CONTENTS: ALEXANDER PUSHKIN 1. The Queen of Spades ALGERNON BLACKWOOD: 2. Confession 3. S. O. S. 4. The Wings of Horus ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE 5. B. 24 ARTHUR O. FRIEL: 6. The Spider 7. The Vulture ARTHUR QUILLER-COUCH: 8. Statement of Gabriel Foot, Highwayman 9. The Affair of Bleakirk-on-Sands 10. The Countess of Bellarmine ARTHUR STRINGER: 11. The Adolescence of Number Eighty-Seven 12. The Button Thief 13. The Wire-Tappers ARTHUR TRAIN: 14. Extradition 15. The Baron de Ville 16. The Golden To...

DEEP, DARK & UNSETTLING gathers more than a century of Gothic experimentation into a capacious archive of terror, wonder, and psychological disturbance. Its contents range from foundational castle romances, spectral ballads, and Faustian tales to detective mysteries, decadent fantasies, imperial nightmares, and proto-science-fictional horrors. Recurring images—ruined houses, forbidden manuscripts, doubles, revenants, persecuted heroines, and corrupted inheritances—demonstrate how Gothic wr...

We rely on your support to help us keep producing beautiful, free, and unrestricted editions of literature for the digital age. Will you support our efforts with a donation ? Guy Newell Boothby , born in Adelaide, was one of the most popular of Australian authors in the late 19th and early 20th century, writing dozens of novels of sensational fiction. A Bid for Fortune, or Dr. Nikola's Vendetta is the first of his series of five books featuring the sinister mastermind Dr. Nikola, a charact...

Guy Newell Boothby, born in Adelaide, was one of the most popular of Australian authors in the late 19th and early 20th century, writing dozens of novels of sensational fiction.A Bid for Fortune, or Dr. Nikola's Vendetta is the first of his series of five books featuring the sinister mastermind Dr. Nikola, a character of gothic appearance usually accompanied by a large black cat, and who has powers of mesmerism.In this first novel, the protagonist is a young Australian, Ric...

The Treasure of Sacramento Nick by Guy Boothby is presented in a clean English digital edition with active navigation. The book belongs to action & adventure and preserves the character of the source text for sustained ebook reading. The opening pages establish the work's atmosphere with this first movement: AWAY on the northern most coast of Australia lies a little world all by itself, and unlike anything else to be found in the whole immemorial East. Its chief centre is in Torres Straits...

The story follows the adventures of the protagonist, who is likely a European adventurer or explorer, drawn into a web of intrigue and danger in a remote, exotic location—possibly in the jungles of Borneo or another part of Southeast Asia.The White Devil: The title character, known as the Beautiful White Devil, is a mysterious and seductive woman who captivates and ensnares the protagonist and other characters in the story. Her motives and true nature are ambiguous, adding to the suspense ...

"In Strange Company" follows the adventures of the protagonist, who finds himself embroiled in thrilling and perilous situations:Introduction of the Protagonist: The story introduces a character who ventures into the unknown regions of Chile and the Southern Seas, driven by a sense of adventure and discovery.Exotic Settings: The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of diverse and captivating landscapes, from the bustling streets of Chilean cities to the remote islands and waters of the S...

"A Prince of Swindlers" follows the exploits of a charming and resourceful con artist named Sir Hector, who is also known as the Prince of Swindlers. Sir Hector is a master of deception and manipulation, using his wit and skills to carry out a series of elaborate schemes and cons.The novel delves into Sir Hector's various schemes and the impact they have on those around him. Despite his criminal activities, Sir Hector is portrayed with a certain charisma and sophistication, which adds comp...

"The Red Rat's Daughter" revolves around the adventures of a young woman named Katherine Petrovitch, the daughter of a Russian revolutionary known as the "Red Rat." The story begins in Russia, where Katherine's father, Count Petrovitch, is involved in revolutionary activities against the Tsarist regime. Following a tragic incident, Katherine is forced to flee Russia to escape the authorities and protect her life.As the narrative unfolds, Katherine finds herself in various European cities, ...

In "A Crime of the Under-seas," Boothby crafts a gripping tale of adventure and intrigue set in the mysterious and often dangerous world beneath the sea. The story typically involves elements of crime, suspense, and exploration, reflecting Boothby's flair for creating thrilling narratives.The plot centers around an audacious crime that takes place under the sea, possibly involving submarines or underwater exploration, which were burgeoning fields of interest during Boothby's time. The nove...

In "Sheilah McLeod," the story follows the titular character, Sheilah McLeod, as she navigates life in the Australian outback, often referred to as the "back blocks." The term "back blocks" typically denotes rural or remote areas, far from urban centers.The novel is likely to explore Sheilah McLeod's adventures, challenges, and relationships within this rugged and isolated environment. Boothby's writing style often incorporates elements of adventure, romance, and suspense, making his works...

"A Cabinet Secret" revolves around the intrigue and suspense involving political secrets and the machinations of government officials. The plot typically includes the following elements:Political Intrigue: The story centers around a significant political secret that has the potential to impact national or international affairs. The protagonist, often a detective or an adventurous hero, gets embroiled in uncovering this secret.Mystery and Suspense: The narrative is driven by elements of mys...