Subject
Parapsychology -- Fiction Books
Best books
Donald E. Westlake
Call Him Nemesis
"Call Him Nemesis" by Donald E. Westlake is a crime fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book centers around a unique blend of crime and mystery, exploring the chaotic aftermath of a series of criminal activities and the peculiar figure known as the Scorpion, who intervenes in unexpected ways. The narrative reflects a time that captures the quirks of that era's societal views on crime and justice. The story unfolds through a bank robbery gone awry, resulting in police involvement and the emergence of the Scorpion, a young boy with extraordinary powers that allow him to affect the temperature of objects at will. As the narrative progresses, we see the Scorpion responding to various criminal events, including a man rampaging with a firearm and a street fight between gangs, each time leaving his mark – literally and figuratively. The police, led by Detective-Sergeant Stevenson, are baffled by the events, as they uncover a pattern indicating the boy's eccentric methods in combating crime. The eventual focus on Eddie Clayhorn, the boy behind the Scorpion persona, adds an intriguing childlike innocence to the otherwise serious crime genre, culminating in a blend of humor and suspense.
Bryce Walton
Too close to the forest
"Too close to the forest" by Bryce Walton and Al Reynolds is a work of science fiction likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the complex themes of mental telepathy and the struggles of a scientist, Dr. Marsten, who faces skepticism from the scientific community. It explores the divide between established scientific methods and the more esoteric realms of human consciousness such as parapsychology. The narrative follows Max Reinach, a graduate student and the close confidant of Dr. Marsten, who is conducting a significant experiment to prove the existence of mental telepathy. As the experiment commences, the high stakes weigh heavily on Marsten, who is desperate to regain his professional reputation after being ostracized for his controversial theories. Ultimately, Marsten faces a catastrophic failure during his demonstration, leading him to despair and a tragic ending. Alongside the backdrop of the experiment, the tension builds as Max grapples with his own doubts about the validity of Marsten's work while trying to find answers in the aftermath of failure, ultimately resolving to continue Marsten's research in his honor, despite the potential cost to his own career.
Alan Edward Nourse
Bramble Bush
"Bramble Bush" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the complexities and challenges of psionics, particularly focusing on the development of psychic abilities in children and how adult influences may inhibit that growth. Central to the plot is Dr. David Lessing's research at the Hoffman Medical Center, where he aims to understand and cultivate these emergent psionic potentials among children at a special facility known as "the Farm." The story follows Dr. Lessing as he grapples with the implications of his psionic theory after an unexpected incident involving a young boy named Tommy. The narrative unfolds with Lessing and his colleagues facing skepticism from Dr. Melrose, a scientist with conflicting data that challenges their claims. The tension builds as they navigate the murky waters of research ethics, professional authority, and the true nature of psionic phenomena. As Lessing confronts the limits of his understanding and the potential harm of his authoritative stance, he considers rewriting his impending publication to better reflect the nuances of their findings. Ultimately, the novel poses significant questions about the authority of scientific knowledge and the unpredictable nature of discovery.
Jim Wannamaker
Death's Wisher
"Death's Wisher" by Jim Wannamaker is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around themes of telepathy, psychokinesis, and the ethical implications of possessing such powers, uncovering the potential dangers that accompany extraordinary mental abilities. The story unfolds against a backdrop of government secrecy related to nuclear physics and explores the balance between the safety of millions and the rights of an individual. The plot follows Patrick Flinn, a parapsychologist with telepathic abilities, who is recruited by the government after a failed nuclear test leads to concerns about a scientist named Malcolm Dobbs. Dobbs possesses psychokinetic powers that allow him to manipulate atomic structures, posing a threat to global safety. As Flinn attempts to understand and counter Dobbs's abilities, he grapples with the moral dilemmas of using his own powers to stop a man who might be capable of catastrophic destruction. The tension escalates as Flinn learns of a conspiracy to eliminate Dobbs, leading to a confrontation filled with high stakes, ethical considerations, and a deep examination of the nature of power and responsibility. The climax raises questions about the cost of security and the implications of sacrificing one for the many, leaving Flinn—and the reader—haunted by the consequences of their actions.
