by Hugh Walpole. Introduction by Colin Heston.

A single blow. A single death. A lifetime of consequences.

On a misty November afternoon near Cambridge, Olva Dune kills a fellow undergraduate in a moment of long-suppressed fury. The act is sudden, irrevocable, and witnessed by no one. Yet standing over the body, Olva experiences something far more disturbing than fear or remorse: the overwhelming certainty that he is no longer alone.

As suspicion slowly gathers around the unsolved crime, Olva returns to the routines of college life carrying a secret that separates him from everyone around him. Friendship, ambition, and a growing love for the brilliant Margaret Craven seem to offer escape, but an unseen presence pursues him with relentless patience, demanding truth, sacrifice, and surrender.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Edwardian Cambridge, The Prelude to Adventure is a haunting psychological novel that explores guilt, conscience, faith, and redemption. Decades before such themes became staples of modern literary fiction, Hugh Walpole crafted an unforgettable portrait of a man forced to choose between the life he desires and the truth he cannot escape.

Dark, compelling, and profoundly moving, this neglected classic deserves its place beside the great novels of moral conflict and spiritual awakening.

"A remarkable psychological study of crime, conscience, and the search for grace."

This edition includes a new introduction by Colin Heston and presents Walpole's classic novel in a carefully modernized text for contemporary readers.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 204p.

by Hugh Walpole. Introduction by Colin Heston.

A young woman’s search for freedom leads her into a world where faith, love, and human loyalty become their own forms of captivity.

After the sudden death of her harsh and miserly clergyman father, nineteen-year-old Maggie Cardinal leaves the lonely West Country village she has always known and journeys to London to live with two deeply religious aunts. There she is drawn into the orbit of the Warlocks, leaders of a fervent sect convinced that the Second Coming of Christ is near at hand.

As Maggie struggles to find her place in an unfamiliar world, she becomes entangled in powerful emotional and spiritual conflicts. The Warlock community offers belonging and purpose, yet demands unquestioning devotion. Her growing love for Martin Warlock, the troubled and self-destructive son of the sect’s revered leader, forces her to confront difficult questions about faith, independence, sacrifice, and the price of personal happiness.

First published in 1920, The Captives is one of Hugh Walpole’s most compelling psychological novels. Combining vivid characterization, emotional intensity, and penetrating insight into the nature of belief, Walpole explores how people become prisoners not only of institutions and doctrines, but also of love, family, memory, and their own deepest desires.

This new Read-Me.Org edition presents a carefully corrected and modernized text, preserving the full power of Walpole’s original masterpiece for contemporary readers.

Perfect for readers of E.M. Forster, Arnold Bennett, George Gissing, and early twentieth-century literary fiction exploring religion, identity, and the struggle for personal freedom.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 394p.

by Hugh Walpole. Introduction by Colin Heston.

A single blow. A single death. A lifetime of consequences.

On a misty November afternoon near Cambridge, Olva Dune kills a fellow undergraduate in a moment of long-suppressed fury. The act is sudden, irrevocable, and witnessed by no one. Yet standing over the body, Olva experiences something far more disturbing than fear or remorse: the overwhelming certainty that he is no longer alone.

As suspicion slowly gathers around the unsolved crime, Olva returns to the routines of college life carrying a secret that separates him from everyone around him. Friendship, ambition, and a growing love for the brilliant Margaret Craven seem to offer escape, but an unseen presence pursues him with relentless patience, demanding truth, sacrifice, and surrender.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Edwardian Cambridge, The Prelude to Adventure is a haunting psychological novel that explores guilt, conscience, faith, and redemption. Decades before such themes became staples of modern literary fiction, Hugh Walpole crafted an unforgettable portrait of a man forced to choose between the life he desires and the truth he cannot escape.

Dark, compelling, and profoundly moving, this neglected classic deserves its place beside the great novels of moral conflict and spiritual awakening.

"A remarkable psychological study of crime, conscience, and the search for grace."

