Subject
Long Island (N.Y.) -- Fiction Books
Best books
F. Scott (Francis Scott) Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel published in 1925. Set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, it follows narrator Nick Carraway as he becomes drawn into the world of his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, a wealthy millionaire who throws extravagant parties. Gatsby harbors an obsession with reuniting with Daisy Buchanan, a woman from his past now married to the affluent Tom. The story captures the glamour, excess, and moral complexities of 1920s America.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
The Little Warrior
"The Little Warrior" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel first published in 1920. Jill Mariner begins as a wealthy young woman engaged to a baronet, but her comfortable life soon unravels. Financial disaster strikes, her engagement breaks, and she finds herself staying with grasping relatives before taking work as a chorus girl. Through these upheavals, Jill navigates colorful characters and unexpected adventures, moving from privilege to the working world in search of true love and her place in life.
Grant M. (Grant Martin) Overton
Mermaid
"Mermaid" by Grant M. Overton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Mermaid, who is rescued after surviving the wreck of the ship "Mermaid" and adopted by a Coast Guard captain, John Smiley. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, family dynamics, and the complexities of nurturing a child in a rough and rugged environment. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Keturah Smiley, Cap’n John’s sister, who has a contentious relationship with him. Their dialogue reveals a backstory filled with tension, jealousy, and a hint of familial love, particularly regarding the mysterious disappearance of John's wife and child. The young girl, Mermaid, is being cared for by the men at the Coast Guard station after being saved from the wreck. As the Coast Guard crew begins to bond with her, the novel hints at deeper adventures and conflicts that will unfold as they navigate their new roles and relationships, setting the stage for both heartfelt moments and impending challenges.
Wilbur Finley Fauley
Shuddering castle
"Shuddering Castle" by Wilbur Finley Fauley is a novel filled with imaginative science fiction elements, likely written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a peculiar family with eccentric scientific pursuits, it revolves around the establishment of radio communication with Mars and the mysterious events that unfold within the family's castle. The main characters include the aging bachelor Henry Royce, his concerned brother Livingston, their charming niece Patricia, and a group of scientists and suitors who become intertwined in the unfolding intrigue. The opening of "Shuddering Castle" introduces the Royce family, who maintain a secluded life in their grand home in Long Island while holding fast to their traditional values. This routine is interrupted when Henry becomes obsessed with the possibility of contacting Martian life through radio waves. As strange occurrences begin to unravel around them, including the appearance of a mysterious visitor from Mars, the stage is set for a mix of thrilling adventure and romance. Henry's obsession spills over into his interactions with the local press, particularly with reporter Bob McGinity, leading to tensions within the family and foreshadowing the chaos that is yet to come. The narrative hints at a complex relationship web involving Patricia and a visiting prince, all against the backdrop of scientific discovery and family legacy.
Lesley Frost
Murder at Large
"Murder at Large" by Lesley Frost is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Ordway Belknap, an ex-Judge turned amateur detective, who finds himself embroiled in ominous circumstances filled with intrigue and potential murder. As events unfold, the tensions between characters unveil secrets and motives that complicate their relationships, setting the stage for a gripping narrative." "The opening of the book introduces Ordway Belknap, who is portrayed as both a solitary figure and a man of experience, having transitioned from the judicial bench to detective work due to his frustrations with the legal system. As he awaits a call from his enigmatic colleague, Bertrand Whittaker, Belknap reflects on previous criminal cases he successfully solved. Recognizing Whittaker's dangerous personality adds a layer of unease to Belknap's anticipation. His curiosity leads him to accept an invitation to Whittaker's Long Island mansion for what is implied to be a high-stakes weekend filled with criminals and possibly a planned murder, a situation that promises to test Belknap's skills as he navigates the gathering's underlying tensions and unspoken threats."
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Jill the Reckless
"Jill the Reckless" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel first published in 1920. Jill Mariner begins as a wealthy young woman engaged to a baronet, but her comfortable life unravels spectacularly. After financial disaster strikes and her engagement crumbles, she must navigate awkward relatives, find work as a chorus girl, and discover what—and who—truly matters. Through mishaps involving parrots, policemen, and colorful characters, Jill's journey takes her from privilege to the working world in search of genuine happiness.
Samuel Hopkins Adams
The Flying Death
"The Flying Death" by Samuel Hopkins Adams is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Dr. Stanley Richard Colton, a young physician who struggles with insomnia and is drawn into a series of mysterious events while staying at a coastal retreat. The narrative is enriched with suspense, as Colton encounters peculiar phenomena, including strange sounds in the night and a deadly shipwreck, all while navigating budding relationships with characters like the enigmatic Professor Ravenden and the captivating Helga Johnston. The opening of the novel introduces Colton as he arrives at Montauk Point, seeking relief from the stresses of his medical practice. However, his rest is interrupted by strange sounds and a fateful encounter with Professor Ravenden, who invites him to investigate an unsettling noise outside. As the storm intensifies, Colton finds himself embroiled in a hero's act during a shipwreck, his bravery gaining him newfound respect and affection from those around him. Through vivid descriptions and a blend of intrigue and romance, the opening sets the stage for a gripping narrative that promises to delve into deeper mysteries and the complexities of human connections.
