Subject
Railroad travel -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mary Roberts Rinehart
The Man in Lower Ten
"The Man in Lower Ten" by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a detective novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Lawrence Blakeley, an attorney who becomes embroiled in a complex murder mystery on a Pullman car traveling between Washington and Pittsburgh. As Blakeley navigates through a series of strange occurrences, a significant crime intersects with personal drama and suspense, steering his life in unexpected directions. The opening of the novel introduces Lawrence Blakeley, who is preparing for a trip to Pittsburgh while recounting a disquieting past incident involving "the man in lower ten" that has left him weary of circumstantial evidence. Blakeley’s travels commence with his friend McKnight handing him a bag of forged notes for safekeeping, all the while expressing a sense of foreboding about his journey. As he boards the train, he finds himself in a markedly uncomfortable situation with an occupying drunk in his berth, leading to further complications when he wakes up to discover a murder in lower ten. Through a blend of mystery and developing relationships—including a potential romantic interest—the opening sets the stage for Blakeley's tumultuous and unpredictable adventure ahead.
Jules Verne
The Adventures of a Special Correspondent Among the Various Races and Countries of Central Asia Being the Exploits and Experiences of Claudius Bombarnac of "The Twentieth Century"
"The Adventures of a Special Correspondent Among the Various Races and Countries of Central Asia" by Jules Verne is a fictional travel narrative written during the late 19th century. The book follows Claudius Bombarnac, a special correspondent for the newspaper "Twentieth Century", as he embarks on a journey filled with adventure and cultural observations while traversing through diverse regions of Central Asia. The opening of the book sets the stage for Claudius Bombarnac's unexpected orders to leave Tiflis, where he had intended to gather material for his newspaper. Instead, he must travel to Uzun Ada and then take a train across the Grand Transasiatic line towards the Celestial Empire. As he prepares for his rush departure, Bombarnac reflects humorously on the complexities of his assignment, the customs and culture of the Transcaucasian regions, and the various characters he encounters, including the vibrant local populace and his fellow travelers, including an American commercial traveler and a surprising German man. His observations and engaging narrative style create a rich tapestry of the world he encounters, providing a glimpse into the life and diversity of Central Asia as he pursues his role as a correspondent.
Stanley Waterloo
The Cassowary; What Chanced in the Cleft Mountains
"The Cassowary; What Chanced in the Cleft Mountains" by Stanley Waterloo is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds with a transcontinental train trapped in a blizzard while traversing the Cleft Mountains, and follows the courageous efforts of John Stafford, a civil engineer, as he attempts to send a distress message for rescue. The narrative highlights themes of human resilience, adventure, and the unpredictability of nature. At the start of the novel, the tumultuous blizzard engulfs a train making its way through a treacherous mountain pass, leading to its eventual halt in a massive snowdrift. As the crew realizes their predicament, they learn that they lack a telegraph operator to send out an emergency call for help. The conductor’s desperate search uncovers Stafford, a skilled engineer, who volunteers to undertake the hazardous task of reaching the telegraph line. The opening portion vividly depicts the harsh elements and the escalating tension as Stafford faces the snow-filled wilderness, setting the stage for a gripping adventure about survival and the human spirit against the odds.
Natalie Sumner Lincoln
The nameless man
"The Nameless Man" by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of political tension and intrigue, it revolves around complex themes of espionage and deception, with a focus on characters like Colonel Calhoun and Julian Barclay who find themselves entangled in a web of conspiracy and murder. The opening of the book introduces Colonel Calhoun, who is troubled by the threats posed by Japan as tensions rise in the Pacific. Calhoun is passionately concerned with America's military and economic security, and his discussion with a companion reveals the gravity of his worries regarding espionage and potential conflict. This scene sets the stage for the unfolding drama, hinting at political machinations and personal stakes that intertwine with the fates of other characters, including Barclay, who soon becomes embroiled in the mysterious death of a fellow traveler named Tilghman on a train journey. As the narrative unfolds, the stakes heighten, revealing layers of intrigue, identity, and perhaps romantic entanglements that complicate the characters' lives.
Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
The Indiscreet Letter
"The Indiscreet Letter" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place during a train journey, where the plot revolves around conversations between various characters, including a traveling salesman and a young girl who has written an "indiscreet letter." The book explores themes of love, uncertainty, and the consequences of revealing one's true feelings. The narrative begins as passengers on the train engage in lighthearted banter, leading to deeper discussions about the nature of relationships and the impact of written communication. The young girl shares her story of survival from a train wreck and the emotional turmoil that followed. In a moment of awakening, she decides to confront the unknown by meeting the recipient of her letter—a man who is both a stranger and a haunting memory. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into her internal struggles while simultaneously witnessing the peculiar dynamics between her, the salesman, and a young electrician. The culmination takes place at the train station, where potential romantic fulfillment and the legitimacy of her emotions hang in the balance, leaving the ending both poignant and open to interpretation.
Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston
Miss Santa Claus of the Pullman
"Miss Santa Claus of the Pullman" by Annie F. Johnston is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on siblings Will'm and Libby Branfield, who are filled with Christmas excitement and anticipation. As they prepare to embark on a journey to join their father and a new stepmother, the children's adventures are infused with themes of belief, kindness, and the magic of Christmas. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the young boy Will'm, who is anxiously waiting for his grandmother to finish telling a Christmas story, while the busy notion shop buzzes with holiday chatter. As he learns about Santa Claus from his sister Libby, the children become eager to send their letters to him. Their journey takes a turn when they learn about their father's plan to introduce a new mother into their lives, causing them to navigate their feelings about the change. The opening chapters cleverly weave together the children's innocence with their growing awareness of love and family dynamics, setting the stage for a heartwarming holiday tale.
Rupert Hughes
Excuse Me!
"Excuse Me!" by Rupert Hughes is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story opens with a comedic and chaotic incident involving a young couple, Lieutenant Harry Mallory and Marjorie Newton, who are desperate to get to their wedding minister on time after their taxicab meets with an unfortunate accident. This tumultuous beginning sets the tone for a light-hearted exploration of love, misadventure, and unexpected obstacles. The opening of the novel introduces us to the young couple as they navigate the aftermath of their taxicab collision, setting off a chain of humorous events. Despite their misfortune, they remain focused on their goal to reach the minister before Harry departs for the Philippines. As they scramble for transportation, the couple's dialogue reveals their deep affection for each other and their determination to marry, even as comedic challenges unfold. This initial scene establishes the playful spirit of the narrative, promising readers an engaging journey filled with romance and mishaps as the couple attempts to solidify their relationship amidst the chaos of their circumstances.
Eden Phillpotts
My Adventure in the Flying Scotsman; A Romance of London and North-Western Railway Shares
"My Adventure in the Flying Scotsman; A Romance of London and North-Western…" by Eden Phillpotts is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds as a romantic and suspenseful adventure revolving around issues of identity, inheritance, and the complexities of human relationships. The protagonist, John Lott, is a banking clerk who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous legacy tied to an inheritance that puts his life at risk. The narrative follows John Lott after the unexpected death of Miss Sarah Beakbane-Minifie, who leaves him a substantial fortune, much to the chagrin of his half-brother, Joshua Beakbane, who has long sought revenge against John for past grievances. As John navigates the perilous waters of his newfound wealth, he encounters the specter of Joshua, who is far from dead, prompting a thrilling chase that intertwines their fates on the famed "Flying Scotsman" train. The story escalates with suspenseful encounters, culminating in a ferocious climax that reveals the depths of jealousy, ambition, and the moral quest for justice. Ultimately, it paints a vivid picture of the complexities of familial ties and the unpredictability of fortune and fate.
Willis Boyd Allen
Christmas on Wheels
"Christmas on Wheels" by Willis Boyd Allen is a charming novella written in the late 19th century. This work falls into the category of fiction, particularly focusing on the themes of love and holiday spirit during the Christmas season. It likely explores the experiences of its characters as they navigate the challenges of travel and unexpected events during a harsh winter in transit. The story revolves around the character Bob Estabrook, who finds himself en route to San Francisco on a snowy Christmas Eve, filled with misanthropy and longing for home. His outlook begins to shift when he encounters Gertrude Raymond and her father aboard the train. As a snowstorm traps the passengers, Gertrude inspires a sense of community, leading to a joyful impromptu Christmas celebration arranged for both the travelers and the less fortunate emigrants on board. Through thoughtful acts and shared joys, Bob discovers love and connection that transcend the cold and desolate winter. The novella ultimately reveals how unexpected circumstances can lead to heartwarming moments, cementing the spirit of Christmas in the most unlikely of places.
Arthur Conan Doyle
Recollections of Captain Wilkie: A Story of an Old Offender
No description available.
Sylvia Jacobs
Young Man from Elsewhen
"Young Man from Elsewhen" by Sylvia Jacobs is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The narrative explores the themes of aging and identity through the lens of time travel, as the protagonist, an elderly man named George, encounters a young man from a future time. The story delves into the existential implications of exchanging bodies and the experiences that come with age, memory, and the desire for vitality. The plot centers around George, an elderly man in a wheelchair, who is on a train journey to visit his daughter, Edna. During the trip, he meets Sandane, a young man who reveals he is from a time beyond George's own. Sandane proposes a radical body swap in which George would obtain a youthful body while Sandane would take over George's aging form, which is nearing its end. As the two navigate their unusual bond, George considers the implications of living life anew, the temporary nature of their arrangement, and what it means to truly embrace life at any age. The story culminates in a surprising and poignant conclusion that leaves George contemplating his newfound freedom against the backdrop of inevitable mortality.
Recently surfaced classics