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Alex. McVeigh Miller
Sworn to silence : $b or, Aline Rodney's secret
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Mary Jane Holmes
Forrest House : $b A novel
"Forrest House: A Novel" by Mary Jane Holmes is a fictional work written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around J. Everard Forrest, a young man caught between his relationships with two women: Josephine Fleming, a beautiful yet seemingly superficial girl, and Rosamond Hastings, a kind and selfless figure from his past. As Everard navigates a secret marriage and the challenges it brings, the novel explores themes of love, social class, and personal integrity. The opening of "Forrest House" introduces us to J. Everard Forrest as he receives two letters, one summoning him to participate in a play and another urging him to return home to a sick mother. The narrative follows Everard’s internal conflict as he contemplates attending the play in Holburton while feeling obligated to care for his ailing mother. It sets the stage for relationships that complicate his life, particularly with Josephine, who is vibrant yet flirtatious, and Rosamond, who epitomizes devotion. Maximal character interactions and decisions are begun, hinting at the drama to unfold as Everard’s choices have far-reaching consequences for all involved.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
The Photographer's Evidence; Or, Clever but Crooked
"The Photographer's Evidence; Or, Clever but Crooked" by Nicholas Carter is a detective story written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Nick Carter, a renowned detective who is approached by a mysterious client named George Snell. The case involves the kidnapping of a governor's daughter and the theft of significant State papers, with layers of blackmail complicating the situation. At the start of the story, Nick Carter receives a visit from Mr. Snell, who expresses doubts about whether he can trust the detective. As they engage in conversation, it becomes apparent that Snell is troubled and concealing vital information, leading Nick to observe his behavior carefully. Snell reveals that a young woman named Estelle, the governor's daughter, has gone missing, along with important items of jewelry and state documents. However, Nick's suspicions about Snell’s true motives grow when he learns that there might be a double gang involved and that Snell himself may not be entirely honest. The opening sets the stage for a gripping investigation filled with twists and turns as Nick Carter seeks to uncover the truth behind a complex web of deception.
Harriet Lewis
Neva's choice A sequel to "Neva's three lovers"
"Neva's Choice" by Harriet Lewis is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story serves as a sequel to "Neva's Three Lovers" and explores themes of love, betrayal, and choice as it follows Neva Wynde, the daughter of a wealthy baronet, who finds herself entangled in a web of familial intrigue and romantic obligation. As she navigates her feelings for potential suitors, including Rufus Black and Lord Towyn, Neva must confront the manipulations of her new stepmother and others who threaten her autonomy and well-being. The opening of this tale sets the stage for a dramatic conflict surrounding Neva's situation. We are introduced to her complex relationships—particularly with her stepmother, Mrs. Craven Black, and her enemies, who conspire to ensure she marries Rufus Black. Through conversations filled with tension and emotional undercurrents, Neva expresses her final rejection of Rufus and her growing discomfort with the intentions of the Blacks. As she embarks on a journey with them under the guise of visiting Wynde Heights, Neva begins to realize that she may be falling victim to an insidious plot, which is marked by her mounting unease and suspicion about the authenticity of a letter from her deceased father that purportedly dictates her future choices.
Bertha M. Clay
A woman's trust; or, Lady Elaine's martyrdom : $b a novel
"A Woman's Trust; or, Lady Elaine's Martyrdom" by Bertha M. Clay is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the emotional entanglements and trials of Lady Elaine Seabright and Sir Harold Annesley as they navigate love, jealousy, and betrayal. Central themes include the challenges of romantic relationships and the societal expectations of the time. The opening of the novel introduces Lady Elaine, who has recently accepted Sir Harold's proposal after an intense and swift courtship. However, as their engagement progresses, the couple faces turmoil fueled by jealousy and misunderstandings, particularly surrounding Lady Elaine's interactions with other suitors, notably Viscount Rivington. The characters are set against a backdrop of social expectations and personal desires, landing them in emotional conflicts that could threaten their future together. An emotional climactic moment occurs when Sir Harold hears rumors of Lady Elaine's prior engagement with Rivington, leading him to doubt her loyalty and causing him to consider ending the relationship in despair.
Bracebridge Hemyng
The fool of the family
"The Fool of the Family" by Bracebridge Hemyng is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Tommy, often referred to as "Soft Tommy" due to his simple nature and tendency to get involved in mischief. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, the challenging relationships between step-parents and children, and the adventures that stem from the boy's innocent blunders. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Tommy's family dynamics, where he faces ridicule and harsh treatment from his stepfather, Mr. Smithers. The opening scenes depict Tommy's innocent yet catastrophic attempts to help around the house, leading to various comedic mishaps that showcase his misunderstandings of tasks and social encounters. As a result of Mr. Smithers' harsh punishment and Tommy's subsequent adventures, readers witness the unfolding of a narrative filled with humor and a touch of tragedy as Tommy grapples with his innocence in a world that often misunderstands him. The introduction sets the stage for a series of events that promise both exploration and growth for the charmingly naive protagonist.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
A Stolen Name; Or, The Man Who Defied Nick Carter
"A Stolen Name; Or, The Man Who Defied Nick Carter" by Nicholas Carter is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the clever and audacious character of Bare-Faced Jimmy, a gentleman crook who adopts a stolen identity to claim an estate and pursue a new life of crime. As he schemes to marry the wealthy heiress Lenore Remsen, the legendary detective Nick Carter is hot on his trail, determined to uncover Jimmy’s deception and protect those at risk. At the start of the narrative, we meet Bare-Faced Jimmy in conversation with Juno, a woman with a mysterious past. Jimmy is contemplating an audacious plan that involves assuming the identity of the deceased Ledger Dinwiddie in Virginia. While he believes this will offer him a secure life, it also sets the stage for conflict with Nick Carter, who eventually becomes aware of Jimmy's return to his former life of crime. As the plot unfolds, themes of identity, deception, and the consequences of one's past choices take center stage, hinting at an exciting and intricate cat-and-mouse game between Jimmy and Carter.
