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Private investigators -- Fiction Books
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Ernest Bramah
The eyes of Max Carrados
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Ernest Bramah
Max Carrados
"Max Carrados" by Ernest Bramah is a collection of detective stories first published in 1914. The book introduces Max Carrados, a blind detective who solves mysteries through his extraordinary heightened senses and powers of deduction. Assisted by his friend Mr. Carlyle, a private investigator, Carrados uses his acute hearing, touch, and reasoning to unravel complex cases—from forgeries and disappearances to murders and espionage. George Orwell praised these tales as among the few detective stories worth re-reading since Poe.
H. Beam Piper
Murder in the Gunroom
"Murder in the Gunroom" by H. Beam Piper is a mystery novel written in the early 1950s. The story centers around Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective, who is hired to appraise and negotiate the sale of a deceased collector's extensive gun collection. However, the circumstances surrounding the death of Lane Fleming, the collector found dead in his locked gunroom, raise suspicions of foul play, prompting Rand to investigate both the collection's value and the mysterious circumstances of Fleming's death. The opening of the novel introduces Rand and sets up the central mystery. After Mrs. Gladys Fleming approaches him for help, Rand learns about the peculiar details surrounding her husband's death, including the fact that he was found with a Confederate-made revolver in his hand. The narrative paints a detailed backdrop of gun collecting and introduces supporting characters, such as the suspicious stepdaughters and a rival collector, Arnold Rivers. As Rand begins to untangle the web of relationships and motivations surrounding the firearms and the people who wanted Fleming's collection, he suspects that the death was not an accident but rather a carefully disguised murder. The beginning sets a suspenseful tone as Rand gears up to decipher the truth amidst personal conflicts and potential hidden agendas.
Arthur Morrison
The Dorrington Deed-Box
"The Dorrington Deed-Box" by Arthur Morrison is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book unfolds through the narrative of Mr. James Rigby, who returns to England from Australia and finds himself entangled in a web of crime and intrigue linked to his father's mysterious murder years earlier. As he settles back into life in England, he is confronted by unsettling events that suggest that the past may not be as far behind him as he thought. The opening of the novel introduces Mr. James Rigby, who recounts his family's history, particularly the tragic story of his father's murder linked to the Camorra crime syndicate. Rigby reflects on his isolated upbringing in Australia and his recent decision to move to England to pursue his passion for art. However, upon returning, he becomes acutely aware of being followed—a sensation that evokes memories of his father's grim fate. As he attempts to escape this haunting realization, he encounters Horace Dorrington, a charismatic man who offers friendship, but whose true intentions remain ambiguous, adding layers to the tension as the story unfolds. The beginning sets a captivating tone of mystery and foreboding, suggesting that Rigby’s quest for personal reinvention may soon intersect with the dangers of his heritage.
Arthur Morrison
Chronicles of Martin Hewitt
"Chronicles of Martin Hewitt" by Arthur Morrison is a collection of detective stories written in the late 19th century. The book features the character Martin Hewitt, who is a private investigator known for his keen powers of deduction. Through a series of engaging cases, the stories explore the intricacies of crime-solving and the human motivations behind them. The opening of the book introduces readers to the first case, "The Ivy Cottage Mystery." The narrative begins with the protagonist, who is working in the press, becoming intrigued by the murder of an artist named Gavin Kingscote. As the storyline unfolds, we meet Martin Hewitt, the detective, who has been approached by Kingscote's brother to investigate the unsatisfactory police inquiry. The story sets the stage for a suspenseful exploration of the murder scene and its mysterious elements, including potential motives and connections to other characters, that will challenge Hewitt's deductive skills as he seeks the truth behind the murder.
M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon
His darling sin
"His Darling Sin" by M. E. Braddon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Lady Perivale, a widow navigating the hollow glamour of high society in London after the death of her husband. Initially filled with wealth and grace, she faces scandal and social ostracism as rumors about her inappropriate relationship with Colonel Rannock circulate, leaving her to reconcile her inner life with the harsh judgments of her superficial peers. The opening of the novel establishes a vivid contrast between the lavish yet empty life of Lady Perivale and her longing for genuine connection, increasingly complicated by her past and societal expectations. Upon her return to London from her Italian villa, Lady Perivale grapples with the disconcerting reception from former friends, compounded by receiving only a handful of letters and hints of the scandal that now shrouds her reputation. As she connects with her old friend, Susan, the weight of gossip and isolation begins to manifest, prompting a deep exploration of her character and the events leading to her present predicament. The narrative skillfully juxtaposes her vivid memories of happiness with her current sorrow, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Means Davis
The Hospital Murders
"The Hospital Murders" by Means Davis is a mystery novel written in the 1930s. The story centers around the Elijah Wilson Hospital, where a series of inexplicable patient deaths raise suspicions of foul play. The narrative follows Dr. Ethridge Sterling, Junior, a young physician, as he navigates a complex medical and ethical landscape while dealing with the ramifications of these deaths. The beginning of the book introduces the bustling setting of the hospital and its various personnel, particularly focusing on Dr. Sterling as he receives a distressing call about an unconscious patient. This patient, later identified as Sophie Merriweather, enters the hospital under mysterious circumstances, linked to the political complications of a powerful attorney-general. As Dr. Sterling examines her and begins to grapple with his feelings, the text foreshadows an escalating tension regarding the suspicious nature of patient deaths within the hospital, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of moral ambiguity, medical ethics, and the threat of a potential murderer lurking in the hospital's corridors.
