Subject
Police -- Fiction Books
Best books
G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton
The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare
"The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare" by G. K. Chesterton is a philosophical novel with elements of adventure and satire, written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the enigmatic character Gabriel Syme, a police detective who infiltrates a group of anarchists in London to uncover their plans and identities. As the narrative unfolds, it explores complex themes of order, chaos, and the nature of evil, often through witty dialogue and absurd situations that challenge conventional thinking. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the suburb of Saffron Park, with its colorful and eccentric inhabitants, primarily poets and artists. One evening, during a striking sunset, the anarchistic poet Lucian Gregory meets Gabriel Syme, who surprises him with bold arguments in favor of law and order, challenging Gregory's views. Their conversation escalates into a duel of ideologies when Gregory reveals his deep commitment to anarchism, which leads to a confrontation between the two. In a twist of fate, Syme's true identity as a detective is disclosed, and as he joins the anarchists disguised as one of them, the stage is set for a profound exploration of the philosophical conflict between chaos and structure in society.
Harry Harrison
The Misplaced Battleship
"The Misplaced Battleship" by Harry Harrison is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around interstellar intrigue and crime, specifically the implications of a powerful battleship being secretly built in a peaceful sector of the galaxy. It addresses themes of deception, adventure, and the moral complexities faced by characters navigating both lawful and unlawful pursuits in a futuristic setting. The narrative follows the protagonist, Slippery Jim diGriz, a master thief turned agent for the Special Corps, as he uncovers a plot involving the covert construction of a Warlord-class battleship on the planet Cittanuvo. DiGriz, initially sent to investigate, finds himself embroiled in a deeper conspiracy when he discovers that a criminal mastermind named Pepe Nero, with the assistance of a cunning woman named Angelina, has orchestrated the construction and theft of the battleship for his own nefarious purposes. As diGriz races against time to apprehend Pepe and prevent chaos, he finds that nothing is as straightforward as it seems, challenging his wits and resolve at every turn. The climax showcases a tense showdown as diGriz confronts the duo, ultimately leading to unexpected twists and moral dilemmas about loyalty and betrayal.
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.
Laurence Donovan
"Moo-oo-oo-oo!"
Produced from the February, 1929 issue of Munsey’s Magazine.
William Russell
Recollections of a Policeman
"Recollections of a Policeman" by William Russell is a collection of narratives based on real-life policing experiences written in the mid-19th century. The book offers a glimpse into the thrilling and sometimes dangerous life of a detective in London, with stories that blend adventure, intrigue, and moral complexity, showcasing the challenges faced in upholding the law. The main character, Thomas Waters, serves as an inspector for the London Detective Corps, navigating the dark alleys and high society of Victorian England." The opening of the text introduces us to Thomas Waters, who, due to hardships from past follies, has joined the metropolitan police. He quickly gains recognition from a chief officer for his talent in solving a case involving a fraud against a tradesman. As Waters embarks on a mission to investigate a gang of swindlers, he finds himself becoming embroiled in the gambling plight of a young gentleman named Charles Merton, who has been drawn into a web of deceit by the charming but corrupt Sandford. Waters' task not only involves uncovering the gang's criminal activities but also saving Merton from financial ruin—setting the stage for a blend of personal stakes and professional duty that continues into the subsequent narratives.
Harry Harrison
The stainless steel rat
"The stainless steel rat" by Harry Harrison is a science fiction novel first published in 1957. Set in the far future, it follows James Bolivar diGriz, a charming criminal mastermind known as "Slippery Jim" and "The Stainless Steel Rat." He's a skilled con man, thief, and master of disguise who steals without remorse but refuses to kill. After pulling off an elaborate bank robbery, diGriz is outfoxed by the mysterious Special Corps—an organization of reformed criminals—and recruited to fight crime from the inside.
Harry Harrison
The stainless steel rat
"The stainless steel rat" by Harry Harrison is a science fiction novel first published in 1957. Meet James Bolivar diGriz, alias "Slippery Jim"—a charming master thief, con artist, and criminal mastermind operating in the far future. He's an expert at bank robbery, disguise, and martial arts, who justifies his crimes as harmless entertainment. But when the mysterious Special Corps outsmarts him, this self-rationalized rogue faces an unexpected proposition: join the organization and use his criminal genius to fight crime instead of committing it.
