Subject
Robbery -- Fiction Books
Best books
William Le Queux
The rat trap
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W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
The Buckaroo of Blue Wells
"The Buckaroo of Blue Wells" by W. C. Tuttle is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around James Eaton Legg, an ex-bookkeeper who, disillusioned with his mundane life, decides to pursue a more adventurous career as a cowboy. This whimsical journey takes him from the drudgery of office work to the rugged yet vibrant landscape of Blue Wells, Arizona, where wild characters and escapades await. The opening portion introduces us to Jim Legg, who feels trapped in his role at a grocery firm in San Francisco. After a series of humorous and bold interactions, including an unexpected resignation and a fight with a surly express messenger, Jim finds himself embarking on a tumultuous journey to Blue Wells, accompanied by a stray dog named Geronimo. Upon arriving, he is engulfed in the local chaos, including a train robbery and the mischief of wild cowboys. The narrative sets the tone for an engaging tale filled with camaraderie, adventure, and a touch of comedic mishap, inviting readers to join Jim on his transition from office worker to aspiring cowboy.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Hidden blood
"Hidden Blood" by W. C. Tuttle is a Western novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two cowboys, Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens, as they navigate their way through the rugged landscape of the American Southwest, looking for relief from Hashknife's debilitating rheumatism. The plot revolves around their encounter with the enigmatic Big Medicine Hawkworth and the tensions that arise with various characters, including the dangerous Pedro Torres. The opening of the book introduces readers to Hashknife and Sleepy as they seek solace from their troubles at a remote stage station called Piute. Here, they learn about the hot springs owned by Big Medicine Hawkworth, which are rumored to alleviate Hashknife’s condition. Upon arriving at the Hawkworth ranch, the duo becomes embroiled in a brewing conflict involving a stagecoach robbery, a wounded stranger, and the ominous presence of Torres and his accomplices. The narrative sets a scene of intrigue and danger as Hashknife's condition improves, but dark forces and confrontations loom on the horizon, promising further complications for the duo.
Angelo Hall
Forty-one Thieves: A Tale of California
"Forty-one Thieves: A Tale of California" by Angelo Hall is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story seems to focus on the life of William F. Cummins, whose tragic encounter with highwaymen leads to his murder, sparking a quest for justice among his friends and community. The narrative is set against the backdrop of California during the gold rush era, exploring themes of crime, morality, and human nature. The opening of the novel establishes a somber tone, setting the stage with a poignant epitaph for Cummins, who was slain by robbers near Nevada City. As the tale unfolds, we meet key characters such as the stoic stage-driver Mat Bailey, the romantic young teacher Mamie Slocum, and the determined John Keeler, all of whom are woven into the fabric of Cummins' demise and his legacy. Through their interactions and reflections, the story hints at the lawlessness of California's gold rush, the moral dilemmas faced by individuals within that chaotic society, and the enduring impact of Cummins' life and death on those left behind, ultimately leading to a quest for avengers of his murder.
Roy Norton
The lost charm
"The Lost Charm" by Roy Norton is a crime fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the mystery of a stagecoach robbery, exploring themes of deception, friendship, and justice. Set against the backdrop of the American West, it combines elements of adventure and detective work as the protagonist seeks to uncover the truth behind the heist and exonerate an innocent man. The narrative follows David, a quick-witted and resourceful character, as he investigates a recent stage robbery that has rocked his community. The storyline begins with David learning about the theft of a substantial amount of money belonging to the unscrupulous businessman Tom Shaughnessy. As he delves deeper, David uncovers a convoluted scheme involving betrayal, questionable alliances, and hidden identities. He discovers key evidence tying Shaughnessy to the robbery, including a distinctive watch charm. With the help of his partners, David devises a plan to confront Shaughnessy, ultimately leading to the restoration of justice for the wrongly accused and the revelation of the dark undertones of greed and manipulation. As David emerges triumphant, the themes of loyalty and cunning shine through in this engaging tale of mystery and adventure.
Jacques Futrelle
The Chase of the Golden Plate
"The Chase of the Golden Plate" by Jacques Futrelle is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative sets off at a lavish masked ball attended by an eclectic mix of historical and fictional characters. The story quickly introduces a Burglar, who cleverly navigates through the festivities, hinting at an underlying plot involving theft and deception. The opening of the book unfolds with a vibrant description of the masked ball, setting a whimsical yet suspenseful atmosphere as the characters mingle. The Burglar's arrival captures the attention of key figures, including Cardinal Richelieu and the Mikado, while he jests about his intentions. As the scene progresses, the plot hints at a deeper conspiracy when a mysterious girl known as the Girl of the Golden West interacts with him, suggesting preparations for a secretive venture. This intriguing start establishes a blend of adventure and romance, creating significant anticipation for what will transpire as the tale of the stolen gold plate unravels.