This edition includes a new introduction by Colin Heston and presents Walpole's classic novel in a carefully modernized text for contemporary readers.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 180p.

by Hugh Walpole. Introduction by Colin Heston.

A wild man, a stolen valley, and the love that outlasted everything.

In 1730, Francis Herries — reckless, restless, and already half a scandal — abandons his comfortable Yorkshire life and drags his wife, his mistress, and his children into the wilds of Borrowdale, a Cumberland valley whose people want nothing to do with outsiders. They call him "Rogue," and they are not wrong. He is cruel when he shouldn't be, unfaithful when it costs him everything, and incapable of being tamed by property, propriety, or the good opinion of his neighbors.

He is also unforgettable — and so is the country that swallows him whole.

Across four decades of storms both domestic and historical, Rogue Herries follows Francis's turbulent household: his son David, whose steadier heart anchors the family through scandal and rebellion; the Jacobite rising of 1745, when terror reaches the gates of Carlisle; and above all Francis's decades-long, never-quite-requited obsession with Mirabell Starr, the gypsy girl he first meets as a child and cannot stop pursuing for the rest of his life.

Hugh Walpole knew this ground before he wrote a word of it — he lived within sight of these fells for years — and it shows. Critics and readers have agreed for nearly a century that the true hero of this novel may be the Lake District itself: its weather, its light, its way of shutting a valley off from the world and daring you to belong to it.

First published in 1930, Rogue Herries became Walpole's best-selling and most enduring novel, the foundation of his celebrated four-volume Herries Chronicle, and the book by which he is still best remembered today.

This Read-Me.Org Classic Reprint edition features:

• A newly corrected and reformatted text of the original 1930 American edition

• A new critical introduction by Colin Heston, covering Walpole's life, the novel's origins, and its place in literary history

• The original Herries family tree and map of Borrowdale, reproduced from the first edition

• Clean, modern formatting for today's readers

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 389p.

by Colin Heston (Author), E. W. Hornung (Author) Format: Paperback

Modernized and Edited with a Preface by Colin Heston

What if the man you trust to solve crime… knows exactly how to commit it?

From the celebrated author of Raffles, the Gentleman Thief, Ernest W. Hornung delivers a masterfully crafted collection of suspenseful tales centered on one of his most intriguing creations—the Crime Doctor.

In this newly modernized and carefully edited edition by Colin Heston, Hornung’s classic stories are brought vividly to life for today’s readers, preserving their original charm while enhancing readability and flow. With an insightful new preface, this edition invites you to rediscover a lesser-known but fascinating figure from the golden age of crime fiction.

Inside this volume you will discover:

• A series of gripping mysteries steeped in psychological intrigue

• A brilliant and unconventional mind operating on both sides of the law

• Atmospheric storytelling from the late Victorian and Edwardian eras

• A unique blend of deduction, deception, and moral ambiguity

Why readers love The Crime Doctor:

• A compelling precursor to modern antiheroes in crime fiction

• Written by the creator of the iconic A. J. Raffles

• Rich in wit, tension, and clever plot twists

• Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Arsène Lupin, and classic detective tales

About this Edition

This edition has been thoughtfully modernized for clarity and enjoyment, making Hornung’s sharp prose accessible without losing its original tone. Editor Colin Heston provides context and insight, making it ideal for both longtime admirers of classic crime fiction and new readers alike.

Step into a world where intellect is the ultimate weapon and justice is never quite what it seems…
The Crime Doctor awaits.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 275p.

by Colin Heston (Author), E. W. Hornung (Author)

Step into the shadowy world of London’s most charming criminal.

The Cracksmen brings together two classic collections—The Amateur Cracksman and Further Adventures of the Amateur Cracksman—introducing readers to A. J. Raffles, the original gentleman thief, and his loyal yet conflicted companion, Bunny Manders. In these unforgettable stories, high society elegance collides with daring crime, and the line between hero and villain is never quite clear.

