Mr. Polton Explains

R. Austin Freeman

R. Austin Freemans character Dr. Thorndyke is considered the first modern forensic scientist in literature. This is one of the oddities of detective fiction. The first part of this story is an autobiography of Thorrndykes lab assistant Polton. Polton, Dr. Thorndykes lab assistant and a servant has graced every Thorndyke mystery with his mechanical ingenuity, his sumptuous meals and teas, and his crinkly smile. The second part is a mystery tale, which builds on some of the characters we first saw in the earlier portion. Polton and Dr. Thorndyke faced with a mystery involving a mysterious fire in a Soho house filled with supposedly inflammable objects and a body charred beyond recognition by the fire. Poltons understanding of the mechanisms of clocks leads to a breakthrough in the case.

The Leavenworth Case

Anna Katharine Green

Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935) was one of the first mystery writers in the United States. Called the mother of the detective novel, she was known for her intricate, well-plotted stories, and this novel is no exception. Her first and best known novel, The Leavenworth Case became an overwhelming success and was the best seller of the year. The readers are held spellbound until the very last page. We highly recommend this book!

Shadows of Ecstasy

Charles Williams

The plot of Shadows of Ecstasy is based on the fact that the madman decided to destroy Western civilization. The author could easily punish such a madman. However, as in many of his stories, a person receives forgiveness from God. The plot of the novel is tense, supporters of paganism are trying to protect their world.

Child of Storm

H. Rider Haggard

Allan Quatermain helps his friend from Zulu Saduko win 100 cattle to buy his real love for Mameena. However, Mameena wants to marry another man Allan Quatermain. This is a first-class adventure with increasing intrigue that will interest the reader. The story, where everything is combined: war, politics and sex.

Starr of the Desert

B.M. Bower

In the aftermath of their fathers death, two orphans set out for the wild desert lands of New Mexico with a plan to eke out a living on a goat ranch. Helen May and her brother Vic should moved to this desert after their father arranges to buy property there, to save Helen May from the TB which is threatening her health. Soon after arriving at their destination, the pair strikes up an acquaintance with a mysterious fellow who goes by the name of Starr. Is he a true friend, or does he have a nefarious plan in mind? Read Starr, of the Desert to find out. A New Mexico ranch story of mystery and adventure.

The Forged Coupon and Other Stories

Leo Tolstoy

At the beginning of the story, walking along an incline, some of Tolstoys characters lie, commit robberies and even killings. The author allows his heroes to experience feelings of satisfaction and complete impunity, after they have committed terrible atrocities. Pelageyushkin, going to the massacres, is content with one own impunity. Tolstoy conducts his heroes in hellish circles: all terrible crimes are uncovered. The punishment for the crime hangs with a Damocles sword over the heads of Tolstoy literary characters. It is also interesting that the writer selects his heroes from each social group.

Rogue Herries

Hugh Walpole

This chronicle tells of several generations of a family that lives in the Lake District in England, dating back to the late seventeen hundred. Hughs descriptions of this area are excellent. He had such a great love for him that he conveyed a great sense of his presence throughout all four novels. His characters also become so alive for the reader, because, I think, he is completely immersed in them.

Sketches of Young Gentlemen

Charles Dickens

Following the phenomenal popularity of Sketches by Boz, Dickens produced two short volumes of Sketches of Young Gentlemen and Sketches Young Couples". Dedicated to The Young Ladies of the United Kingdom of Great Britain as well as to other young ladies, Sketches of Young Gentlemen scrutinizes in a very witty and humorous fashion certain familiar characteristics of Victorian men and women. Indeed, the sketches center around certain social stereotypes developed by the author. Whimsical, satirical, witty and exuberant, the sketches ridicule the behavior of their subjects with perfect comic effect, offering fascinating evidence of a writer learning his craft and refining his style. To modern readers, these sketches reveal a hidden facet of the great Victorian novelist as they give a glimpse of his little-known beginnings. Highly recommended!