Subject
Law enforcement -- Fiction Books
Best books
Thomson Burtis
Salute
"Salute" by Thomson Burtis is a novel written during the early 20th century, likely around the 1920s. The narrative follows the lives of the flyers in the Army Air Service, specifically highlighting the experiences of Lieutenant Percival Enoch O’Reilly and his complicated relationship with Lieutenant Ralph Kennedy. The story delves into themes of camaraderie, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of human nature as it reflects on the darker side of motivation and personal redemption. The plot centers on Enoch O'Reilly, who grapples with the arrival of Ralph Kennedy, a man from his past tied to criminal activities and potential blackmail. As O'Reilly tries to navigate his mixed feelings about Kennedy while being drawn into his chaotic life, their interconnected stories unfold against the backdrop of the military's air service operations. Tensions rise as Kennedy’s charm threatens to complicate matters with O'Reilly's friendship with Shirley Curran, and a series of events ultimately lead to a climactic moment during a perilous flight that tests the bonds of loyalty and bravery. Burtis crafts a multifaceted narrative that examines redemption, sacrifice, and the unpredictable nature of human relationships, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that encapsulates both tragedy and heroism.
Edmond Hamilton
Evans of the Earth-Guard
"Evans of the Earth-Guard" by Edmond Hamilton is a science fiction novel created in the early 20th century, specifically during the 1930s. The book centers around interplanetary travel and the challenges faced by a space patrol organization known as the Earth-Guard, which protects commerce between Earth and the Moon from space pirates. The narrative follows Captain Wright Evans and his crew as they encounter the notorious space pirate known as the Hawk, who has eluded capture for years. The story begins with Evans on a high-speed pursuit to rescue a one-man rocket from the Hawk. As the plot unfolds, Evans encounters Francis Seaworth, a secret agent on a mission to uncover the Hawk's base on the Moon. After an intense space chase and a surprising twist where the Hawk is revealed to have infiltrated the Earth-Guard ship, Evans ultimately outsmarts the pirate and saves the day. With clever tactics, he manages to prevent the Hawk from escaping with the Earth-Guard vessel, culminating in a thrilling final encounter. In the end, while Evans successfully thwarts the Hawk's plan, the tale reflects the ongoing struggle of the Earth-Guard against piracy and the quest for glory amidst personal and public challenges.
J. Frank (James Francis) Davis
Back home
"Back Home" by J. Frank Davis is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The book primarily revolves around themes of identity, regret, and reconciliation as it follows the journey of Captain James Carmichael of the Texas Rangers. He becomes entangled in the aftermath of a man's return to the United States after decades of living in exile due to a violent past. In the story, we meet Andrew Miller, a man with a scar who initially appears to be on a business trip but has a deeper, more dangerous motive in reconnecting with his past. Captain Carmichael encounters Miller on a train and later in San Antonio, where he observes the man’s suspicious behavior related to another character, Wallace Locke. It becomes evident that Miller is not merely a stranger, but someone trying to navigate his troubled history while seeking to protect his daughter, Edith, from his past's dark revelations. As the plot unfolds, the tension rises, leading to an explosive confrontation, where themes of forgiveness and redemption come to the forefront, revealing the complexities of human experience against a backdrop of law and morality in the American Southwest.
Thomson Burtis
Medium boiled
"Medium Boiled" by Thomson Burtis is a thrilling aviation adventure published in the late 1920s. This novel follows First Lieutenant John "Shag" Moran as he becomes part of the Border Air Patrol in South Texas, where he encounters the challenges of flying a De Haviland bomber while navigating interpersonal conflicts and the dangerous world of smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border. The story revolves around Moran's journey from a nervous newcomer to a competent pilot amidst a high-pressure environment filled with rivalry and the haunting awareness of mortality that accompanies the perilous work of border patrol flying. After a rocky start involving embarrassing landings and tension with his fellow pilots, particularly the cocky Dumpy Scarth, Moran faces a life-threatening situation while attempting a difficult flight during a storm. The climax arises as he saves Scarth from drowning after an accident, leading to a personal reckoning and ultimately securing his place within the squadron, earning the respect of his peers. The narrative intricately weaves themes of courage, rivalry, and friendship within the exhilarating backdrop of early aviation and border patrol duties.
Thomson Burtis
The sky sheriff: The pioneer spirit lives again in the Texas Airplane Patrol
"The Sky Sheriff: The Pioneer Spirit Lives Again in the Texas Airplane Patrol" by Thomson Burtis is a fictional adventure story published in the early 1920s. The narrative takes place in Texas and revolves around the courageous exploits of a sheriff and his crew as they patrol the Texas-Mexico border using aircraft, showcasing their pioneering spirit. The book likely explores themes of bravery, camaraderie, and the challenges faced in this unique environment. The story follows Sheriff Bill Trowbridge and a group of young flyers, including a recent recruit named Sleepy Spears. They find themselves in a tense situation when a criminal named Cal Buchanan, recently released from jail, plots to rob an old friend of Trowbridge, George Bilney. After a robbery goes awry, resulting in Bilney being shot and left for dead and his daughter, Judith, bound and gagged, Trowbridge and Sleepy take to the skies in pursuit of Buchanan. The chase is thrilling, highlighting the contrast between the old Wild West lawman and the new age of aviation, culminating in an intense confrontation as they seek to bring the criminal to justice and protect Judith and her father.
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