Subject
Secret societies -- Fiction Books
Best books
Agatha Christie
The Big Four
"The Big Four" by Agatha Christie is a detective novel published in 1927. When a dying stranger staggers into Hercule Poirot's bedroom and whispers about an international crime cartel, the famous detective and his friend Hastings find themselves pursuing a shadowy organization led by four powerful masterminds. Their investigation takes them across countries as they uncover kidnappings, mysterious murders, and a deadly new weapon, all orchestrated by criminals who seem always one step ahead.
Cory Doctorow
Eastern Standard Tribe
"Eastern Standard Tribe" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction novel published in 2004. In a future where people organize into online "tribes" based on shared time zones rather than physical location, Art Berry works as a double-agent consultant in London. After a chance encounter with Linda leads to a revolutionary idea for peer-to-peer music sharing, Art becomes entangled in betrayal and conspiracy. Now trapped in an insane asylum, he must piece together how his girlfriend and colleague orchestrated his downfall.
Sax Rohmer
The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu
"The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu" by Sax Rohmer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the period of fascination with Eastern mysteries and criminal psychology. This work serves as a continuation of the notorious adventures tied to the brilliant yet menacing character, Dr. Fu-Manchu, who embodies the "Yellow Peril" stereotype prevalent in literature of the time. The story engages readers with complex characters, such as Nayland Smith, a British commissioner determined to confront the diabolical intentions of Fu-Manchu and rescue his allies from impending danger. The opening of the novel introduces Dr. Petrie, who reminisces about his last communication with Nayland Smith, hinting at his current frustration and uncertainty regarding their mutual adversary, Fu-Manchu. The conversation shifts ominously as Petrie's visitor, the Rev. Eltham, expresses a deep-seated fear about the revival of Fu-Manchu's threat in London, recalling their previous harrowing encounters. The tension escalates when we learn of a mysterious telephone call summoning Petrie to a patient, only to discover it was a hoax. Meanwhile, Eltham vanishes under suspicious circumstances, heightening the sense of urgency and calamity. When Nayland Smith arrives, he reveals his fears that Eltham may have already fallen victim to Fu-Manchu's dark designs, setting the stage for the revival of their epic struggle.
Wilkie Collins
Blind Love
"Blind Love" by Wilkie Collins is an unfinished novel written in 1887-1889 and completed by Sir Walter Besant after Collins's death. Set against the backdrop of Irish political violence and the Fenian movement, the story follows Iris Henley, a bold Englishwoman who falls dangerously in love with Lord Harry Norland—an Irishman involved in a squad of political assassins. Her devotion persists despite his criminal activities, embodying the "blind love" of the title as Collins links Irish independence struggles with questions of women's autonomy and choice.
E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
Peter Ruff and the Double Four
“Peter Ruff and the Double Four” by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to the enigmatic Mr. Peter Ruff, who is not just another character in a mystery but rather a pivotal player tangled in the intricate web of crime and deception. As the plot unfolds, it hints at a thrilling and complex tale filled with suspense, perhaps involving crime investigation or detection, emphasizing Ruff's unusual talents and foreshadowing his unexpected adventures. The opening portion of the book introduces us to a seemingly mundane supper party at Daisy Villa, where the unsuspecting Barnes family hosts a dinner for their daughter’s suitor, Mr. Spencer Fitzgerald. However, the atmosphere quickly takes a dark turn with the entrance of the police, revealing that Fitzgerald is not who he seems. As he deceives the entire household with his polite demeanor, he makes a shocking escape, leaving the family in utter confusion. Transitioning from this scene, we glimpse into Fitzgerald’s secret dealings and connections with a mysterious woman named Violet, as he contemplates his new future as a private detective. This sets the stage for Peter Ruff's eventual emergence, blending elements of crime, intrigue, and the complexities of human relationships.
Sax Rohmer
Fire-Tongue
"Fire-Tongue" by Sax Rohmer is a detective novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Paul Harley, an unofficial investigator who is drawn into a web of dangerous intrigue after a distinguished client, Sir Charles Abingdon, reveals that he believes his life is in jeopardy. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is introduced to themes of surveillance and espionage, setting the stage for a complex investigation that may involve powerful enemies and hidden motives. The opening of the book introduces Paul Harley during an uneventful day in his Chancery Lane office. He reflects on cases from his past when suddenly Sir Charles Abingdon arrives, visibly troubled and fearful. As they talk, Sir Charles details his concerns of being followed and mentions a recent assault against him. His account is punctuated by the unsettling notion that he has been the target of an unknown enemy connected to a mysterious figure he calls "Fire-Tongue." After agreeing to dine with Sir Charles that evening to discuss matters further, tragedy strikes when Sir Charles collapses and utters the name "Nicol Brinn" alongside "Fire-Tongue," leaving Harley to unravel the connections between these troubling names and the imminent peril that now surrounds him.