Milton A. Rothman
Last Night Out
"Last Night Out" by Lee Gregor is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the themes of acceptance, partnership, and the complex dynamics of interspecies relationships against the backdrop of an impending war. The story revolves around Ensign Jed Grey and his Canopan partner, Joe, as they navigate the hostile environment of Terra on their last night before deployment. The story begins with Grey and Joe seeking entertainment in a crowded, unfriendly town, reflecting on their experiences as a mixed-species team set to leave for war. Although initially faced with societal prejudice and hostility due to their unique bond, especially given Joe's telepathic abilities as a Canopan, the two characters develop a profound understanding and camaraderie. Their night is abruptly disrupted by a violent confrontation with human soldiers, leading to Joe using his abilities to defend them. This incident raises questions about fear, identity, and the ethics of power as they face the dual challenges of their internal bond and external societal prejudice. As they confront these realities, they delve deeper into what it means to be allies in a world torn apart by fears of the unknown.
Frank Riley
Bright Islands
"Bright Islands" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novella likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of genetics, telepathy, and the human condition, exploring the intersections of scientific ambition and personal tragedy amidst a dystopian backdrop. It delves into issues of identity, societal norms, and the emotional turmoil experienced by its protagonist. At the heart of the narrative is Miryam, a young woman in a Genetics Center preparing to give birth to a child conceived through artificial means. As pain and despair engulf her, she reflects on her life, her heritage, and the cold reality of her circumstances—isolated and used as an experimental subject. The story captures her internal struggle as she contemplates the potential of her child, who possesses a unique telepathic ability that could hold the key to humanity's future. Despite her dire situation, Miryam's hope begins to resurface as she envisions a world where her child's abilities might bridge the divides created by scientific and societal barriers. Ultimately, the tale examines the complexities of human emotion and the quest for meaning in a world dominated by scientific progress devoid of compassion.
Frank Riley
Project Hi-Psi
"Project Hi-Psi" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers on Dr. Lucifer Brill, a parapsychologist who uncovers alarming evidence of widespread kidnappings of individuals with psi abilities across the United States. As Brill delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself embroiled in a larger conflict involving extraterrestrial beings who have abducted psi talents for sinister purposes. At the start of the narrative, Dr. Brill visits the FBI to report on the alarming number of disappearances, believing they may be linked to an experiment conducted by aliens on the planet Melus. Initially met with disbelief, his findings set off a chain reaction that leads to his own kidnapping alongside Nina Poteil, a woman he had previously tested, ultimately finding them forced into a new life on Melus. The opening portion establishes the tension between ground-level bureaucratic skepticism and the profound implications of Brill's discoveries, setting the stage for a confrontation between science, personal responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas of using psi abilities in an alien society.
James H. Schmitz
Ham Sandwich
"Ham Sandwich" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around a group of students at the Institute of Insight, who explore the realms of reality and mental projection under the guidance of their charismatic instructor, Dr. Aloys Ormond. The story presents themes of belief, perception, and the intersection of subjective and objective reality, all set against the backdrop of a somewhat satirical tone. In the tale, protagonist Wallace Cavender, who arrives late to a meeting, soon finds himself entangled in an intriguing experiment where the students collectively visualize a ham sandwich. As they attempt this unusual exercise, the focus shifts to surprising developments, including the rumored materialization of the sandwich itself. The climax reveals that the Institute is actually a front for a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by Dr. Ormond, whose true identity is exposed by Cavender, a police detective. The story skillfully blends the whimsical exploration of the mind with a cautionary tale about susceptibility to charlatanry, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the power of belief.