Sinclair Gluck
Shadow in the House
"Shadow in the House" by Sinclair Gluck is a murder mystery novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around the bizarre murder of a millionaire named Mason Rees Harrison, who is found dead in his lavish home, shot with an arrow. The narrative introduces several central characters, including Paul Bernard, a retired detective, and Landis, a younger colleague, who must navigate through a web of family secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind Harrison's sudden death. At the start of the novel, the tension is palpable as the characters gather for a dinner party shortly after the newlywedded couple Landis and Elsa return from their honeymoon. The festive atmosphere quickly dissolves when a frantic call interrupts their evening, informing them of Harrison's murder. The detectives are drawn into the case, attempting to piece together the events leading up to the crime while navigating the peculiar dynamics of the household. The opening sets the stage for a compelling mix of suspense and character interplay, hinting at the complex relationships and hidden motives that will unfold as the investigation progresses.
James H. Schmitz
The beacon to elsewhere
"The Beacon to Elsewhere" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers around a complex conspiracy involving the theft of a powerful substance called Ym-400, which has the potential to manipulate space-time. The narrative unfolds through several key characters, primarily focusing on Lieutenant Frank Dowland of the Interstellar Police Authority, who is investigating the mystery behind the theft and its dire implications. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a universe where significant forces—rebels, police, and alien entities—collide as they seek control over this mysterious element. The narrative quickly develops tension as Dowland receives critical information about the hijacking of a transport containing Ym-400, which has significant political and scientific ramifications. As he navigates through layers of intrigue that involve the enigmatic Trelawney family and their questionable experiments, Dowland must contend with the risks posed by Ym-400, leading to an engaging tale filled with suspense, conspiracy and exploration of the unknown.
Paul W. Fairman
Dalrymple's Equation
"Dalrymple's Equation" by Paul W. Fairman is a science fiction murder mystery written in the mid-1950s. The book revolves around the strange case of a young man found dead in a bar under suspicious circumstances, leading two homicide detectives to unravel the mystery. The intriguing plot combines elements of police work with a mathematical approach to problem-solving, introduced by a mysterious character named Tennyson Dalrymple, who claims to have come from another planet. The story unfolds when detectives Kennedy and Donovan are called to investigate the suspicious death of Arthur Davis, whose drink contains arsenic. Their investigation leads them to a bartender named Timothy Garver, who insists he is innocent. Unexpectedly, Dalrymple appears, claiming that he can solve the case using a mathematical equation. As the detectives reluctantly engage with Dalrymple, he presents a complex series of symbols that ultimately reveal that the poison was inadvertently added to the drinks by Garver, who was unaware it was lethal. The case, however, becomes more sinister as they discover connections to attempted murder. After solving the initial mystery, the story takes a twist as Dalrymple, now a suspect for possible future crimes, leaves the detectives to question if he is more than just a clever eccentric—touching on the implications of his true identity and intentions, leaving the detectives and readers with lingering questions about his abilities and origins.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The Impossible Pirate
"The Impossible Pirate" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Lieutenant Jeffries of the Solar Police as he embarks on a seemingly impossible mission to capture the infamous space pirate known as Black Morgan. Set in a futuristic world where space travel has become commonplace, the book explores themes of ingenuity, technology, and the nature of crime in an advanced society. The narrative begins with Jeffries being assigned to investigate the elusive Black Morgan, who has managed to successfully commit acts of piracy in the depths of space, against all logical and scientific reasoning. Despite being faced with insurmountable odds and failing in his initial mission, Jeffries becomes obsessed with uncovering the pirate's true identity and methods. As he delves deeper, he discovers that Black Morgan may not be the impossible figure he assumed but is instead a clever illusion created by advanced technology. Ultimately, Jeffries employs his skills and determination to decode the mystery of Morgan's operations, culminating in a confrontation that reveals the truth behind the legend and allows him to regain his standing as a respected officer.
Lloyd Biggle
Cronus of the D. F. C.
"Cronus of the D. F. C." by Jr. Lloyd Biggle is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around an innovative, albeit experimental, law enforcement technology known as Cronus, which allows police officers to glimpse future crimes. This narrative explores themes of fate, free will, and the moral dilemmas of knowing potential future events but perhaps being powerless to change them. In the plot, police detective Jim Forsdon is introduced to Cronus, a device that shows future crimes but complicates the ability to prevent them. Tasked with investigating a potential murder shown on Cronus, Forsdon discovers that the victim, Stella Emerson, is linked to a large, troubled man named Mike Gregory. As Forsdon works to protect Stella, they both navigate the precarious nature of fate and inevitability, ultimately leading to Gregory's confrontation with the law. Despite the seemingly predestined outcomes highlighted by the technology, the characters strive for human connection and action, culminating in a tense resolution where Forsdon must confront his feelings and the future that seems inevitable.
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