Sumner Charles Britton
Dreamy Hollow : $b a Long Island romance
"Dreamy Hollow: A Long Island Romance" by Sumner Charles Britton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Drury Villard, a successful businessman who retires to his grand estate, Dreamy Hollow, after the death of his beloved, Winifred. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the haunting presence of the past as Villard navigates his new life and encounters friends and adversaries. At the start of the novel, Villard has just left his high-powered executive life behind, having built a mansion that he hopes will provide solace and a connection to his deceased love. The opening chapters depict his emotional struggles, mysterious experiences connected to Winifred, and his interactions with William Parkins, his former vice-president, who harbors ulterior motives. As Villard seeks to create a peaceful existence, dark shadows from both his past and Parkins’ ambitions threaten to disrupt his newfound tranquility.
Basil Wells
Quest of Thig
"Quest of Thig" by Basil Wells is a science fiction novel set during the early to mid-20th century. The book revolves around a character named Thig, an Orthan warrior who travels to Earth with a mission to evaluate the planet for colonization by his race, known as the Horde. As Thig interacts with Earth and its inhabitants, he experiences emotions and perspectives that ultimately challenge his loyalty to the cold, utilitarian ethos of his people. The story follows Thig as he disguises himself as a human after capturing Lewis Terry, a writer, and absorbing his memories. Initially focused on the conquest of Earth, Thig's time among humans—especially his interactions with Ellen, Terry's wife, and their children—transforms him. He begins to question the morality of his mission and the oppressive culture of the Horde. As the plot unfolds, Thig becomes torn between his duty to his race and his newfound appreciation for love, individuality, and the human experience. Ultimately, he rejects the destructive plans of his comrades, opting to return to Earth and live with the legacy of the man he has replaced, perpetually shaped by the memories and emotions he once sought to plunder.
Frances Noyes Hart
The Bellamy trial
"The Bellamy Trial" by Frances Noyes Hart is a novel written in the late 1920s. The narrative centers on a high-profile murder trial, specifically the case against Susan Ives and Stephen Bellamy for the murder of Madeleine Bellamy. Through the lens of the courtroom drama, the story delves into themes of jealousy, betrayal, and societal scrutiny. At the start of the book, the scene is set in a bustling courtroom where a red-headed girl, a novice reporter for the Philadelphia "Planet", is excitedly taking in the atmosphere and preparing to cover the sensational trial. She encounters a seasoned reporter who shares his cynical insights about the nature of the press and the trials, hinting at the darker elements of human nature surrounding the case. As the trial begins, the prosecution outlines the grim details of the murder, creating a vivid picture of the events that led to the tragic death of Madeleine Bellamy. This exposition immediately establishes the tension and intrigue that will unfold in the courtroom throughout the proceedings.
Carolyn Wells
Faulkner's Folly
"Faulkner's Folly" by Carolyn Wells is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a grand home known as Faulkner's Folly, where the life of renowned artist Eric Stannard takes a tragic turn when he is found murdered. The primary characters include Beatrice Faulkner, who is a guest in the house, and the women closely associated with the victim, namely his wife Joyce and a model named Natalie Vernon, who are both quickly embroiled in the subsequent investigation. The opening of the novel introduces the dramatic scene in the studio of Faulkner's Folly, where Stannard is discovered dead with an etching needle protruding from his chest. The narrative sets an eerie atmosphere as the characters, particularly Beatrice and the footman Blake, respond to the horrifying situation. As they enter the studio, we learn that Stannard's last words implicate one of the women present, casting suspicion over both Joyce and Natalie. The initial confusion leads to a storm of emotions and conflicting testimonies as a police investigation begins, focusing on the relationships and motives surrounding the characters involved. The rich detail in the opening hints at a complex web of intrigue that will unravel as the mystery deepens.
Louise Forsslund
Old Lady Number 31
"Old Lady Number 31" by Louise Forsslund is a poignant novel set in the early 20th century. The story revolves around an elderly couple, Angeline and Abraham, who find themselves in a precarious financial situation leading them to auction off their possessions and take separate paths into assisted living facilities. This evokes themes of love, dignity, aging, and the societal perceptions of the elderly. The opening of the book introduces Angeline as she grapples with the loss of her belongings, reflecting on the significance of each item sold and the love she shares with her husband. Despite the heartache of their impending separation due to financial distress, Angeline's resolve shines through as she clings to a sense of pride and resourcefulness. The couple's interactions reveal their deep, enduring bond despite the hardships they face, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration of their lives as they navigate the challenges of old age and societal expectations within the confines of their new homes.
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