When Bunny, ruined by debt and desperation, turns to his old schoolmate for help, he finds not a savior—but a mastermind. Raffles lives by wit alone, a celebrated cricketer by day and a cunning “cracksman” by night. What begins as a desperate alliance soon evolves into a thrilling partnership, plunging both men into a world of audacious burglaries, elaborate disguises, and razor‑sharp escapes.

From glittering Bond Street jewels to dangerous encounters with rival thieves and Scotland Yard detectives, each episode blends suspense, psychological tension, and dark humor. Whether infiltrating country estates, outmaneuvering rivals, or narrowly avoiding capture, Raffles treats crime as an art—beautiful, precise, and dangerously addictive. [The Cracksmen.docx  Word]

But beneath the glamour lies a deeper conflict. Through Bunny’s eyes, readers experience the intoxicating thrill of crime alongside its moral cost, as loyalty, fear, and admiration blur into something far more complicated.

Why readers love The Cracksmen

• A timeless anti‑hero who inspired generations of modern thieves and rogues

• Clever, fast-paced stories filled with twists and ingenious schemes

• Sharp wit and psychological depth beneath the adventure

• A fascinating exploration of morality, identity, and friendship

Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes (with a criminal twist), Arsène Lupin, classic crime fiction, and character-driven adventure.

Rediscover one of literature’s most iconic rogues in this modernized edition—where crime is a game, danger is ever-present, and charm may be the greatest weapon of all.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 238p.

by Colin Heston (Author), E. W. Hornung (Author), George W. Lambert (Illustrator) Format: Paperback

Modernized and Edited with a Preface by Colin Heston.

Outlaw. Gentleman. Mystery. Legend.

In the rugged vastness of the Australian frontier, a name is whispered with both fear and admiration—Stingaree. A bushranger of rare cunning and unexpected honor, Stingaree is no ordinary criminal. He robs, yes—but with purpose. And those who cross his path soon learn that nothing about him is what it seems.

From the acclaimed creator of Raffles, the Gentleman Thief, E. W. Hornung crafts a thrilling tale of deception, justice, and disguise. Filled with sharp wit, daring exploits, and shifting identities, Stingaree stands as one of Hornung’s most intriguing and unconventional works.

Inside this edition:

• A suspenseful adventure set in the wild Australian outback

• A compelling antihero who challenges the line between crime and justice

• Twists, disguises, and clever reversals at every turn

• Vivid storytelling rich in atmosphere and tension

About this Edition

This version has been modernized and expertly edited by Colin Heston, making Hornung’s classic prose clear and engaging for contemporary readers while preserving its original spirit. A thoughtful new preface provides context and insight into the story’s enduring appeal.
Perfect for fans of classic adventure, literary antiheroes, and timeless crime fiction, Stingaree delivers a gripping journey into a world where appearances deceive—and justice wears many masks.
Meet the outlaw who plays by his own rules.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 138p.

by Colin Heston (Author), E. W. Hornung (Author) Format: Paperback

Edited and Modernized with a Preface by Colin Heston

A haunting tale of justice, guilt, and the thin line between innocence and condemnation.

In The Shadow of the Rope, E. W. Hornung—best known for creating the gentleman thief Raffles—turns his keen eye to a darker, more psychological mystery. When a man stands accused of a brutal crime, the evidence seems damning, the verdict all but certain. Yet beneath the surface lies a web of doubt, fear, and moral complexity that refuses to be neatly untangled.

As the shadow of the noose looms ever closer, questions of truth and justice take center stage. Is the law infallible? Can appearances deceive even the most seasoned observers? Hornung crafts a tense and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final page.

