demise, eventually uncovering a chilling truth about survival and transformation in this alien ecosystem. The story culminates in an intense exploration of vengeance as Tang returns to his ship, leaving the planet behind, and reflecting on the solitude that awaits him.
Hesba Stretton
Cobwebs and Cables
"Cobwebs and Cables" by Hesba Stretton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Roland Sefton, a successful banker who is facing a moral and existential crisis after absconding due to a financial scandal that threatens his family and business. The novel delves into themes of guilt, familial ties, and the repercussions of one's actions as Roland grapples with the consequences of his choices. The opening of the narrative introduces Roland in the quiet darkness of his office late at night, reflecting on his prosperous but troubled life. As he contemplates his looming decision to escape the consequences of his actions, he is haunted by memories of his beloved hometown and the family members he will be leaving behind—especially his wife Felicita and their two children. As the story unfolds, we meet Phebe Marlowe, who serves as a connection to Roland's past and highlights the disparities in their lives. The tension builds as Roland’s internal conflict becomes evident, setting the stage for a tale that will explore not only his personal downfall but also the collective impact on those he loves.
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