Walt Coburn
The man who hated himself
"The Man Who Hated Himself" by Walt Coburn is a novel set against the backdrop of the harsh Montana cattle trails during the infamous Great Blizzard of '86. Written in the early 20th century, the story delves into themes of desperation, morality, and redemption as it follows the rugged lives of cattlemen. The central topic revolves around the struggles of the protagonist, Buck Bell, against both the unforgiving winter and the weight of his own choices. The narrative follows Buck Bell, a cowboy who, driven by a series of unfortunate events and poor decisions, resorts to stealing a large payday intended for miners. As the story unfolds, Buck grapples with guilt and the consequences of his actions during one of the worst winters in history. He finds himself caring for a fellow cowboy, Cotton Eye, who he had previously been wronged by during a poker game. Their relationship complicates Buck's situation further as he confronts his past misdeeds. Ultimately, the story leads to themes of forgiveness and the arduous journey of redemption as Buck battles the elements and his own inner demons, culminating in a profound transformation sparked by survival and sacrifice.
Walter Frith
The Sack of Monte Carlo: An Adventure of To-day
"The Sack of Monte Carlo: An Adventure of To-day" by Walter Frith is a fictional novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Vincent Blacker, a Lieutenant in the H.M. Militia, who devises an outrageous plan to raid the gambling tables at the iconic Monte Carlo casino. Motivated by love, particularly his desire to win back his wife’s family estate for her, Blacker enlists the help of various colorful characters while grappling with the moral implications of their reckless scheme. At the start of the novel, Vincent Blacker shares the inception of his bold idea while lounging in bed one morning. He explains the motivations behind the planned heist, including the substantial amount of money believed to be present at Monte Carlo and his desire to see the wealth redistributed to charitable causes. As he introduces his past with Lucy Thatcher, his love interest, and their intertwined fates, he sets the stage for the upcoming adventure with hints of camaraderie and mischief. The beginning establishes a lighthearted, yet daring tone as Blacker prepares to assemble his crew and embark on what could be a disastrous yet thrilling escapade.
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.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Loco or Love
"Loco or Love" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous novel set in the American West during the early 20th century. The story follows two partners, Ike Harper and Sheriff Magpie Simpkins, as they navigate their roles in law enforcement while becoming entangled in a budding romance with a mysterious woman named Lily Lester. The plot delves into themes of friendship, love, and the often comedic misadventures of life on the frontier. The narrative unfolds as Ike and Magpie, after discovering Lily’s cabin, become infatuated with her. Their friendly rivalry for her affection leads to a series of humorous exchanges and interactions, filled with witty banter and misunderstandings. As they attempt to protect Lily and pursue their duties as lawmen, they inadvertently face a robbery, and it is through these escapades that their true feelings emerge. The story reaches a turning point when they stumble upon Lily's secret identity, revealing her connection to Abraham Lincoln, adding a twist to their love-struck pursuit. Ultimately, the book combines elements of comedy and adventure, highlighting the dilemmas of love and friendship against the backdrop of their tumultuous lives in the wild West.
Thomson Burtis
The sky sheriff: The pioneer spirit lives again in the Texas Airplane Patrol
"The Sky Sheriff: The Pioneer Spirit Lives Again in the Texas Airplane Patrol" by Thomson Burtis is a fictional adventure story published in the early 1920s. The narrative takes place in Texas and revolves around the courageous exploits of a sheriff and his crew as they patrol the Texas-Mexico border using aircraft, showcasing their pioneering spirit. The book likely explores themes of bravery, camaraderie, and the challenges faced in this unique environment. The story follows Sheriff Bill Trowbridge and a group of young flyers, including a recent recruit named Sleepy Spears. They find themselves in a tense situation when a criminal named Cal Buchanan, recently released from jail, plots to rob an old friend of Trowbridge, George Bilney. After a robbery goes awry, resulting in Bilney being shot and left for dead and his daughter, Judith, bound and gagged, Trowbridge and Sleepy take to the skies in pursuit of Buchanan. The chase is thrilling, highlighting the contrast between the old Wild West lawman and the new age of aviation, culminating in an intense confrontation as they seek to bring the criminal to justice and protect Judith and her father.
Frederic Arnold Kummer
Star Pirate
"Star Pirate" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century, specifically published in the summer of 1940. The story revolves around themes of familial loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for redemption within the setting of space piracy and asteroid mining. At its core, it explores the complicated relationship between a son and his estranged father, set against a backdrop of adventure and tension in a futuristic universe. The plot follows Stephen McClean, who discovers that his father, Vance, a notorious thief and murderer, has returned to take revenge on his uncle, who once let him escape after a deadly incident years ago. While guarding a fortune in palladium on the asteroid Ceres, Stephen is captured by his father, who plans to rob his uncle. In a desperate attempt to thwart his father's plan, Stephen ingeniously escapes and calls for help. With the aid of Clare, the daughter of his father's former partner, they confront Vance and his accomplice, ultimately leading to a violent confrontation where family secrets and past grievances come to light. The climax reveals themes of sacrifice and reconciliation, culminating in a renewed familial bond.
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