Subject
Safes -- Fiction Books
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Henry Leverage
The white cipher
"The White Cipher" by Henry Leverage is a crime novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Chester Fay, a skilled safecracker recently released from prison, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes game involving a secret cipher linked to German dyes and an urgent mission from Scotland Yard. As he navigates through a web of intrigue, deception, and past relationships, Fay must decide whether to cooperate with the authorities or return to his old criminal life. At the start of the novel, Chester Fay awakens in his prison cell after serving five years for a high-profile burglary. His unexpected release is facilitated by Inspector MacKeenon from Scotland Yard, who hints that Fay's talents are required for a mission involving a complicated cipher found in three locked boxes related to wartime dye production. With Saidee Isaacs, a significant figure from his past, re-entering the scene, Fay is drawn into a dangerous pursuit that leads him to confront personal and professional demons. The opening sets the stage for deceitful encounters, a potential double-cross, and the rekindling of old flames, as Fay is catapulted back into a life he thought he had left behind.
Murray Leinster
The Vault
"The Vault" by Murray Leinster is a short story written in the early 20th century, likely during the 1920s. This crime fiction tale revolves around a heist set in a jewelry and watch manufacturing plant, exploring themes of deception, betrayal, and the thrilling tension of a burglary in progress. The narrative follows an intruder's unexpected encounter with a bound man and the unfolding revelation of a nefarious plot that complicates what was initially intended to be a simple robbery. The story introduces Mike, a skilled burglar who breaks into the Whitney Jewelry & Watch Company, only to discover a man named Jack, tied up and helpless, in the vault room. Soon, Mike learns that Jack's boss, Saunders, is plotting to rob the company using Jack as a scapegoat to cover his crimes. Tension escalates as Mike overhears Saunders's plan to trap Jack in the vault, leading to a life-or-death situation for both men. In a frantic moment of panic, Mike inadvertently activates a switch that seals Saunders inside the vault, leaving him to face the consequences of his treachery. The story concludes with Mike escaping with part of the payroll, reflecting on the chaotic chain of events and the unexpected outcomes of the night's events.
Henry Leverage
The hollow lens
"The Hollow Lens" by Henry Leverage is a crime fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Chester Fay, a skilled safecracker, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous heist, targeting a notorious criminal known as "The Black Cougar." The narrative delves into the underbelly of the criminal world, highlighting themes of deception, ambition, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The plot unfolds when Fay meets Saidee Laurie, the daughter of a criminal serving time, who proposes a robbery against "The Black Cougar," a man only too familiar with illegal schemes. Together, they devise a plan to penetrate the highly secure vault of this unscrupulous money-grabber, employing innovative techniques to bypass its defenses. As they carry out their intricate scheme, Fay discovers that Saidee's true intentions may not align with his own, revealing a twist of betrayal and clever subterfuge. Ultimately, the story culminates in unexpected revelations about the characters' motivations, intertwining personal stakes with a larger battle against corruption, providing a gripping reading experience packed with suspense.
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