Subject
Luck -- Fiction Books
Best books
Murray Leinster
The Ambulance Made Two Trips
"The Ambulance Made Two Trips" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative follows Detective Sergeant Fitzgerald as he navigates the underbelly of crime in a town plagued by the nefarious activities of racketeer Big Jake Connors. The story delves into themes of corruption, ethics in law enforcement, and the extraordinary concepts of psionics and probability manipulation. In the plot, Detective Fitzgerald finds himself embroiled in a situation where violent intentions go awry, thanks to a psi unit utilized by a man named Brink, who seeks to thwart Big Jake's threats against his business. As Fitzgerald investigates odd occurrences surrounding Big Jake's schemes, he discovers that those intending harm find their plans thwarted, leading to mishaps instead of violent outcomes—such as pants catching fire or perpetrators crashing their cars. The story concludes with Fitzgerald and Brink confronting Big Jake and his thugs, highlighting how the unexpected consequences of esoteric forces can alter destiny. The intertwining of crime and speculative sci-fi elements creates a unique narrative exploring the implications of powerlessness against corrupt influences.
Unknown
Stories of Fortune
"Stories of Fortune" by Rossiter Johnson is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This anthology features tales that explore themes related to luck, wealth, and the extraordinary circumstances leading to fortune or misfortune. The opening story, "The Gold-Bug," delves into an intriguing adventure involving a man named William Legrand, whose life changes drastically through his discovery of a mysterious scarab beetle that he believes will lead him to great riches. At the start of the tale, we are introduced to Legrand, who is living on Sullivan's Island after experiencing a series of financial misfortunes. His companion, an old man named Jupiter, remains loyal despite their hardships. Legrand becomes increasingly obsessed with a strange beetle he has encountered, leading to eccentric behaviors that cause concern among his friends. The narrative drives forward with an air of mystery as Legrand communicates a deep conviction that fortune awaits him, setting the stage for an adventure filled with cryptic clues, unexpected twists, and an exploration of the value we place on both luck and material wealth. The tension between the protagonist's mental state and the possibility of uncovering hidden treasure serves as a compelling hook for readers.
Peter Baily
Accidental Death
"Accidental Death" by Peter Baily is a science fiction novella published in the late 1950s. The story centers on aerospace exploration and the unforeseen dangers that come with it, reflecting the period's fascination with space travel and the unknown. The narrative delves into themes of luck and human error in the face of technological advancement. The protagonist, Matt Hennessy, recounts his harrowing experience aboard the starship "Whale" during its first long jump to a distant star. Following a series of catastrophic errors, the crew finds themselves crashing back near Earth. Hennessy’s story unfolds through his recorded message after landing in the snowy wilderness, where he reflects on the crew's misfortunes and their encounters with a feline-like alien species known as the Chingsi. As he struggles to survive against the odds, he philosophizes about luck, chance, and the peculiarities of their tragic adventure. Ultimately, his survival raises questions about the nature of luck and the implications of their exploration, serving as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable outcomes of human endeavors in space.
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