Subject
Royal North West Mounted Police (Canada) -- Fiction Books
Best books
James Oliver Curwood
The Valley of Silent Men: A Story of the Three River Country
"The Valley of Silent Men: A Story of the Three River Country" by James Oliver Curwood is a novel likely penned in the early 20th century. This narrative transports readers to the Canadian wilderness, particularly to Athabasca Landing, a hub of adventure and commerce before the encroachment of the railroad, focusing on the interplay between civilization and the wild. The story centers on James Kent, a sergeant in the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, who is faced with his impending death and a murder confession that complicates his reality and relationships. At the start of the narrative, Kent finds himself in an unusual situation as he grapples with the knowledge of his mortality following a gunshot wound. His thoughts drift between contemplation of the beauty of the wilderness surrounding him and the grim acknowledgment of his confession implicating himself in the murder of John Barkley. The opening sets the stage for Kent’s interactions with his friends, including Inspector Kedsty and Staff-Sergeant O'Connor, who express disbelief at his confession. Adding intrigue to the plot is the enigmatic presence of a young woman named Marette Radisson, who appears to have a significant connection to the unfolding events—their meeting laden with tension and questions regarding her motives. As Kent's story unfolds, themes of honor, truth, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of death are central to the narrative.
Hulbert Footner
The Woman from Outside [On Swan River]
"The Woman from Outside" by Hulbert Footner is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the majestic and mysterious landscapes of the Canadian North, the story revolves around the arrival of a new, enigmatic doctor, Ernest Imbrie, whose presence intrigues and unsettles the established community at Fort Enterprise. The narrative begins by introducing various characters at the post, highlighting their conversations and anticipations regarding the cold, isolated environment they inhabit. At the start of the book, the local residents at Fort Enterprise are engaged in a discussion concerning the tardy arrival of the mail and their growing curiosity about the mysterious Imbrie, who has seemingly isolated himself in an unexplored region beyond the Swan River. The arrival of Kakisa Indians underscores a disruption, and the discovery of Imbrie's intentions creates a wave of intrigue and resentment among the inhabitants, particularly the trader John Gaviller. As the plot unfolds, hints are dropped about the potential connections and tensions that may arise with the newcomer, foreshadowing deeper interpersonal dynamics and mysteries yet to be revealed. The opening thus sets the stage for a compelling mix of adventure and exploration in the wild, combined with an exploration of human relationships and the community’s response to the unknown.
A. De Herries (Augustus De Herries) Smith
Arctic angels
"Arctic Angels" by A. DeHerries Smith is a short story that falls under the category of adventure fiction, likely penned in the late 1920s. The narrative is set in the Arctic Northwest, showcasing the challenges faced by the Northwest Mounted Police in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The story revolves around themes of duty, survival, and the interaction between the police, local traders, and the indigenous Eskimo population. The plot centers on Sergeant Richard Cleaver, stationed at a remote detachment, who grapples with the moral dilemma of how to provide sustenance for starving Eskimos while dealing with the unscrupulous trader, Scarth. Tensions rise as Cleaver learns that Scarth has failed to feed his own starving huskies, and the desperation of the situation pushes him to hunt walrus for meat. The sergeant's determination to fulfill his promise to the indigenous people leads to a confrontation with the trader and a series of comical yet dire circumstances that test his leadership and integrity. Ultimately, the story resolves with a sense of triumph as Cleaver ensures that both the Eskimos and the dogs will receive the nourishment they desperately need, highlighting themes of compassion amidst adversity.
James Oliver Curwood
The Valley of Silent Men: A Story of the Three River Country
"The Valley of Silent Men: A Story of the Three River Country" by James Oliver Curwood is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story delves into the rugged and transformative environment of the Canadian wilderness, focusing on a character named Jim Kent, a sergeant in the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, who is grappling with the consequences of a violent act he committed. As he confronts the notion of death, the narrative also explores themes of adventure, love, and the clash between civilization and the wild through its richly painted characters and settings. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Jim Kent, who lies on his deathbed after being shot in the chest by a half-breed. As he accepts his impending demise, he reflects on his life, the wilderness that has been his home, and the choices he's made. An intriguing encounter with a young woman, Marette Radisson, unfolds, revealing her curiosity and connection to the dynamics of life and death. Marette's presence introduces an element of mystique, as it becomes evident that she might hold knowledge of the true circumstances surrounding Kent's violent act. The opening chapters establish a tense yet captivating atmosphere, revealing a deep interconnection between Kent's fate and the broader narrative of law, nature, and the heart of the North.
Ottwell Binns
The Lady of North Star
"The Lady of North Star" by Ottwell Binns is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Corporal Bracknell of the North-west Mounted Police, who has been pursuing a man named Koona Dick for nearly four hundred miles. As he ventures into the rugged wilderness, he unexpectedly encounters a mysterious woman in distress and a grave incident that leads to the investigation of a potential murder. The opening of the novel sets a tense atmosphere as Corporal Bracknell navigates both the physical and emotional challenges of the Northland. The corporal is initially on a mission to capture Koona Dick but finds himself embroiled in a deeper mystery upon hearing gunshots and a woman's terrified cry. The narrative unfolds as he meets Joy Gargrave, who holds secrets regarding her connection to Koona Dick, raising questions about love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships in the harsh wilderness.
Robert William Reading
My toughest trip
"My Toughest Trip" by Sergeant Reading is an Arctic adventure narrative written in the early 20th century. As an account from a member of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police (now the Royal Canadian Mounted Police), the book provides a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by officers patrolling the harsh Arctic landscape and interacting with the local Inuit populations. The narrative centers around the intense experiences and responsibilities of a Mountie, particularly during a rescue mission that takes a dramatic turn. The storyline follows Sergeant Reading as he undertakes the task of returning an Eskimo woman, Nuttinook, to her rightful husband after resolving a dispute over her abduction. During their journey, they face unforeseen hardships when a storm leaves them stranded on an island. Compounding their troubles, Nuttinook unexpectedly gives birth to a baby girl, while Reading is left to navigate both the emotional and physical challenges of keeping the newborn alive in the unforgiving Arctic wilderness. Throughout the ordeal, Reading showcases his resourcefulness and determination, ultimately fulfilling his duty and returning the child to her community despite the heartbreaking loss of her mother. The account emphasizes both the difficulty and the nobility of the work done by the Mounties in the Arctic, contrasting romanticized portrayals with the realities of their experiences.
James Oliver Curwood
La Vallée du Silence
"La Vallée du Silence" by James Oliver Curwood is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the vast wilderness of the Canadian North, focusing on characters such as James Grenfell Kent, a man facing imminent death due to a gunshot wound, and the mysterious Marette Radisson, who appears to have an intriguing connection to the events surrounding him. The narrative sets the stage for themes of adventure, love, and the struggle between the encroaching civilization and the untouched wild. The beginning of the novel introduces the reader to the port of Athabasca, a pivotal gateway to the mysterious adventures of the Great White North. Kent, who is informed by his doctor that he has little time left to live, grapples with existential questions as he reflects on his life and the wilderness he loves. His confessions, meant to absolve an innocent man, lead to revelations about his past and the impact of relationships formed under perilous circumstances. Enter Marette, a captivating character with a connection to the story's tension, who seems determined to assist Kent, signaling a deeper mystery that promises to unfold as the plot progresses.
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