Showing results by author "William Le Queux" in All Categories

What if German forces landed on the east coast of England and advanced on London while the British were struggling to mount a counter-attack? That’s premise of William Le Queux’s The Invasion of 1910, one of the most popular "invasion fiction" novels of all time. The novel revolves around Germany’s rising naval power and its threat to a weak Britain, unprepared for war politically, physically and psychologically. As the Germans occupy half of London, a junior Parliamentarian declares "Britain is not defeated." A newly formed Army liberates London, but the war is far from over.

Invasion is a gripping pre-World War I novel imagining a German invasion of England. Written as a "what if" scenario, this book warns of the consequences of military unpreparedness and tells the story of a desperate resistance movement fighting to reclaim London.

The Great White Queen is a thrilling colonial adventure in which young Richard Scarsmere follows his friend Omar to the mysterious African kingdom of Mo. As they battle treachery and ruthless enemies, they must uncover the truth behind Omar’s royal heritage.

Dive into a gripping whodunit brimming with twists and turns that rival an English country road. When old man Courtenay is discovered murdered in his bed, Dr. Ralph Boyd is called to Courtenay Manor to investigate. There, he uncovers a clue that could crack the case wide open, but for personal reasons, he chooses to keep it to himself. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard is left in the dark, with no suspects and no motive. Confident in his own deductions, Dr. Boyd believes he knows who the killer is—or is it a murderess? His close friend, Ambler Jevons, is also on the trail of the truth, yet Boyd holds...

Step into a haunting tale where a young woman and her blind father inhabit the enigmatic House of Whispers. Legends say that those who hear the whispers meet a swift and sudden end. Written by William Le Queux in 1910, this gripping story weaves elements of thriller, espionage, and mystery, drawing you into a world of suspense and intrigue. (Summary by April6090)

In this imagined war, coalition forces led by Russia and France invade Britain and make several early advances, but the Germans land in Britain as allies and help to repulse the invasion. The brave English patriots, together with German soldiers, try to turn the tide. Written 20 years before the start of World War I in 1914, Le Queux’s novel is considered to have influenced many subsequent works, including H. G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds.

Another suspenseful and intriguing novel by one of the leading authors of popular thrillers. Beautiful women are always involved in these stories and they always find their way into the Prince's car. We meet the shadowy and elusive figure of Prince Albert of Hesse-Holstein, who has many aliases and is well known for his generosity, suave and well-mannered attitude, and international connections. Welcome to the world of William Le Queux. (Summary by Sandra Cullum)

Forty breathtaking short stories of gripping adventures, secrets and strange conspiracies. 'The Dust That Was Barren' by P. C. Wren. 'The Deserter' by Stacy Aumonier. 'The Lighthouse on Shivering Sand' by J. S. Fletcher. 'The Secret of the Smoked Spectacles' by William Le Queux. 'The 39 Steps' by John Buchan. 'Three Pennyworth of Luck' by Basil Murray. 'The Secret of Dr. Vaux’s Intrigue' by William Le Queux. 'A Thread of Scarlet' by J. J. Bell. 'How I Became a Secret Agent' by Dr. A. K. Graves.

William Le Queux (1864 - 1927) was an Anglo-French journalist and writer, diplomat, traveller, flying buff and wireless pioneer who broadcast music from his own station long before radio was generally available. He was phenomenally successful as a novelist and short story writer, and many of his tales are based on his own exploits, albeit vastly exaggerated.

A mysterious burgary of the British Consulate at Leghorn, coupled with the even more mysterious visit of an English yacht, leads to a trail of espionage and underground criminal activity that carries to reader to London, to Scotland, and ultimately to Finland, then groaning under the oppression of its imperial Russian masters. Our hero, fortunately, is a man of great perspicacity (half a century later he might have been named Double O Seven), but even he finds his limits tested as he attempts to find the truth. - Summary by Nicholas Clifford

A spy-thriller with romance sprinkled all the way - Summary by Yoganandh T

William Le Queux was a British novelist and prolific writer of mysteries. Indeed, mystery surrounds the author himself as to whether he was a spy or rather just a self-promoter. Regardless of which is true, Le Queux brings us a story of intrigue and espionage that travels across Europe in the true spirit of a good mystery. There are shootings, burglaries, romances, escapes from prisons, and intricate conspiracies that may surprise and leave you scratching your head as you try to solve this “whodunit”. In the best tradition of a good mystery however, you may need to wait for the final ...

When car-crazy George Ewart accepts employment as chauffeur to Count Bindo di Ferraris, an Italian aristocrat, he has no idea what he has just let himself in for. The opportunity to drive the powerful six-cylinder, 40 horsepower Napier open touring car provides happiness enough. The Count, however, has a secret agenda. Why is he always on the move? What mystery sees the Count Bindo rushing to the wealthy--and occasionally dangerous-- hot spots of Europe? And why must he leave so quickly after? Eventually, Ewart catches on to the Count's "mission." What will he do now? - Summary by Steven ...

Intrigue and murder stemming from excessive greed in upper-class society of England in the early twentieth century.

Seven strange stories of intriguing optical illusions. The Diamond Lens by Fitz James O'BrienThe Devil's Spectacles by Wilkie CollinsThe Secret of the Smoked Spectacles by William Le QueuxMy Black Mirror by Wilkie CollinsThe Man who was Blind by Edwin PughA Coincidence by A. J. AlanTitbottom’s Spectacles by George William Curtis.

In the heart of England, Edward Royle, the head of a prestigious chemical manufacturing company, is on the verge of marrying Phrida Shand, the daughter of his fathers former business partner. One fateful night, his friend, the enigmatic Sir Digby Kemsley—a renowned railroad engineer—invites him to his flat for a mysterious discussion. After a brief visit, Royle is summoned back urgently, only to find a stranger in Kemsley’s place. Trusting his friend becomes a dangerous gamble when a young woman is murdered in Kemsley’s flat, and Kemsley mysteriously vanishes. Complicating matters ...

Dive into a captivating tale of mystery, suspense, and romance that unfolds against the backdrop of Englands bustling streets filled with omnibuses and shop girls. Experience the clash of societal changes as the lives of the gentry intertwine with those of the less fortunate. With a rich tapestry of characters and a nail-biting conclusion, this story promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. - Summary by Sandra Cullum

In the heart of London, a young man named Owen Biddulph finds himself captivated by a striking young woman harboring a shadowy past. As her secrets unravel, Owen must confront the chilling possibility that her history could lead to his own peril. Is she the love he has been waiting for, or is she a danger lurking in disguise? A mysterious clergyman cautions him to stay away from her, warning that ignoring his advice could cost him everything. What dark influence does this enchanting woman wield? Discover the thrilling narrative penned by one of the masters of mystery, William Le Queux, with an...

Frank Spalding, a young diplomat, becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue and global espionage while stationed in Italy. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of international politics, he encounters unexpected twists and turns that challenge his resolve and test his cunning. Will he find a way to survive the machinations that threaten not only his career but also the stability of nations?

A young man, Owen Biddulph, is drawn to a beautiful young woman with a mysterious past... a past that seems to have returned to cause her disappearance! Is she his new found love or his nemesis? And who is this mysterious clergyman that warns him to avoid this young woman, at risk of his very life! What possible harm could this sweet young woman inflict? Written by one of the Masters of Mystery, William Le Queux.