Subject
Hotels -- Fiction Books
Best books
William Le Queux
The rat trap
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Wilkie Collins
The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice
"The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice" by Wilkie Collins is a mystery novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around Doctor Wybrow, a renowned London physician, who encounters a mysterious lady seeking his help concerning her mental state, while hints of a deeper intrigue involving her unexpected marriage, her troubled past, and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her fiancé emerge. The beginning of the novel introduces Doctor Wybrow as he reluctantly agrees to see a foreign lady, described with a ghostly pallor and striking black eyes, who fears she may be going mad. She tells the doctor about her impending marriage to a man who was previously engaged to another woman, prompting her to feel a strange, foreboding sense of dread upon meeting that woman. The opening sets a tone of suspense and curiosity, as the doctor grapples with the peculiar nature of his patient while the dark undertones of her narrative unfold, hinting at the supernatural and moral complexities that will likely permeate the story.
Stephen Crane
The Monster and Other Stories
"The Monster and Other Stories" by Stephen Crane is a collection published in 1899. The title novella follows Henry Johnson, an African-American coachman who becomes grotesquely disfigured after heroically rescuing his employer's son from a fire. When the townspeople of Whilomville brand Henry a "monster," Dr. Trescott's determination to care for him triggers the community's rejection of his entire family. This powerful work explores prejudice, fear, and the true meaning of monstrosity in small-town America, reflecting the era's deep social and racial tensions.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Indiscretions of Archie
"Indiscretions of Archie" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel published in 1921. The story follows Archibald Moffam, an impoverished Englishman in New York who has married Lucille, daughter of millionaire hotel owner Daniel Brewster. Archie's well-meaning but bumbling attempts to win over his disapproving father-in-law lead to one comic disaster after another. From betting mishaps to artistic misunderstandings, each effort to prove himself only deepens the trouble he's in.
Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
The Laughing Girl
"The Laughing Girl" by Robert W. Chambers is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Michael O'Ryan, who has unexpectedly inherited a property in Switzerland, complete with a deserted chalet and a curious red-headed maid named Thusis. The novel explores themes of identity, absurdity, and the complexities of personal relationships against the backdrop of a war-torn world. At the start of the book, O'Ryan arrives at his new property, only to find it devoid of life except for the maid, Thusis, who surprises him with her unexpected beauty and charm. As the narrative unfolds, O'Ryan grapples with the absurdity of his inheritance and the insistence of local authorities that he must operate the property as a hotel. He is accompanied by his friend Smith, who speculates about the nature of the maid and her resemblance to a photograph of "The Laughing Girl" that O'Ryan treasures. The dynamics between the characters set the stage for a humorous and profound exploration of societal expectations, self-identity, and the allure of the unknown.
Gouverneur Morris
The Seven Darlings
"The Seven Darlings" by Gouverneur Morris is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Darling family, primarily focusing on six sisters and their brother Arthur as they confront the unexpected loss of their wealth and the responsibilities that come with it. They must navigate their new circumstances while considering the future of their familial home, a lavish camp in the Adirondacks known as "The Camp." At the start of the novel, following their father’s recent death, the Darling siblings gather to learn from Mr. Gilpin, their family lawyer, that they are now quite poor, a stark contrast to their previous wealth. Each character showcases unique traits—Mary emerges as the determined leader, while Arthur is seen as the gentle observer with a passion for photography, and their triplet sisters display their youthful charm. The siblings discuss how to keep their beloved camp and decide to turn it into a lucrative inn, resulting in humorous yet poignant banter filled with familial affection and camaraderie. As they strategize and adapt to their new reality, the narrative introduces themes of resilience, identity, and the strength of family ties.
Charles Einstein
Short Snorter
"Short Snorter" by Charles Einstein is a science fiction short story published in the late 1950s. The narrative centers around the unexpected encounter of a vacationing couple, Fred and Alice Daniels, with a peculiar flying saucer and its occupant, Mr. Steariot, who claims to be from Venus. The story explores themes of disbelief, the human tendency to judge by appearances—especially in relation to money—and the clash between the fantastical and the mundane in everyday settings. The plot unfolds as Fred and Alice venture into the woods and discover a red flying saucer, which leads them to meet the seemingly ordinary Mr. Steariot, who is actually an extraterrestrial. Despite his polite demeanor and the legitimacy of his claims, the couple, along with the hotel manager Mr. Mason, grapple with their disbelief regarding his background. Steariot presents them with a Venusian banknote, a five-djino bill, as a souvenir, prompting reflections on the nature of value and belief. The story subtly critiques societal preoccupations with money and skepticism, illustrating how easily people dismiss extraordinary experiences when they don't fit comfortably within their understanding of the world.