This edition has been carefully edited and modernized for today’s readers while preserving the tone and power of the original text. It also features a thoughtful and engaging preface by Colin Heston, offering fresh insight into Hornung’s work and its enduring relevance.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, courtroom drama, and psychological suspense, The Shadow of the Rope remains a gripping exploration of the human conscience under pressure.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 176p.

by Colin Heston (Author), E. W. Hornung (Author) Format: Paperback

Step into the shadowy world of gentleman thieves and glittering deception with Raffles, a captivating collection featuring two classic novels by E. W. Hornung: Mr. Justice Rafflesand A Thief in the Night. Elegantly brought together in this edition and enriched with a thoughtful introduction by Colin Heston, this volume revives one of literature’s most charismatic antiheroes for a new generation of readers.

A. J. Raffles—cricketer, clubman, and master burglar—moves effortlessly between high society and the criminal underworld, stealing jewels and slipping past suspicion with charm, wit, and daring. Narrated by his loyal but conflicted companion, Harry “Bunny” Manders, these stories explore the moral ambiguities of crime, loyalty, and identity in late Victorian England.

In A Thief in the Night, readers witness Raffles at the height of his audacity, executing ingenious heists under the noses of the elite. In Mr. Justice Raffles, the stakes rise dramatically as consequences close in, leading to one of the most gripping conclusions in classic crime fiction.

This carefully edited edition includes:

• The complete texts of two full-length Raffles novels

• A fresh and engaging introduction by Colin Heston, offering insight into the character, themes, and literary legacy

• Clean, reader-friendly formatting perfect for modern audiences

Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Arsène Lupin, and classic detective fiction, Rafflesstands as a brilliant portrait of charm, danger, and the irresistible allure of the outlaw gentleman.

Rediscover the thief who steals not just valuables—but the reader’s admiration.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 275p.

by Colin Heston (Author), E. W. Hornung (Author) Format: Paperback

Secrets do not die. They wait.

In this gripping new edition of Dead Men Tell No Tales, now featuring a compelling preface by Colin Heston, readers are invited deeper than ever into a world where truth is buried, evidence is manipulated, and silence is enforced at any cost.

When investigative journalist Elias Harrow receives a message from a man officially declared dead, he is drawn into a mystery that defies logic and threatens everything he believes about justice. What begins as a single anomaly soon reveals a chilling pattern—records rewritten, witnesses erased, and deaths that appear far too convenient.

As Elias digs deeper, powerful forces close in, determined to keep their secrets buried. In a system designed to protect itself, truth becomes dangerous, and survival demands impossible choices. With every step forward, Elias finds himself isolated, unsure who he can trust in a world where even the dead are used as tools.

In his thought-provoking new preface, Colin Heston explores the enduring relevance of the novel’s themes, reflecting on the uneasy relationship between power, truth, and the stories we are told—and those we are not meant to hear.

Tense, intelligent, and unflinchingly dark, Dead Men Tell No Tales is a suspenseful exploration of corruption, courage, and the cost of uncovering the truth. Perfect for readers who crave layered mysteries and moral complexity, this is a novel that lingers long after the final page.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 173p.

Colin Heston (Editor and Author), J. S. Fletcher (Author)

Two Classic Mystery Novels by J. S. Fletcher. The Middle Temple Murder & The Middle of Things.
Edited with a New Preface by Colin Heston

Step into the shadowy world of Edwardian crime with two compelling mysteries from one of Britain's greatest masters of detective fiction, J. S. Fletcher.

In The Middle Temple Murder, a respected barrister is found dead in London's historic legal district. What first appears to be a straightforward case soon reveals a web of hidden identities, long-buried secrets, and unexpected motives. As investigators follow a trail of clues through the chambers, courts, and corridors of the Middle Temple, Fletcher demonstrates why he became one of the most admired crime writers of his age.

In The Middle of Things, an apparently ordinary man suddenly finds himself at the centre of a baffling mystery. Drawn into a world of deception, intrigue, and danger, he must untangle a series of puzzling events whose significance becomes clear only when he discovers that he is standing in the very middle of a much larger scheme. Combining suspense, clever plotting, and memorable characters, Fletcher once again delivers a masterclass in classic detective storytelling.

