'We're going to a fine place,' Idie told Homer to console him, 'with gullies and monkeys and hummingbirds.' Idie Grace is twelve when she inherits a grand old house on a Caribbean island, and is sent away from grey old England to a place where hummingbirds hover and monkeys clamber from tree to tree. As a lady of property Idie can do as she pleases, so she fills the house with exotic animals, keeps her beloved horse in the hallway, and carries a grumpy, talking cockatoo called Homer on her shoulder. But the island house holds as many secrets as it does animals, and the truth behind Idie's inheritance is the biggest secret of all . . . Perfect for fans of Eva Ibbotson and Katherine Rundell
The chase was on! The dark-haired young man ran fast and furious through the dense forest, leaping over rocks and bushes, and ripping through branches and leaves. In the gloomy shadows of the trees, he frantically searched for a place to hide. Behind him, two bare-chested Indians were gaining ground. Suddenly, the young man tripped on a rock near the edge of a steep cliff, and down he went--his life in more danger than before. Did the young man survive his treacherous fall? Who is he and what is he doing in the forest? For nine-year-old Angus McBride and his best friend, Andrew Sills, the one hundred and fifty year-old mystery is about to be uncovered. While exploring in their favorite place, Black Hawk Park, the boys unearth something mysterious, something very special from a long time ago. Could their discovery lead them to the identity of the mystery man? As fate would have it, their adventure begins with a horrific fall down a hillside...inspiring a journey of curiosity, disaster and secrets that haunt the Great Forest of Life.
In the third installment of the Angus Books Series, Angus and the Forgotten Trails, 11-year-old Angus McBride and his friends are trapped in an abandoned mine that is likely filled with undiscovered gold and silver lodes. This captivating tale features three elementary school friends who experience a taste of the Old West in Wickenburg, Arizona, during an amazing seven days at the Crazy Horse Dude Ranch. During their stay, the kids stay busy hiking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and roping cattle. But it's during a visit to the ghost town of Vulture City--home of the legendary Vulture Gold Mine--that Angus and his friends, Andrew and Taylor, find trouble. When Angus is injured after falling into a secret entrance of the abandoned mine, Andrew and Taylor attempt to rescue him, but all of them get lost in the process. With little food and water and many miles of dark and creepy tunnels, hundreds of feet underground, the three friends face the most dangerous and frightening adventure of their lives. Is all the treasure that is hidden in the forgotten walls of the Vulture Mine worth risking their lives?
“SOUR NOTE.” A man wonders about the history of the estate he occupies, and a ghost appears to reveal that he ‘murdered’ himself (and assumed a new identity) in order to avoid reprisal for claim jumping.
Fancy a fantastical journey into the after-life, with maybe a touch of time travel and horrific murder thrown in for good measure? Our hero Marlo Campbell unsurprisingly has no such thoughts as he struggles with a dull job, not many friends and an unfortunate face which has been hugely successful at deterring women. Then he finds an old Victorian diary belonging to a young girl who died suddenly at the age of 20. But how did she die, and why? Marlo decides to write the story of Lillian Jones, not realising that it will lead him on an incredible adventure that eventually becomes a mission to bring a serial killer from another era to justice. Along the way he meets a girl..... He also learns the truth about creation, death, gods, and ghosts, and none of them are quite as he or any other human have imagined.This is a book to make you think, and to make you question your own perspectives on life, and to absorb you into a world you will not want to leave.
In the world of crime fiction, Arthur W. Upfield stands among the giants. His detective-inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, is one of the most memorable of all crime fighters. Upfield was an independent, fiercely self-assertive ex-Britisher, who loved Australia, especially the Outback. In many ways Upfield became Outback Australia—the “Spirit of Australia.”