Murray Leinster
Pink Ears
"Pink Ears" by Murray Leinster is a detective short story published in the early 20th century. Set in a men-only hotel, the narrative explores themes of theft and deception as the protagonist, James Craig, faces the shocking reality of being robbed of a substantial sum of money. The story combines elements of mystery and intrigue, typical of the detective fiction genre of its time. The plot centers around James Craig, who experiences a drastic change in demeanor after discovering that he has been robbed of eighty thousand dollars in bonds while staying at the Stratford hotel. Initially calm and content, his distress escalates when he realizes that the theft has left him vulnerable to suspicion. Detective Jamison is called to investigate the case, and through a series of insightful deductions, he uncovers that Craig himself may have orchestrated the robbery. It is revealed that the bonds were cleverly hidden in a false-bottomed drawer, and despite Craig’s convincing act of victimhood, his pink ears betray his fabricated distress, leading to his arrest. The story showcases the intersection of cunning and oversight in the world of crime and investigation.
Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks
Forsyte's Retreat
"Forsyte's Retreat" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The book centers around the character Sextus Rollo Forsyte, a hotel manager whose life takes a wild turn as he takes charge of the Mahoney-Plaza, a hotel that seems to operate under bizarre circumstances. The story explores themes of identity, reality, and time, blending elements of humor with a speculative twist. In the narrative, Forsyte, looking for anonymity and a fresh start, unexpectedly acquires a prestigious managerial role at the Mahoney-Plaza. Upon arriving, he quickly realizes that the hotel operates under an unconventional setup that involves hyperspace and a significant number of guests accommodated in a limited physical space through time manipulation. As he grapples with bizarre occurrences—such as guests appearing in the wrong rooms and erratic staff behavior—he discovers that the hotel's operations are more chaotic than he ever anticipated. Caught in a surreal situation that spirals into historical implications when he mistakenly opens a window, Forsyte’s journey is both a comedic misadventure and a profound exploration of the nature of reality and existence. The story culminates in a striking twist that lands him unexpectedly in the future, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and the absurdity of his life.
Mark Reinsberg
The satellite-keeper's daughter
"The Satellite-Keeper's Daughter" by Mark Reinsberg is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. Set in a futuristic world, the narrative follows the life of Bill Brack, a space trucker who encounters unexpected complications during a stop at a remote fuel station and hotel. The story explores themes of freedom and entrapment against the backdrop of interstellar customs and personal struggles. In this tale, Brack arrives at Hotel Eros on the planet Corbie, where he meets Esther, the unhappy daughter of the hotel's owner. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that Esther longs to escape her oppressive environment, trapped by her father's control and the restrictions of their planetary system. Motivated by a desire to help her, Brack agrees to smuggle Esther aboard his ship during his next cargo trip. However, complications arise when customs officials suspect the girl may have stowed away, leading Brack to sign a waiver without truly realizing the repercussions. When he discovers that much of his cargo has been hijacked during his journey, it becomes evident that his good intentions have led to unforeseen consequences, highlighting the intricate dynamics of trust and betrayal in interstellar travel.
A. L. Haley
Hagerty's Enzymes
"Hagerty's Enzymes" by A. L. Haley is a science fiction tale written in the mid-20th century, specifically during what is often referred to as the Golden Age of Science Fiction. The book delves into futuristic themes centered around advanced robotic technology and its implications for human life, particularly in a Martian setting where these robots are employed in a high-tech hotel. The narrative explores the protagonist's journey as he confronts both the benefits and challenges of living among artificial intelligence. The story follows Harper Breen, a stressed and overworked business executive who escapes to a luxurious hotel on Mars, initially seeking a rest cure. However, upon arrival, he finds himself entangled in a bizarre series of events involving perfectly functioning robots that cater to every need but fail to comprehend human desires for empathy and flexibility. Harper experiences a wrongful treatment protocol administered by the robots, which leads him to consider an opportunity to exploit the situation for his gain. Eventually, he uncovers an enzyme derived from Martian fungi that could lead to a lucrative business venture. By the end of the tale, he emerges with a new business, having drawn valuable lessons about the limitations of robotic efficiency in place of human touch, suggesting a complex view on technological advancement and its impact on personal interaction.
Frank Bacon
Lightnin' After the Play of the Same Name by Winchell Smith and Frank Bacon
"Lightnin'" by Frank Bacon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Bill Jones, affectionately known as Lightnin' Bill, who is an easygoing, humorous man that has an uncanny way of entertaining those around him with his tall tales. Despite his carefree attitude towards life, he faces the harsh reality of his family's financial struggles, and the narrative explores his relationships with his wife, Mrs. Jones, and their adopted daughter, Millie, against the backdrop of their attempts to turn their home into a hotel. The opening of the book introduces Bill Jones in a typical day as he meanders through his town, attempting to avoid confronting issues at home. As he interacts with various characters, including his beloved family and close neighbor, John Marvin, it becomes evident that he possesses a cleverness that is often underestimated by those around him. Bill is clearly torn between his innate laziness and the tremors of responsibility as his family faces a critical moment that may force him to step up. The first chapter sets the stage for exploring the dynamics among the characters and introduces the pressing financial challenges that will drive the plot forward. Bill's humorous disposition is juxtaposed against the looming necessity for change and decision-making, creating a compelling mix of comedy and drama.
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