Both novels showcase Fletcher's remarkable ability to blend traditional mystery, legal intrigue, and psychological suspense. His carefully constructed plots, vivid settings, and attention to detail helped shape the development of modern crime fiction and influenced generations of mystery writers.

This new edition includes a specially written preface by Colin Heston, exploring Fletcher's enduring appeal, his contribution to detective literature, and the continuing relevance of his mysteries in an age still fascinated by crime, justice, and hidden truths.

Perfect for readers who enjoy Golden Age detective fiction, courtroom mysteries, and the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, Freeman Wills Crofts, and G. K. Chesterton, Murder in the Middle offers two engrossing tales from one of the early twentieth century's most accomplished mystery writers.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. p.342.

J. S. Fletcher (author). Colin Heston (Editor and Preface).

Before modern crime thrillers and historical adventures captivated millions of readers, J. S. Fletcher was crafting tales of intrigue, danger, deception, and suspense that kept readers turning pages late into the night. Dark and Dangerous Mysteries brings together two of Fletcher's most compelling novels, revealing the remarkable range of one of Britain's most prolific and imaginative writers.

In Mistress Spitfire, Fletcher transports readers to the turbulent days of seventeenth-century England. Against a backdrop of political unrest, secret loyalties, and personal vendettas, a spirited and unforgettable heroine finds herself caught in a web of danger and adventure. Combining historical drama, romance, and high-stakes intrigue, this vivid tale evokes a world where courage and cunning often mean the difference between life and death.

In The Orange-Yellow Diamond, Fletcher turns his formidable talents to mystery and detection. A priceless gem, mysterious disappearances, hidden motives, and a trail of clues lead readers through a masterfully constructed puzzle. As secrets emerge and suspects multiply, Fletcher demonstrates why he became one of the leading architects of twentieth-century crime fiction.

Together, these two novels showcase Fletcher at his best: a writer equally at home in the shadowy corridors of mystery and the dramatic landscapes of historical adventure. Rich in atmosphere, populated by memorable characters, and driven by expertly crafted plots, these stories remain as entertaining today as when they first appeared.

Carefully edited by Colin Heston, Dark and Dangerous Mysteries offers modern readers an opportunity to rediscover a forgotten master of suspense whose influence can still be felt in contemporary crime and adventure fiction.

Perfect for readers who enjoy classic mysteries, historical adventures, vintage detective fiction, and the timeless storytelling of the golden age of popular fiction.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. p.302.

By Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

As a classic reprint under its new title, "For the Love of Guilt," this volume revives a seminal work of Victorian crime fiction originally published in 1891 as The Man from Manchester. Authored by the prolific Dick Donovan—the pseudonym for Joyce Emmerson Preston Muddock—the novel serves as a fascinating bridge between the sensationalist mid-Victorian "Newgate" novels and the more structured detective fiction popularized by contemporaries like Edgar Wallace.

The story begins on a dark, fog-laden November afternoon at Manchester’s London Road Station. It is here that fate intertwines the lives of two men of contrasting character: Josiah Vecquerary, a prosperous and "frank-speaking" Manchester warehouseman, and Richard Hipcraft, a "sparse and shrunken" London solicitor with a voice described as "harsh and unpleasant". Their chance meeting in a first-class carriage, soon joined by the beautiful and mysterious Mrs. Neilsen (later revealed as Sabena Tortolini) and her niece Muriel, sets in motion a "drama of real life" that will lead to scandal, betrayal, and eventually, murder.

Dick Donovan’s narrative explores the rigid social boundaries and the "British reserve" of the era, while simultaneously delving into the darker psychological impulses of his characters. Josiah Vecquerary represents the "better type of the true 'Manchester Man'"—upright and hospitable—yet he finds his stable life unraveling after a series of encounters with Hipcraft and the enigmatic Mrs. Neilsen. The conflict between Vecquerary and Hipcraft, which begins with a petty dispute over a train compartment, escalates into a bitter legal battle and a "strange and startling theory" involving the detective Farabin Tindal.

