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Jewelry theft -- Fiction Books
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Wilkie Collins
The Moonstone
"The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1868. A cursed Indian diamond, stolen during a colonial siege, arrives as an inheritance for young Rachel Verinder on her eighteenth birthday. That night, the precious stone vanishes from her bedroom, launching a complex investigation involving suspicious servants, mysterious Indian priests, and shocking betrayals. This pioneering detective story unfolds through multiple narrators, each revealing new layers of deception as they race to solve the theft and recover the legendary gem.
Agatha Christie
The mystery of the Blue Train
"The Mystery of the Blue Train" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1928. When an American heiress is found strangled aboard the luxurious Le Train Bleu bound for the French Riviera, her priceless ruby missing, Hercule Poirot must unravel a web of unhappy marriages, secret lovers, and jewel thieves. With multiple suspects—including the victim's estranged husband and a notorious count—and conflicting testimonies, Poirot discovers that nothing aboard the Blue Train is quite what it seems.
Anthony Trollope
The Eustace Diamonds
"The Eustace Diamonds" by Anthony Trollope is a novel serialized between 1871 and 1873. Beautiful widow Lizzie Eustace refuses to surrender a valuable diamond necklace she claims her late husband gave her, sparking a legal battle with his family. A pathological liar with romantic fantasies, Lizzie searches for a new husband while clinging to the contested jewels. When the diamonds are stolen under mysterious circumstances, Lizzie's deceptions multiply, drawing suspicion from police and suitors alike in this tale of theft, lies, and social intrigue.
Robert Hichens
December Love
"December Love" by Robert Hichens is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative primarily revolves around Alick Craven, a member of the Foreign Office, and his interactions with his friend Francis Braybrooke, who introduces him to the intriguing figure of Lady Adela Sellingworth, a once-famous beauty of London society who has retreated from the social scene. The story delves into themes of aging, beauty, and the pursuit of love and admiration as reflected through Lady Sellingworth's life choices and her enigmatic past. The opening of "December Love" introduces readers to Alick Craven and his casual conversation with Francis Braybrooke at a club in London. Braybrooke is fascinated with societal dynamics and brings up Lady Sellingworth, eliciting Craven's curiosity about her seemingly abrupt withdrawal from society after a notable career. Craven learns of her lost jewels and the mystery surrounding her indifference to the theft, leading to a growing intrigue towards meeting this once-reigning beauty. The stage is set for a deeper exploration of Lady Sellingworth's complex character as Craven is invited to tea with her, hinting at the emotional undercurrents and societal commentary that will unfold throughout the novel.
Fergus Hume
The Amethyst Cross
"The Amethyst Cross" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against a backdrop of romance and mystery, the book revolves around the complex relationships and conflicts experienced by its main characters, particularly Lesbia Hale and her love interest, George Walker. Their engagement faces challenges from Lesbia's stern father, Walter Hale, whose mysterious connections and desires complicate their romance, as well as the significance of a peculiar amethyst cross that appears to hold deeper secrets. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Lesbia and George as they share a romantic moment by the Thames. However, their idyllic scene is disrupted by Walter Hale's unexpected arrival, revealing his disapproval of their engagement and a strange obsession with a cross that Lesbia has inherited from her late mother. Following this confrontation, the plot thickens with George being assaulted under mysterious circumstances, and an exploration of the theft of the cross from his home leads to further intrigue. Lesbia's inner turmoil about her father's behavior and George's predicament sets the stage for a convoluted tale of love, familial obligations, and hidden truths.
Fergus Hume
Miss Mephistopheles: A Novel (Sequel to Madame Midas.)
"Miss Mephistopheles: A Novel" by Fergus Hume is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Melbourne, Australia, featuring characters like Keith Stewart, a young man with literary aspirations, and Ezra Lazarus, a journalist. Their lives intersect with the complexities of the theatre scene and a woman known as "Caprice," who is both a celebrated actress and the mother of a child saved from danger by Keith. The opening of the novel introduces a dreary, rainy evening in Melbourne, emphasizing the discomfort felt by the characters but juxtaposing it with vibrant discussions between them. The beginning focuses on Keith and Ezra as they share insights into their ambitions and the women in their lives—particularly Caprice. The narrative presents their contrasting backgrounds: Keith's struggles and romantic ideals versus Ezra's more grounded perspective. As the two men contemplate their lives, a dramatic moment unfolds when Keith heroically saves a child, a pivotal event that brings him into the orbit of Caprice. This scene sets the stage for the exploration of themes like ambition, love, and the darker corners of society that the characters navigate.
J. J. Connington
The Dangerfield Talisman
"The Dangerfield Talisman" by J. J. Connington is a novel likely written in the late 1920s. The story unfolds in a setting rich with interpersonal dynamics among a group of characters gathered at Friocksheim, a historic estate. Central to the plot is the titular Talisman, an heirloom of significant value within the Dangerfield family, which both draws admiration and envy from the characters present, setting the stage for potential intrigue and conflict. The opening of the book introduces several key characters engaged in a bridge game, highlighting their relationships and personal concerns. Eileen Cressage, one of the players, is preoccupied with mounting debts and the allure of the Dangerfield Talisman, which she believes could alleviate her financial struggles. Meanwhile, the atmosphere anticipates tension, as Wraxall, a collector, aims to obtain the Talisman, and secretive discussions hint at underlying motives among the guests. As the plot unfolds, themes of wealth, reputation, and the consequences of desire begin to emerge, particularly with the foreshadowing of challenges surrounding the Talisman itself.