Stephen Marlowe
Stop, You're Killing Me!
"Stop, You're Killing Me!" by Darius John Granger is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Frank Foley, a private detective who finds himself embroiled in a bizarre family conspiracy where his wife and son appear to be trying to kill him, yet they are unaware of their actions due to external manipulations. As Frank unravels this mystery, he encounters a time traveler who claims to be his client's descendant and reveals that he is trapped in a different time. In this gripping narrative, Frank Foley's life takes a turn when he realizes that his family's recent attempts on his life may be orchestrated by some form of mental suggestion from a time traveler named Angus W. Haney. When Frank agrees to protect Angus and his time machine—an invention supposedly capable of changing the course of time—he finds himself caught in a conflict that challenges the very fabric of reality. The climax builds as Frank encounters Angus's great-great-grandson, who seeks to destroy the time machine to escape his own temporal prison. Ultimately, the story raises profound questions about fate, agency, and the consequences of manipulating time, culminating in a twist that leaves the protagonist—and readers—wondering about the nature of sanity and existence.
Arthur Morrison
The Red Triangle: Being Some Further Chronicles of Martin Hewitt, Investigator
"The Red Triangle: Being Some Further Chronicles of Martin Hewitt, Investigator" by Arthur Morrison is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. This work continues the adventures of the titular character, Martin Hewitt, a private investigator known for his unconventional methods and amiable demeanor, as he solves a series of intriguing cases. The narrative begins with the case of a diamond theft, setting the stage for a complex web of mysteries surrounding the enigmatic symbol of the Red Triangle. The opening of the book introduces readers to a fascinating scenario where Hewitt is approached by a distraught diamond dealer, Lewis Samuel. Samuel explains that he has been robbed of a significant quantity of diamonds under suspicious circumstances involving an acquaintance named Denson. As Hewitt begins to unravel the details, the tension rises, indicating that there may be more to this case than a simple robbery. The narrative hints at a deeper conspiracy connected to the mysterious Red Triangle, leaving readers eager to discover how the intricate plot unfolds and what secrets lie beneath Samuel's tale.
Noel M. Loomis
Remember the 4th!
"Remember the 4th!" by Noel M. Loomis is a science fiction story likely written in the early 1950s. The book revolves around a device called the Brain-Finder, which allows users to view their own past experiences as if they are watching a movie. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a tale that intertwines themes of investigation, memory, and the implications of technology on personal lives. The story follows Doc Hambright and his partner, Slim Coleman, private investigators struggling to stay afloat financially. When Slim finally completes the Brain-Finder, they initially see Doc's past, leading to an unexpected discovery about their landlord, Mr. Swanberg, and his beautiful wife. As they use the device to investigate a case involving a wealthy client, Tom Ellingbery, they uncover romantic misadventures and encounter moral dilemmas regarding privacy and fidelity. In a dramatic confrontation in court, Doc ultimately destroys the Brain-Finder to protect Swanberg and his wife, leading to an unexpected reconciliation between the Ellingberys, while Doc and Slim remain comically out of the loop. The narrative cleverly explores the interplay between voyeurism, ethics, and the consequences of reliving memories, all wrapped in a light-hearted detective story.
James Francis Thierry
The Adventures of the Eleven Cuff-Buttons Being one of the exciting episodes in the career of the famous detective Hemlock Holmes, as recorded by his friend Dr. Watson
"The Adventures of the Eleven Cuff-Buttons" by James Francis Thierry is a humorous detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the eccentric detective Hemlock Holmes and his faithful companion Dr. Watson as they tackle the curious case of a missing pair of diamond-studded cuff-buttons belonging to the Earl of Puddingham. Set against a backdrop of aristocratic mystery and folly, the narrative promises to blend detective work with amusing anecdotes and character interactions. At the start of the tale, we learn that Holmes has returned to London after a stint in the United States, accompanied by Watson. The plot quickly thickens when Eustace Thorneycroft, the Earl's secretary, bursts into their abode, distraught over the disappearance of the Earl’s precious cuff-buttons. As Holmes and Watson prepare to investigate, they are introduced to a host of quirky characters connected to the Earl, setting the stage for a series of misunderstandings, humorous exchanges, and the unfolding of the main mystery. The opening sets a light-hearted tone while hinting at the convoluted twists yet to come in this whimsical detective escapade.
Ernest Bramah
Four Max Carrados Detective Stories
"Four Max Carrados Detective Stories" by Ernest Bramah is a collection of detective stories written during the early 20th century. The book follows the unique and cunning blind detective Max Carrados as he uses his other heightened senses to solve intriguing mysteries, demonstrating that sight is not the only means of perception. The opening of the first story, "The Coin of Dionysius," introduces Mr. Carlyle, a private detective, who seeks the expertise of Mr. Baxter, a coin dealer, to authenticate a rare coin. Carlyle is in a desperate situation, believing the coin to be linked to an arrest that hangs in the balance. He learns about another expert, Wynn Carrados, who has the reputation for exceptional knowledge despite being blind. The exchange between Carlyle and Baxter lays a foundation of urgency and intrigue as Carlyle seeks to find Carrados and navigate through a web of deceit involving an alleged forgery.
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