Subject
Secret service -- Fiction Books
Best books
Erskine Childers
The Riddle of the Sands
"The Riddle of the Sands" by Erskine Childers is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story is a thrilling maritime adventure that blends elements of espionage and political intrigue, centered around the main character, Carruthers, who is drawn into a mysterious yachting trip with his old acquaintance, Davies. The narrative promises an exploration of both the physical waters of the Baltic Sea and the murky depths of national security. At the start of the tale, Carruthers is introduced as a somewhat disaffected young man, feeling out of place in the bustle of post-summer London, where his friends have abandoned the city for leisure. He receives an unexpected letter from Davies, inviting him to a yachting expedition in the Schleswig fiords. As Carruthers prepares for this journey, he reflects on his past encounters with Davies and his own sense of ennui. The beginning of the novel establishes both characters and sets up the mysterious ambiance that hints at deeper political currents, signaling that their trip could involve more than just leisurely yachting and shooting. The stage is set for an adventure that promises to blend personal growth with larger, unseen threats.
William Le Queux
The Red Room
"The Red Room" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the mysterious and sudden murder of Professor Greer, a prominent chemist, and the implications that fall upon Kershaw Kirk, a peculiar man who has ties to the victim. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Mr. Holford, a motor engineer, who finds himself caught in a whirlwind of intrigue as Kirk seeks assistance to unravel the complex web of secrets surrounding the crime. At the start of the story, on January 15, 1907, Mr. Holford is approached by Kirk while working in his garage. Kirk requests to review a special German tyre in secrecy, hinting at a deeper connection to a serious issue. Their meeting lays the groundwork for a troubling friendship, as Kirk reveals his implications in a murder that takes place at the home of Professor Greer shortly after their discussion. Holford is soon drawn into a narrative filled with suspicion, hidden motives, and a series of curious events that escalate when the Professor's daughter is found dead under similarly mysterious circumstances, amplifying the tension in a tale where nothing is as it appears.
Valentine Williams
The Return of Clubfoot
"The Return of Clubfoot" by Valentine Williams is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Desmond Okewood, a Secret Service agent who embarks on an adventurous quest for hidden treasure in Central America. As he navigates dangerous encounters with his old nemesis, the Man with the Clubfoot, the narrative promises elements of intrigue, suspense, and romance. The opening of the book introduces Okewood during a holiday in a tropical setting, where he encounters a dying beach-comber who reveals the existence of a hidden treasure on Cock Island in the Pacific. A cipher he possesses is vital to finding the treasure, setting the stage for conflict with the Clubfoot. As the plot unfolds, we are introduced to vibrant characters, including a millionaire's daughter and a humorous interaction with a woman named Doña Luisa, leading to Okewood's decision to follow the beach-comber's urgent request for assistance. This sets up a tale filled with anticipation and adventure.
Victor Bridges
A Rogue by Compulsion: An Affair of the Secret Service
"A Rogue by Compulsion: An Affair of the Secret Service" by Victor Bridges is a novel written during the early 20th century. It follows the thrilling escape of Neil Lyndon, a convict from Dartmoor prison, who seizes a sudden opportunity to flee amidst chaos. This gripping tale delves into themes of freedom, survival, and the darker sides of human nature as Lyndon navigates his plight against a backdrop of dangerous circumstances and suspenseful intrigue. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to Neil Lyndon, who is in the process of being herded back to prison when a fellow inmate's escape triggers a chaotic distraction. Seizing this fleeting moment of opportunity, Lyndon leaps into the woods and begins a desperate run for freedom, relying on his wits and physical prowess. As he traverses the treacherous terrain, he contemplates his past, grappling with memories of his trial and betrayal by his partner, George Marwood. Following a series of harrowing encounters, he reaches the sanctuary of a remote house, where he is unexpectedly met with both assistance and suspicion from its inhabitants, leading to further intrigue as he considers their intentions and the potential for revenge against those who wronged him.
