Subject
Jewel thieves -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Mandarin; or, Turning a Trick for Tsan Ti
"Motor Matt's Mandarin; or, Turning a Trick for Tsan Ti" by Stanley R. Matthews is a fictional adventure story written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the character Matt King, also known as Motor Matt, along with his friend Joe McGlory, as they embark on a quest involving the mystical Eye of Buddha and a peculiar mandarin named Tsan Ti. Their adventure takes unexpected turns filled with thrilling escapades and encounters that blend humor with danger. The beginning of the tale introduces Motor Matt and Joe McGlory as they navigate a challenging mountainside on their motorcycles, drawn by a mysterious letter from Tsan Ti, who seeks their help in a dire situation. Upon meeting the mandarin, they learn of a stolen ruby that could lead to his death if not recovered within two weeks. Shortly after their introduction, the story unfolds with excitement as they witness a series of events, including a crash involving a fat Chinaman and a chase after a one-eyed sailor, setting the stage for a captivating mystery filled with action, cultural intrigue, and the looming threat of danger.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Mystery; or, Foiling a Secret Plot
"Motor Matt's Mystery; or, Foiling a Secret Plot" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the charismatic protagonist, Motor Matt, also known as Matt King, an athletic young man with a reputation for quick thinking and bravery. Alongside him are colorful characters like Carl Pretzel, a cheerful German boy, as they navigate a complex web involving stolen black pearls, mysterious assailants, and unexpected twists. The opening of the tale introduces readers to a chaotic scene where Motor Matt intervenes in a comical conflict between a Chinese laundryman and a fat German boy named Carl Pretzel. After resolving the ruckus, they soon find themselves enmeshed in something far more serious when they stumble upon a runaway automobile. This seemingly innocuous incident quickly escalates into a perilous mystery involving the unconscious owner, James Q. Tomlinson, who reveals he was attacked by masked robbers. As they help the injured man, they discover a bag of valuable black pearls and a note hinting at a larger conspiracy, setting the stage for an electrifying adventure filled with suspense and intrigue.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Double Trouble; or, The Last of the Hoodoo
"Motor Matt's Double Trouble; or, The Last of the Hoodoo" by Stanley R. Matthews is a work of fiction, specifically a thrilling adventure story, likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows Motor Matt, a resourceful young man famed for his motor skills, as he navigates a series of escapades involving a stolen ruby and the treacherous actions of a Chinaman named Sam Wing. Alongside his cowboy friend Joe McGlory, Motor Matt must confront various antagonists in a race against time filled with excitement and danger. The opening of the story introduces the main conflict when a mandarin named Tsan Ti is aboard a train, carrying a precious red jewel, which he dreams of restoring to an idol’s forehead. Meanwhile, his treacherous servant, Sam Wing, secretly plots to steal the jewel from the mandarin. As the train travels through the night, Wing successfully pilfers the jewel, leading to a series of frantic events as Tsan Ti calls for help from Motor Matt. The ensuing chase promises high stakes, as both Tsan Ti's plight and the fate of the ruby entangle Matt and his companions in a whirlwind of intrigue and action.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Mariner; or, Filling the Bill for Bunce
"Motor Matt's Mariner; or, Filling the Bill for Bunce" by Stanley R. Matthews is a thrilling adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the main character, Motor Matt, and his cowboy friend, Joe McGlory, as they navigate a series of exciting escapades involving a valuable ruby known as the Eye of Buddha, stolen by the cunning thief Philo Grattan and his partner Bunce. Their journey unfolds in a world of motor vehicles, crime, and unexpected twists, appealing to readers who enjoy action-packed stories of crime and adventure. At the start of the story, Motor Matt and Joe McGlory find themselves waiting for a boat in Catskill-on-the-Hudson and decide to visit a nickelodeon. There, they are shocked to see a moving picture reenacting the details of the jewel theft they had previously encountered, which featured Grattan and Bunce. As the boys grapple with the uncanny similarities between the film and their real-life experiences, they ponder the fate of Tsan Ti, a mandarin who had entrusted the ruby to them for safekeeping. Their curiosity leads them to a series of revelations about Bunce and Grattan, culminating in the discovery of the mariner's hidden intentions and the threat of further danger surrounding them and the precious ruby. This engaging opener sets the stage for a suspenseful tale full of intrigue and excitement.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
The Secret of the Sundial Madge Sterling Series, #3
"The Secret of the Sundial" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. This intriguing tale centers around Madge Sterling and her friends, who navigate the mysterious happenings around the old Swenster mansion, particularly revolving around a secret society initiation and the legend of hidden pearls. The group’s secret exploration leads them to confront fears and unravel secrets that have been buried, both literally and figuratively, as they attempt to uncover the truth about the much-discussed pearls that have long been lost to the family's history. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Madge Sterling and her friends as they engage in a playful initiation ceremony for a secret society. Amid the ghostly pranks, one of the girls, Cara, reports a shocking encounter at the eerie, deserted Swenster mansion, claiming to have seen a ghostly figure digging in the yard. This revelation sets the stage for Madge's ardent curiosity, driving her to investigate further into the mansion's past and the potential existence of hidden treasures linked to the family's tragic history. As Madge immerses herself in uncovering the secrets of the house and the fate of its former occupants, the story teases a blend of youth-driven adventure and the haunting shadows of family legacy.
Joan Clark
Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key
"Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key" by Joan Clark is a mystery novel first published in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist Penelope "Penny" Nichols, a clever and adventurous young girl who finds herself entwined in a web of intrigue while assisting a new acquaintance, Rosanna Winters. Initially, Penny's life takes a dramatic turn after witnessing a theft in a department store, which introduces her to Rosanna, who has recently inherited an estate—leading Penny on a quest filled with potential dangers and hidden treasures. At the start of the story, Penny and her friend Susan are rushing to a jewelry counter just before the store closes, where Penny witnesses a man quickly stealing a valuable diamond ring. As she raises the alarm, she becomes involved with Rosanna, who is distressed after narrowly losing a significant letter and key that explain her inheritance from a deceased uncle. The opening chapters explore Penny's resourceful nature as she offers to drive Rosanna to meet a lawyer regarding her inheritance, creating a backdrop ripe for mystery as they discover that many others are also vying for the estate, each presenting their own claims and secrets. The mix of theft, inheritance, and personal drama sets the stage for an engaging mystery with a young detective at its heart.
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