Bertha M. Clay
Suffered in vain : $b or, A plaything of fate
"Suffered in Vain: or, A Plaything of Fate" by Bertha M. Clay is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around complex themes of love, fate, sacrifice, and societal expectations, focusing on characters whose lives intricately intertwine amidst dramatic revelations and emotional turmoil. The opening of the narrative introduces a tranquil and genteel setting in a summer twilight at Porchester Square. Central to the initial chapters are three main characters: the impoverished Leonardo Gilardoni, who once served as a valet, the enchanting and seemingly aloof Lucia Guiscardini, and Captain Paul Desfrayne, who is caught in a pivotal life situation tied to an unexpected inheritance. The plot sets in motion as Desfrayne learns of a will that not only names him as a trustee but intriguingly pairs him with the young heiress, Lois Turquand, highlighting layers of emotional conflict and the burdens of social expectations against the backdrop of tragic love and chance encounters.
Burt L. Standish
Frank Merriwell's Marriage; Or, Inza's Happiest Day
"Frank Merriwell's Marriage; Or, Inza's Happiest Day" by Burt L. Standish is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is centered around Frank Merriwell, a character known for his athletic prowess and moral integrity, exploring themes of competition, personal growth, and social dynamics among elite amateur athletes. As one of the prominent figures in the Merriwell series, Frank's reputation and abilities are put to the test as he navigates a world filled with rivalry and old grievances. The opening of the book sets the stage for a series of athletic events at the Eagle Heights Athletic Club, where Frank Merriwell is expected to compete. As members gossip about him, it becomes clear that there are tensions between Frank and some other young men, notably Hobart Manton, who are skeptical of his accomplishments. The chapter introduces a lively atmosphere of rivalry and camaraderie, with different athletes expressing excitement, jealousy, and intrigue surrounding Frank's presence. Discussions among the characters foreshadow challenges and competitions that will unfold throughout the story, framing Frank as both a celebrated and contested figure in the athletic community.
Harriet Lewis
Neva's three lovers: a novel
"Neva's Three Lovers" by Harriet Lewis is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story explores themes of ambition, deception, and romantic entanglements through the life of Neva, a young heiress who finds herself entangled in a web of relationships that could change her future forever. The narrative opens with Sir Harold Wynde, a wealthy baronet, and sets the stage for a captivating tale of intrigue as he navigates the social complexities surrounding him. The opening of the book introduces Sir Harold Wynde, who, while at Brighton, reluctantly becomes embroiled in a dramatic incident involving a capsized boat and the mysterious Mrs. Octavia Hathaway, who he saves from drowning. As Harriet Lewis weaves the tale, it becomes clear that Octavia harbors ulterior motives, having manipulated the situation to ensnare the baronet. Their ensuing relationship raises questions about trust and manipulation, as Sir Harold, unaware of the layers of deception surrounding Octavia, finds himself drawn to her alluring charm. Tension builds as we are reminded of the secret plots and schemes at play, hinting that Neva's life will be profoundly affected by the machinations of the adults around her.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
Captain Sparkle, Pirate; Or, A Hard Man to Catch
"Captain Sparkle, Pirate; Or, A Hard Man to Catch" by Nicholas Carter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The storyline revolves around a chance encounter with a brazen pirate, Captain Sparkle, who boards a luxurious yacht and robs its wealthy owner, Maxwell Kane. This encounter sets the stage for a thrilling investigation led by the infamous detective Nick Carter, who seeks to unravel the mystery behind the audacious pirate's identity and intentions. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Maxwell Kane, who visits Nick Carter to recount his alarming experience of being boarded by pirates while aboard his steam-yacht, the "Goalong". As Kane describes the incident, he reveals how Captain Sparkle, a flamboyantly dressed pirate chief, and his crew stealthily approached their vessel and conducted their robbery with shocking ease. The chapter teases the reader with Kane’s frustration and embarrassment over the unexpected turn of events, culminating in Nick agreeing to accompany him to gather more information aboard the yacht while Kane's guests come into play, further complicating the narrative. The stage is effectively set for intrigue, excitement, and the promise of more daring escapades to come as Nick Carter pushes to confront the pirate menace.
Bertha M. Clay
In love's hands : $b or, For her heart's sake
"In Love's Hands; or, For Her Heart's Sake" by Bertha M. Clay is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens as it introduces the main character, Frank Dormer, who is at the beautiful Heriton Priory in Northumberland, about to embark on a voyage to India. As he spends time with Florence Heriton, the only daughter of the estate's owners, a budding friendship evolves, contrasted against Mr. Heriton's unsettling financial troubles and the family's precarious situation. At the start of the narrative, we find Frank Dormer in a moment of contemplation and impending departure from England, reflecting on his orphaned upbringing and the joy he has found in his time at the priory. He and young Florence share a playful interaction before she accidentally puts herself in danger while exploring a cliff near the river. Frank saves her from a life-threatening fall, intensifying their bond and setting up their relationship's emotional depth as he prepares to leave. Additionally, Mr. Heriton shows increasing strain from financial mismanagement, casting a shadow on Florence’s innocence as her father’s worsening situation looms over the household dynamics.
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