As the plot shifts from the busy streets of "Cottonopolis" to the grim fog of London and the stark cliffs of Hastings, the novel transforms into a "ravelled skein" of circumstantial evidence. The reappearance of characters like the "sleuth-hound" Slark and the tragic Tortolini highlights Donovan’s mastery of the procedural thriller, long before the genre had acquired its modern form.

This 2026 edition, introduced by Colin Heston, invites a new generation of readers to experience a tale where "true love endureth forever," yet where the shadows of guilt are never far behind. For the Love of Guilt remains a compelling study of human nature, described by Donovan as "a riddle and a mystery," proving that the themes of justice, revenge, and redemption are truly timeless.

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 205 p.

by Rolf Boldrewood (Author), Graeme Newman (Introduction)

In an age of empire, ambition, and moral certainty, one young Englishman sets out to remake the world—and instead discovers how little he understands it.

In The British Crusades: A Colonial Reformer, Rolf Boldrewood delivers a sharply observed and quietly ironic portrait of colonial life in nineteenth-century Australia. Through the journey of Ernest Neuchamp—an idealistic reformer who arrives in the colonies armed with lofty principles and untested theories—the novel explores the collision between abstract ideals and lived reality.

Convinced that he is destined to elevate and refine colonial society, Neuchamp quickly finds himself outmatched by the practical knowledge, hard-earned experience, and subtle skepticism of those who already call the land home. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the harsh uncertainties of the interior, his “crusade” becomes a lesson in humility, survival, and the limits of imported wisdom.

Rich in detail, wit, and psychological insight, this novel is more than a story of colonial adventure. It is a penetrating critique of the reforming impulse itself—of the belief that societies can be reshaped by conviction alone. Boldrewood captures both the grandeur and the folly of empire, revealing a world where fortunes are made and lost, where appearances deceive, and where understanding must be earned, not assumed.

This Read-Me.Org edition, introduced by Graeme R. Newman, restores A Colonial Reformer with the expanded title The British Crusades, highlighting its enduring relevance to modern debates about cultural influence, reform, and the unintended consequences of idealism.

For readers of classic colonial fiction, historical realism, and works that bridge literature and social thought, this volume offers a compelling and surprisingly modern narrative—one that speaks as clearly today as it did over a century ago.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 413p.

by James Edward Muddock (Author), Graeme Newman (Introduction)

Death and Vengeance in Australia by James Edward Muddock is a gripping colonial drama that fuses romance, frontier survival, and high-stakes adventure into a powerful narrative of love tested by fate and ambition.

Set against the vast and unforgiving landscapes of nineteenth-century Australia, the novel follows Harold Preston, a young settler whose fortunes are shattered by relentless drought. As ruin closes in and his future with the spirited Mary Gordon hangs in the balance, an unexpected discovery—a dying prospector’s secret of a fabulously rich gold field hidden deep in the western wilderness—offers a last, desperate hope.

But in a land where distance, danger, and desire shape every decision, fortune comes at a cost. As Harold prepares to risk everything on a perilous expedition into the unknown, friendship begins to fray, rivalries deepen, and darker motives emerge. What begins as a story of devotion and resilience steadily transforms into a tense struggle where trust is uncertain, and vengeance may prove as powerful as love.

Blending vivid descriptions of the Australian bush with psychological tension and moral conflict, this novel captures the harsh realities and seductive promises of colonial life. First published as Out There: A Romance of Australia, this newly retitled edition highlights the novel’s deeper themes of betrayal, survival, and retribution.

This Read-Me.Org edition includes a modern introduction by Graeme R. Newman, placing the work in historical and literary context for contemporary readers.

A compelling rediscovery for fans of classic adventure, historical fiction, and early crime narratives, Death and Vengeance in Australia reveals how quickly hope can turn to peril—and how, in the wilderness, every choice carries consequences

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 273 p.