T. W. (Thomas Wilkinson) Speight
A Dead Reckoning
"A Dead Reckoning" by T. W. Speight is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Clara Brooke and her relationships, particularly with her husband, Gerald Brooke. As tension builds following a mysterious murder of a baron, the narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of silence and secrets, all set against the backdrop of a suspenseful and dramatic plot. At the start of the novel, Clara exchanges lighthearted banter with her aunt about married life, but this fragile peace is soon disrupted by a series of events foreshadowing turmoil. Clara and her friends find themselves reflecting on personal relationships while a sense of unease is introduced through a gunshot heard nearby, hinting at larger troubles. The entrance of a stranger, Henri Picot, and his father adds a layer of intrigue, leading to Clara's decision to help them as the story unfolds into a tale of murder, suspicion, and the complexities of social connections. The opening chapters set the stage for a gripping narrative filled with mysterious encounters and emotional depth, promising readers an engaging exploration of its characters' lives.
Olive M. (Olive Mary) Briggs
The Black Cross
"The Black Cross" by Olive M. Briggs is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set in St. Petersburg during a politically charged atmosphere where social injustices are rampant. It follows the story of Velasco, a talented violinist on the cusp of fame, as he navigates the intertwining worlds of art, revolution, and personal dilemmas. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of a snowy night in St. Petersburg, where the Mariínski Theatre is filled with anticipation for the performance of the celebrated violinist Velasco. The scene is filled with wealthy spectators murmuring about the artist, while the narrative hints at a looming conflict involving political unrest and an impending danger. A chance encounter occurs between Velasco and a vexed older man after a sleigh accident, leading to a tense moment that foreshadows deeper engagements with themes of anarchism and rebellion. As the crowd becomes enthralled by his performance, Velasco receives a mysterious note from Kaya, which introduces a personal crisis and intertwines his fate with the tumultuous backdrop of revolutionary activities happening in the city. This opening presents both the charm of Velasco's artistic world and the grim realities of the society around him, setting the stage for conflict and intrigue.
Phyllis Sterling Smith
What is POSAT?
"What is POSAT?" by Phyllis Sterling Smith is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. This intriguing story revolves around a mysterious secret society called POSAT, which promises its members mastery of all knowledge and solutions to life's problems. The narrative is centered around three diverse characters—Bill Evans, Elizabeth Arnable, and Donald Alford—who each respond to an advertisement for membership in POSAT, sparking their journey into an enigmatic world that blends metaphysical concepts with scientific inquiry. The plot follows Donald Alford, a research physicist, as he delves deeper into the workings of POSAT after receiving an invitation for a personal interview. Initially skeptical, Donald discovers that POSAT is not merely a typical secret society but instead a group founded by a super-genius from the Renaissance era who has been safeguarding advanced scientific knowledge for centuries. As he explores the society’s secrets, he grapples with questions surrounding human nature, morality, and the pursuit of knowledge. Ultimately, Donald’s journey leads him to confront grand ideas about the responsibilities that come with knowledge and the potential consequences of scientific advancements in a world fraught with conflict, culminating in a choice between skepticism and acceptance of this deeper truth.
E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
The Double Four
"The Double Four" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Peter Ruff, a man who has attempted to leave behind a life of intrigue and danger for a peaceful existence on his estate in Somerset. However, he is drawn back into the world of espionage and manipulation by the enigmatic Madame de Maupassim, who has just passed away, leaving Ruff to navigate treacherous alliances, a secret organization known as the Double Four, and the political tensions of Europe. The opening of the novel introduces Peter Ruff as he receives a mysterious summons from Madame de Maupassim, which disrupts his idyllic rural life. Despite initially resisting the call back into his past, he feels compelled to follow the trail of his wife's whereabouts, who has seemingly vanished. As the narrative unfolds, we learn of Ruff's complex relationship with power and ambition, his recruitment into the clandestine activities of the Double Four, and the dramatic events that ensue as he confronts the legacies left by Madame. The beginning sets a tone of unfolding suspense and the duality of character, emphasizing Ruff's struggle as he is thrust back into a world he thought he had escaped.
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