Brimming with high stakes adventure, chilling mystery, and passionate romance, this collection of two novellas and eight short stories speaks to the emotions that make life fascinating. In the title story, "MacCloud's Secret," Angus Duncun MacCloud feels that he's taken advantage of a bereaved widow, and asks for her hand in marriage. But when she turns up dead, suspicion falls on MacCloud, and he must explain how someone broke into his home without anyone hearing or seeing anything. MacCloud guards his secret, as the authorities seek to uncover the truth. Other stories in this collection deal with the periphery of war. In "The Commander's Car," a prewar ensign is given a degrading order by the executive officer. But when he gets his revenge, the entire base celebrates. "Leilani" was a lovely Hawaiian girl who couldn't decide what soldier was worth loving, so she loved them all. Mark Cummings can't accept that and forty years later he returns to Hawaii hoping he'll find the woman who betrayed him-the woman he still loves. "A Fish Story" tells the tale of a Cold War fish that produces a special serum, which causes a worldwide sensation and becomes the biggest story since the launch of Sputnik. Can this creature save the world? Six other stories round out this collection of tales sure to ignite your imagination
"The Scotch Twins" by Lucy Fitch Perkins is a delightful children's novel that transports readers to the charming countryside of Scotland, where they follow the adventures of the McGregor twins, Jean and Jock. Jean and Jock McGregor are lively and mischievous twins living with their family in a quaint Scottish village. They are known for their identical appearance, red hair, and freckles, which often lead to amusing mix-ups and playful pranks. Despite their similarities, they possess distinct personalities that endear them to readers. The story begins with the twins eagerly anticipating their sixth birthday, known as "The Day" in their village. On this special day, they are presented with new clothes and are officially allowed to attend school. The twins' excitement knows no bounds as they look forward to joining their older siblings at school and embarking on new adventures. As Jean and Jock start their education, they encounter various challenges and humorous mishaps, much to the amusement of their classmates and teachers. Along the way, they befriend new companions and learn valuable life lessons about friendship, kindness, and perseverance. The McGregor family's close-knit community is filled with warm-hearted characters, including their parents, older siblings, and neighbors. The village comes alive with colorful descriptions of Scottish customs, traditions, and festivities, such as Highland games and ceilidhs. One of the main highlights of the story is the twins' deep admiration for their grandfather, who regales them with captivating tales of Scottish history and folklore. His stories inspire the twins and spark their curiosity about their heritage and ancestry. As the story unfolds, readers accompany the Scotch twins on various escapades and heartwarming moments, including their efforts to help a neighboring family in need and their attempts to outwit the village grump, Mr. Robb. Through their playful endeavors and genuine acts of kindness, Jean and Jock endear themselves to everyone around them. "The Scotch Twins" is a charming tale that captures the essence of Scottish culture and family values. Lucy Fitch Perkins' engaging narrative and vivid illustrations immerse readers in the enchanting world of Jean and Jock as they navigate childhood joys and challenges in the picturesque Scottish countryside."
E. Phillips Oppenheim's 'Crime & Mystery Collection' is a comprehensive compilation of 110+ thrilling tales that delve into the world of crime and mystery. Featuring a diverse range of detective stories, this collection offers readers a glimpse into the classic literary style of the early 20th century. From intricate plots to intriguing characters, Oppenheim's work reflects the literary context of his time, providing readers with an immersive experience into the world of detective fiction. The illustrated edition adds visual depth to the narratives, enhancing the reader's journey through each thrilling story. E. Phillips Oppenheim, a prolific British author known for his contributions to the mystery genre, draws upon his keen insight into human nature and his passion for storytelling in this captivating collection. His unique perspective and attention to detail shine through in each carefully crafted narrative, making this anthology a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction. Oppenheim's background in espionage and mystery writing lends credibility to the intricate plots and compelling characters found in 'Crime & Mystery Collection.' I highly recommend E. Phillips Oppenheim's 'Crime & Mystery Collection' to readers who enjoy gripping detective stories and thrilling mysteries. This comprehensive anthology showcases Oppenheim's mastery of the genre and provides hours of entertainment for those seeking a captivating literary experience.
This carefully crafted ebook: “21 MYSTERY & ROMANCE NOVELS: From Whose Bourne, The Triumph of Eugéne Valmont, Jennie Baxter, Lord Stranleigh Abroad, The Sword Maker, Lady Eleanor, The Herald's of Fame, A Chicago Princess...” is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: The Triumph of Eugéne Valmont Jennie Baxter, Journalist Tekla: A Romance of Love and War In the Midst of Alarms From Whose Bourne One Day's Courtship The Herald's of Fame The Strong Arm A Woman Intervenes A Prince of Good Fellows The O'Ruddy, A Romance (with Stephen Crane) A Rock in the Baltic The Measure of the Rule The Sword Maker Young Lord Stranleigh Lord Stranleigh Abroad Lady Eleanor: Lawbreaker Cardillac A Chicago Princess Over the Border: A Romance The Victors: A Romance of Yesterday, Morning and This Afternoon Literary Article - "Canadian literature" Robert Barr (1849–1912) was a Scottish-Canadian short story writer and novelist, born in Glasgow, Scotland. His famous detective character Eugéne Valmont, fashioned after Sherlock Holmes, is said to be the inspiration behind Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot. Excerpt: "When I say I am called Valmont, the name will convey no impression to the reader, one way or another. My occupation is that of private detective in London, but if you ask any policeman in Paris who Valmont was he will likely be able to tell you, unless he is a recent recruit. If you ask him where Valmont is now, he may not know, yet I have a good deal to do with the Parisian police." (The Triumph of Eugéne Valmont)