By Guy Boothby (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

An Aristocratic Conspiracy. A Vile Betrayal. A Life Erased in the Shadows of Europe.

Lord Carminster is not a typical Peer. He is an intellectual, an artist, and a recluse who prefers painting in Vienna to the hunting fields of England. After four years abroad, he returns to the stately Carminster Park with a new wife, only to find the beautiful estate smothered by a historic fog.

This homecoming, thick with tension, is only the beginning of a nightmare.

Within days, the "Stolen Peer" becomes the victim of a sophisticated conspiracy. Abducted and drugged on his own lands, Lord Carminster is spirited away on a desolate railway and held captive on a yacht, while his identity and family honour are stolen by his enemies. Back in London, the clubs are rife with scandal, systematically dismantling his reputation until even his friends question his existence.

This definitive new edition, based on the complete text of the original 1906 edition, is the ultimate classic Victorian thriller. It has been meticulously processed to:

• Remove all background noise and aged artifacts for superior readability.

• Preserve the original 19th-century British English spelling.

• Offer the first-ever 6 x 9 inch trade edition.

If you love the gothic suspense of Wilkie Collins or the master-criminals of early espionage fiction, discover why Guy Boothby (1867–1905) was one of the defining architects of the modern thriller. Experience The Kidnapped Lord (formerly known as A Stolen Peer) exactly as a contemporary audience would have: as a gripping, cutting-edge exploration of how easily a life of privilege can be erased in the shadows of the British Empire..Read-Me.Org Inc.

New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 182 p.

By Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Step into the shadowed world of Victorian crime, where deception is an art, identity is a weapon, and justice depends on the sharpest of minds.

The Great Diamond Frauds and Other Criminal Mysteries by Dick Donovan brings together a gripping collection of true-to-life detective stories drawn from the golden age of early criminal investigation. These tales follow the exploits of a seasoned investigator navigating a society where elegance and corruption often walk hand in hand.

At the heart of the volume is the astonishing case of the Great Diamond Frauds—a brilliantly orchestrated swindle involving forged identities, counterfeit jewels, and a criminal network bold enough to prey upon the highest levels of society. From there, the collection unfolds into a series of equally compelling mysteries: cunning cardsharpers operating on railway lines, tragic tales of love and law entangled, and elaborate schemes that expose the vulnerabilities of both wealth and respectability.

What sets Donovan’s work apart is its striking realism. These are not merely puzzles to be solved, but vivid reconstructions of crime as it was lived and pursued in the nineteenth century. With a keen eye for human psychology and a deep understanding of investigative method, Donovan reveals how criminals think—and how they are ultimately brought to justice.

Rich in atmosphere and historical detail, this collection will appeal to readers of classic detective fiction, true crime enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the origins of modern policing. It is a window into a world where the stakes are high, the disguises are convincing, and the truth is never quite what it seems.

Carefully restored and presented as a Read-Me.Org classic edition, this volume preserves the integrity of the original texts while making them accessible to contemporary readers. For readers of Sherlock Holmes, true crime history, and classic Victorian mystery

..Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 269 p.

By Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

From the shadowed corridors of imperial power to the hidden networks of revolution and intrigue, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories by Dick Donovan delivers a gripping collection of high-stakes crime fiction that bridges the worlds of classic detection and early espionage.

At the heart of this volume is the unforgettable tale of Egor Treskin—a hunted man, a political exile, and an avenger forged by injustice. When a powerful Russian official is assassinated under mysterious circumstances, the pursuit that follows stretches across borders, drawing in spies, informants, and detectives in a tense international manhunt. But as the truth unfolds, the question becomes unavoidable: is Treskin a cold-blooded killer, or the product of a brutal and oppressive system?

Surrounding this powerful opening narrative are a series of equally compelling stories—ingenious schemes, daring conspiracies, and criminal plots that hinge on deception, chance, and razor-sharp intelligence. Donovan’s storytelling combines vivid atmosphere with tightly constructed mysteries, while anticipating the global intrigue and psychological complexity that would later define modern spy fiction.

