Subject
Swindlers and swindling -- Fiction Books
Best books
Herman Melville
The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade
"The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade" by Herman Melville is a novel published in 1857. Set aboard a Mississippi River steamboat on April Fool's Day, the story follows mysterious figures who may be the same man in disguise. These confidence men manipulate passengers through fraud, persuasion, and philosophical conversation, exploiting trust and charity. Blending multiple genres and questioning the line between fiction and reality, Melville crafts a cynical satire about deception, faith, and American society.
Harold Frederic
The Market-Place
"The Market-Place" by Harold Frederic is a novel published posthumously in 1899. It follows Joel Thorpe, a powerful financier who builds a fortune through a rubber syndicate and marries into English aristocracy. After achieving wealth and leisure, he loses his sense of purpose and the commanding strength that once defined him. The novel explores the ethics of money-getting and the role of ambition in modern business, presenting finance as a field for daring and imagination.
Booth Tarkington
The Flirt
"The Flirt" by Booth Tarkington is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Valentine Corliss, a young man returning to his hometown after years abroad. His arrival reintroduces romantic complexities as he finds himself at the center of attention among local social circles, particularly concerning the beautiful Cora Madison and her perceived affections. At the start of the novel, we meet Valentine Corliss as he strolls down Corliss Street on a hot summer day, reflecting on the changes in his hometown. He reminisces about past events and encounters familiar faces that spark memories, particularly relating to childhood rivalries. Shortly thereafter, he visits the Madison household, where he encounters Cora and her sister, Laura. Their contrasting personalities and interactions set the stage for emerging romantic tensions, with Cora being particularly captivated by Corliss's charm. The opening chapter establishes a rich sense of place, character dynamics, and the themes of attraction and social observation that will undoubtedly unfold throughout the novel.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Money for nothing
"Money for Nothing" by P. G. Wodehouse is a novel published in 1928. When diffident estate manager John Carroll falls for Pat Wyvern, she rejects him for lacking backbone. Meanwhile, his miserly uncle Lester Carmody becomes entangled with a trio of fraudsters who devise a scheme to steal family heirlooms and claim the insurance—"money for nothing." As burglaries unfold and romantic complications multiply at Rudge Hall, John must find the courage to confront criminals and win Pat's heart.
Horatio Alger
Joe the Hotel Boy; Or, Winning out by Pluck
"Joe the Hotel Boy; Or, Winning Out by Pluck" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century that focuses on the themes of perseverance and resilience. The story follows a young boy named Joe Bodley, who faces various hardships and challenges as he strives to succeed in life, including working in different hotels and dealing with complex adult situations, all while maintaining his integrity. The opening of the novel introduces Joe during a storm with a wealthy friend, highlighting the disparity between their backgrounds. Joe is the grandson of a hermit, who he supports through hunting and fishing. As the narrative progresses, we learn about Joe's mysterious past, his sense of duty towards his uncle, and his dreams of discovering the truth about his family. The initial chapters set the stage for Joe's journey, filled with trials and adventures, establishing both the character’s determination to rise above his circumstances and the various evildoers he will soon encounter.
Francisco de Quevedo
Pablo de Segovia, the Spanish Sharper
"Pablo de Segovia, the Spanish Sharper" by Francisco de Quevedo is a picaresque novel written around 1604 and published in 1626. This satirical tale follows Don Pablos, a swindler who sets out to learn virtue and become a gentleman—but fails miserably at both. Through Pablos's misadventures, Quevedo crafts a biting critique of Spanish society while punishing his protagonist for daring to rise above his lowborn station. Full of wordplay and caricature, the novel chronicles a cascade of linked calamities that ultimately drive Pablos to embrace the life of a rogue.
Horatio Alger
Bound to Rise; Or, Up the Ladder
"Bound to Rise; Or, Up the Ladder" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a classic novel written in the late 19th century that embodies the themes of striving for success and the pursuit of a better life. The story follows young Harry Walton, a determined boy who, despite his family's poverty, seeks to improve his circumstances through hard work and education. The novel captures the spirit of American optimism during that era, reflecting the belief that anyone can rise to achieve their dreams with perseverance and effort. At the start of the book, we meet the Walton family, deeply affected by financial struggles, particularly the loss of their only cow, which threatens their already tenuous livelihood. As the story introduces us to Harry, it highlights his caring nature and ambition, revealing his desire to help his family. After the cow's demise, Harry decides to leave home to seek work that can support his family financially, inspired by the life of Benjamin Franklin. This decision to strike out into the world sets the stage for his journey, filled with encounters that test his resolve and moral fortitude as he seeks to carve out a successful path for himself.