Melville Davisson Post
Walker of the Secret Service
"Walker of the Secret Service" by Melville Davisson Post is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the adventures of a young man who becomes deeply involved with a gang of train robbers, led by the clever and resourceful Mooney. The narrative offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of crime during that era, focusing on their daring endeavors against the law and their attempts to make a significant heist. At the start of the book, the protagonist finds himself in a small town, drawn into a life of adventure when he encounters a mysterious little man named Mooney, who is part of a circus crew but has ulterior motives. The opening narrative details the young man's curiosity and willingness to embrace risk, leading him to accept a mission involving a significant robbery. Mooney, maintaining an air of cunning and danger, recruits the young man for a plan to intercept and rob a train carrying valuable Mexican government money. The intrigue builds as the young man learns the ins and outs of Mooney's schemes, setting the stage for an engaging tale of ambition, crime, and surprising twists.
Thomson Burtis
Direct methods
"Direct Methods" by Thomson Burtis is a thrilling adventure story written in the early 20th century, likely during the 1920s. The book unfolds against the backdrop of aviation and Army Air Service operations in a time when air power was becoming increasingly crucial in military strategy. The plot centers around an important mission to capture a notorious criminal mastermind behind a series of high-profile mail robberies, presenting themes of bravery, ingenuity, and the high-stakes nature of law enforcement. The narrative follows Mr. Graves, a government operative, as he coordinates with General O’Malley and two seasoned pilots, Broughton and Hinkley, to execute a complex plan to capture Stanislaus Hayden, the criminal kingpin, alive. Utilizing an elaborate ruse, they crash-land a bomber near Hayden's hideout in the Appalachian Mountains, disguised as Army officers. As the tension builds, the group must navigate both their precarious situation and the dangers posed by Hayden’s armed henchmen. Packed with action, strategy, and quick thinking, "Direct Methods" portrays a tantalizing cat-and-mouse game as the protagonists fight to achieve their goals while preserving their lives in the treacherous woods filled with criminals.
Herbert George Jenkins
John Dene of Toronto: A Comedy of Whitehall
"John Dene of Toronto: A Comedy of Whitehall" by Herbert George Jenkins is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story trends around John Dene, an unconventional inventor from Toronto who comes to England with an innovative military design meant to combat the German U-boats during World War I. His brash personality and directness create a stark contrast with the traditional British officialdom he encounters at the Admiralty. The opening of the book introduces John Dene as he arrives at the Admiralty in London, determined to present his ideas to the First Lord of the Admiralty. His lack of decorum and refusal to follow formalities baffles the staff, highlighting the cultural differences between Dene's straightforward Canadian approach and the reserved British methods. After some initial resistance, he manages to secure an audience, conveying his urgency and confidence in his groundbreaking submarine technology. This sets the stage for further interactions as Dene challenges bureaucratic norms and showcases his swagger as he navigates the complexities of British bureaucracy and military strategy amidst the pressing backdrop of wartime.
Talbot Mundy
Affair in Araby
"Affair in Araby" by Talbot Mundy is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book intricately weaves a narrative set against the backdrop of Middle Eastern politics and intrigue, revolving around the efforts to support Feisul, the third son of the King of Mecca, as he strives to unite the Arab nations amidst external pressures and threats. The opening portion introduces the main characters including James Schuyler Grim, an astute political strategist, and Jeremy Ross, a spirited Australian with a penchant for audacity. The story commences with a richly metaphorical discussion about the nature of power and loyalty, framed through the lens of a chess game that serves as an allegory for the political maneuverings in the region. As Grim reveals his ongoing efforts to support Feisul and counteract French interference, the plot thickens with stakes involving gold mines, military loyalties, and potential revolutions. Jeremy's enthusiasm contrasts with Grim's more calculating demeanor, setting the stage for their subsequent adventures across the desert, the alliances they form, and the impending crisis they need to navigate in Jerusalem and Damascus.
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