James Stamers
The Divers
"The Divers" by James Stamers is a science fiction novel written during the late 1950s. The story revolves around the protagonist, Fred Williams, an ordinary man who is unwittingly drawn into an extraordinary world where he learns that he has unique mental abilities that the government seeks to harness. The book explores themes of identity, freedom, and the implications of advanced psychic capabilities as Fred transitions from a mundane life to becoming a member of an elite group known as the Divers, who can project their minds across the galaxy. In the narrative, Fred is initially portrayed as a disinterested husband struggling with his day-to-day life, when he is approached by Dr. Howard Sprinnell following a competition he entered for a space ride. Instead of the anticipated prize, Fred discovers he has been selected for a special government program after displaying extraordinary psi qualities. As he engages in mind-expanding "Dives," Fred learns that he can move beyond the physical boundaries of his body, allowing him to explore the universe and observe other civilizations. However, he also grapples with the ethical responsibilities that come with his newfound powers and ultimately claims his independence from the restrictive government control, aligning with a group of other Diver individuals who share his vision. The story poses significant questions about the nature of freedom, purpose, and the relationships between individual lives and broader cosmic forces.
Randall Garrett
Fifty Per Cent Prophet
"Fifty Per Cent Prophet" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book revolves around the character Dr. Peter Forsythe, a self-proclaimed seer who makes predictions about disasters and events, straddling the line between genuine prophecy and charlatanism. It delves into themes of foresight, human intervention, and the unpredictability of fate. The story follows Dr. Forsythe as he is recruited by a secretive organization, the Society for Mystical and Metaphysical Research, to utilize his purported abilities to predict disasters and avert them. As he navigates this new role, he experiences a range of successes and failures with his prophecies, each tied to human actions rather than random fate. The narrative builds to a climax when Forsythe predicts a catastrophe involving Moonbase One, which intrigues government officials but also leads to unexpected consequences as the actions taken in response to his predictions create new disasters. Ultimately, the novel explores the complexities of precognition and the potentially ironic outcomes of trying to change the future.
Murray Leinster
The Leader
"The Leader" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction narrative written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the rise and reign of a mysterious figure known simply as The Leader, who, despite being illegitimate and uneducated, captivates a troubled population, ultimately seizing control of a nation through sheer charisma and a despotic rule. The narrative grapples with themes of power, control, and the psychological manipulation that allows such an individual to dominate a society, offering a reflection on the nature of authority and its impact on morality. The story is structured through a series of letters and reports written by various individuals, including a professor researching The Leader's history and generals recounting their experiences under his reign. The Leader, a figure marked by fanaticism and superstition, employs extreme measures, including imprisonment and execution, to consolidate his power. As the tale unfolds, it becomes apparent that The Leader’s abilities might extend beyond mere charisma, hinting at a possible psychic influence over others. This exploration culminates in a revealing confrontation that raises significant questions about identity and influence, ultimately leading to The Leader's downfall, wherein he adopts the identity of a more respected and greater figure, the Prime Minister Winston. The intertwining of elements of psi phenomena and the dark aspects of human psychology renders this a thought-provoking read on the complexities of leadership and the fragility of power.
Jim Harmon
Dangerous Quarry
"Dangerous Quarry" by Jim Harmon is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1960s. The story follows an insurance adjuster named Madison, who is sent to investigate a concerning spike in accident claims from a peculiar village called Granite City. The narrative delves into themes of automation, community conspiracy, and the mysterious effects of the local granite on its inhabitants. As Madison embarks on his investigation, he discovers that the residents of Granite City may be partaking in an elaborate scheme to defraud his insurance company. However, the truth behind the town's peculiar accident rate reveals something more sinister: the granite itself is linked to a loss of psionic abilities among the townsfolk, rendering them incapable of basic foresight and awareness. With the help of a captive professor who has been studying these anomalies, Madison navigates a dangerous confrontation with the townspeople, ultimately leading to revelations that show the granite's impact extends far beyond individual claims, threatening broader societal implications. The story concludes with hints of a larger crisis as the implications of their psionic sterilization unfold.
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