Guy Boothby
A Prince of Swindlers
"A Prince of Swindlers" by Guy Boothby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the intriguing life of Simon Carne, a masterful con artist who manages to infiltrate high society in London while executing a series of elaborate swindles. The narrative opens with a reflection on the events that have led to a well-known series of thefts, establishing a world where charm and deception intermingle with the opulence of the elite. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the protagonist, Simon Carne, who recounts how he innocently introduced a notorious adventurer into London society, setting the stage for a wave of high-profile crimes. The chapter details Carne's previous life as a Viceroy and his subsequent journey to England, where he navigates through social circles and meticulously plans his daring heists. The narrative builds on his strategic mind and explores themes of disguise and deception, as he prepares to exploit the wealth that the season of festivities brings to the city. Ultimately, the opening lays a foundation for a thrilling tale of crime and cunning that promises to captivate readers with its mix of intrigue and adventure.
George Randolph Chester
Young Wallingford
"Young Wallingford" by George Randolph Chester is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Jonathan Reuben Wix, a roguish and carefree character who engages in dubious activities and adventures, primarily focused on schemes for making easy money. The narrative hints at Wix's colorful personality and interactions, particularly with a more straight-laced friend named Clifford Gilman, setting a tone of humor and witty social commentary. At the start of the novel, Jonathan Reuben Wix is introduced as a jovial and somewhat reckless young man who enjoys gambling and living life to the fullest. After a brief return from a trip to New York, where he indulged in extravagant spending, he finds himself in conversation with Gilman, who reveals his secret practice of investing in wheat trading. As Wix encourages Gilman to embrace riskier ventures, the latter becomes entangled in a shady scheme presented by a mysterious character named Horace G. Daw. The opening portion establishes a vivid contrast between Wix's carefree approach to life and Gilman's cautious nature, setting in motion their subsequent adventures and moral dilemmas.
William Le Queux
The Lady in the Car
"The Lady in the Car" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the intriguing adventures of Prince Albert of Hesse-Holstein as he navigates the complexities of royal life, romance, and clandestine escapades while mingling with captivating women, particularly those from America and Britain. Le Queux dives into themes of social status, identity, and the tension between public persona and private desire. The opening of the book introduces us to the Prince in a luxurious Brighton hotel, where he enjoys a quiet moment of reflection after having dismissed an unwanted visitor. He is distinctly aware of the attention he attracts from other hotel guests, particularly the well-to-do American mother-daughter duo, Mrs. Jesup and Mary. The Prince’s curiosity about Mary leads to a charming invitation for a motor outing together, which serves to highlight their budding connection. Meanwhile, we see hints of intrigue and past adventures involving shadowy characters, setting the stage for a narrative filled with romance and potential mischief, as the Prince's past and present intertwine in surprising ways.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
A Cigarette Clew; Or, "Salted" For a Million
"A Cigarette Clew; Or, ''Salted'' For a Million" by Nicholas Carter is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the renowned detective Nick Carter and his trusty assistant, Patsy, as they embark on a thrilling investigation involving a swindling scheme related to a potentially fraudulent mining operation. The narrative promises a mix of clever deduction and adventurous escapades consistent with classic detective literature. At the start of the story, Nick Carter returns to New York after successfully apprehending swindlers out West and quickly learns from his assistant Patsy about two escaped criminals he had pursued. They meet John Lansing, a young man who survived a murderous attempt by a con artist named Yasmar, who seeks to control Lansing''s family fortune. Lansing reveals his suspicions that Yasmar is involved in a mining investment scheme that he believes is a scam. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they are embroiled in a dangerous game of wits that includes thrilling confrontations and the looming threat from Yasmar and his cohorts. The tension escalates as Nick''s adversaries try to silence him, leading to a gripping opening that sets the stage for a captivating mystery.
Horatio Alger
Fame and Fortune; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter
"Fame and Fortune; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story continues the journey of Richard Hunter, previously introduced as "Ragged Dick," showcasing his struggle from poverty and street life towards respectability and ambition. The narrative focuses on themes of hard work, education, and the pursuit of a better life, illustrating the experiences of young boys in urban America during that time. At the start of the novel, Dick and his friend Henry Fosdick are moving into a new boarding house, reflecting on their recent ascension from a life of vagabondage to one of relative comfort and stability. The narrative provides insights into their optimistic outlook as they begin working respectable jobs after overcoming significant hardships. Dick's previous life as a boot-black is juxtaposed against his current situation, emphasizing his desire for respectability and aspirations for a brighter future. The beginning sets the stage for Dick’s challenges and triumphs as he navigates a new social landscape, determined to succeed and help his friends along the way.
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