Fred M. (Fred Merrick) White
The Sundial
"The Sundial" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around John Charlock, a troubled portrait painter who faces personal tragedy with the impending death of his young son, which sets off a cascade of emotional turmoil and marital strife with his wife, Kate. John grapples with feelings of betrayal and rage as he uncovers Kate's secretive behavior, suggesting deeper issues within their marriage. The opening of the novel introduces readers to John Charlock in a moment of profound grief as he watches his dying son, reflecting on his life choices and strained relationship with Kate. Meanwhile, Kate is depicted as being neglectful, choosing to entertain herself at a card party instead of supporting her husband during their child's final moments. This volatility escalates, showcasing the couple's contrasting responses to tragic circumstances. As John navigates through this heart-wrenching ordeal, he is also confronted by chilling signs of deceit and emerging threats tied to the household, marked by the mysterious death of their maid, Hortense. The blend of personal strife and looming danger sets the stage for a gripping narrative filled with tension.
George Corbett
When the Sea Gives Up Its Dead: A Thrilling Detective Story
"When the Sea Gives Up Its Dead: A Thrilling Detective Story" by Mrs. George Corbett is a detective novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Harley Riddell, a diamond merchant's manager who finds himself wrongfully accused of a significant theft. As Riddell grapples with the repercussions of the allegations against him, his innocent plight ignites the determination of his loved ones to unveil the true criminal and restore his name. The opening of the novel introduces Harley Riddell as he hurries to work, only to be met with an unusual level of tension upon his arrival. Much to his shock, he learns that a substantial theft has occurred, and the evidence points to him as the prime suspect. His protestations of innocence are met with suspicion from his employers and authorities, setting the stage for a profound sense of injustice. The narrative quickly shifts to the reactions and efforts of his family and fiancée, Annie Cory, who vow to uncover the truth behind the robbery and clear Harley's name amidst the unfolding mystery. This gripping beginning establishes the stakes and motivations that will propel the characters towards their quest for justice.
Fergus Hume
The Mikado Jewel
"The Mikado Jewel" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in London, it interweaves elements of mystery and drama centered around the sudden murder of a boarding house resident, Mrs. Pentreddle. The story prominently features Patricia Carrol, an Irish governess who, after being tasked with delivering a secretive package for Mrs. Pentreddle, finds herself embroiled in the ensuing investigation and the complexities surrounding the case. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to "The Home of Art," a shabby boarding house run by the cheerful Mrs. Sellars, where the aspiring young residents are encouraged to pursue their artistic ambitions. As the boarders leave to attend the premiere of a play, Patricia Carrol stays behind to help Mrs. Pentreddle, who has a sprained ankle. The setup takes a turn when Patricia agrees to go on a mysterious errand for the old woman, which involves retrieving a box from a man by the Serpentine bridge. However, when she returns, she discovers that Mrs. Pentreddle has been brutally murdered, thrusting her into a web of intrigue as she must unravel the events of the night and clear her name amidst the suspicious atmosphere.
C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson
The Great Pearl Secret
"The Great Pearl Secret" by C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Juliet Phayre, an American heiress engaged to the Duke of Claremanagh, as she navigates the complexities of love, jealousy, and secrets surrounding a famous set of pearls rumored to belong to a Tsarina. The opening chapters introduce a setting filled with social expectations and a web of relationships that hint at underlying tensions. The opening of the narrative begins in the luxurious surroundings of Harridge’s Hotel, where Juliet's friends and family discuss wedding preparations and the anticipated arrival of the Tsarina pearls. Juliet exhibits charming innocence alongside her social status, yet a sense of insecurity about her fiancé's past flirtations with the enigmatic dancer Lyda Pavoya permeates her interactions. Captured in the dynamic conversations between characters, the complexities of relationships are hinted at, especially as Juliet grapples with her love for Claremanagh while facing whispers of betrayal. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that the pearls hold secrets that might unravel more than just a wedding.
Fred M. (Fred Merrick) White
The Five Knots
"The Five Knots" by Fred M. White is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Beatrice Galloway, the niece of Samuel Flower, a wealthy and somewhat sinister ship-owner, as she grapples with a mysterious incident that occurs in the conservatory of their residence, Maldon Grange. The narrative blends suspense and intrigue, hinting at the presence of hidden dangers linked to Flower's past, with foreign elements that signal an impending threat. The opening of the novel establishes a sense of foreboding as Beatrice witnesses a strange hand attempting to unlock the conservatory door, which leads to her scream for help. Samuel Flower quickly dismisses the incident, but it triggers a chain of events that suggests a deeper mystery involving past wrongs and the ominous presence of foreign figures. As the chapters unfold, we are introduced to Wilfrid Mercer, a struggling doctor drawn into the complexities of the Galloway household. His connection to the Flower Line ship and the sinister undertones of the narrative build tension as he navigates the dangers surrounding the influential but possibly nefarious Flower. The early chapters set the stage for a gripping tale of intrigue, relationships, and the struggle between personal ambitions and darker forces at play.
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