Written at a time when political unrest, anarchist movements, and international surveillance were reshaping the nature of crime, these stories feel strikingly contemporary. Disguises, coded messages, secret alliances, and relentless pursuit drive narratives that move from the streets of Britain to the shadowy machinery of foreign powers.

This Read-Me.Org edition, introduced by Graeme R. Newman, brings together these thrilling and thought-provoking tales in a carefully prepared modern format. It preserves the energy of Donovan’s original storytelling while highlighting its lasting relevance to readers of crime, history, and espionage fiction.

For fans of classic detectives, early spy thrillers, and authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Wallace, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories offers a rare and compelling glimpse into the origins of modern crime fiction—where justice is uncertain, motives are complex, and danger is never far from view.

A classic collection of intrigue, intelligence, and international suspense.

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 269 p.

By Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

From the shadowed corridors of imperial power to the hidden networks of revolution and intrigue, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories by Dick Donovan delivers a gripping collection of high-stakes crime fiction that bridges the worlds of classic detection and early espionage.

At the heart of this volume is the unforgettable tale of Egor Treskin—a hunted man, a political exile, and an avenger forged by injustice. When a powerful Russian official is assassinated under mysterious circumstances, the pursuit that follows stretches across borders, drawing in spies, informants, and detectives in a tense international manhunt. But as the truth unfolds, the question becomes unavoidable: is Treskin a cold-blooded killer, or the product of a brutal and oppressive system?

Surrounding this powerful opening narrative are a series of equally compelling stories—ingenious schemes, daring conspiracies, and criminal plots that hinge on deception, chance, and razor-sharp intelligence. Donovan’s storytelling combines vivid atmosphere with tightly constructed mysteries, while anticipating the global intrigue and psychological complexity that would later define modern spy fiction.

Written at a time when political unrest, anarchist movements, and international surveillance were reshaping the nature of crime, these stories feel strikingly contemporary. Disguises, coded messages, secret alliances, and relentless pursuit drive narratives that move from the streets of Britain to the shadowy machinery of foreign powers.

This Read-Me.Org edition, introduced by Graeme R. Newman, brings together these thrilling and thought-provoking tales in a carefully prepared modern format. It preserves the energy of Donovan’s original storytelling while highlighting its lasting relevance to readers of crime, history, and espionage fiction.

For fans of classic detectives, early spy thrillers, and authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Wallace, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories offers a rare and compelling glimpse into the origins of modern crime fiction—where justice is uncertain, motives are complex, and danger is never far from view.

A classic collection of intrigue, intelligence, and international suspense.

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 269 p.

By Dick Donovan. Introduction by Graeme R. Newman

A brilliant mind. A new way of solving crime. A detective unlike any other.

In The Criminologist as Detective, Victorian master storyteller Dick Donovan introduces Fabian Field—a daring and unconventional investigator who challenges the limits of traditional policing. At a time when Scotland Yard relies on routine methods and rigid procedures, Field brings something radically different to the pursuit of justice: psychological insight, analytical daring, and a fearless willingness to follow reason wherever it leads.

This collection of gripping detective stories showcases some of Field’s most remarkable cases, from the sensational disappearance of a wealthy heiress to chilling murders concealed behind layers of deception. Each mystery unfolds with vivid drama, but what sets these stories apart is their intellectual edge. Field does not simply gather clues—he interprets human behavior, exposes hidden motives, and reconstructs crime through logic, intuition, and bold inference.

Blending suspense with early criminological thinking, Donovan’s stories anticipate the modern detective genre while retaining the atmosphere and richness of late nineteenth-century fiction. Here, crime is not merely a puzzle to be solved, but a window into the complexities of human nature—greed, ambition, fear, and betrayal.

This new Read-Me.Org edition, introduced by Graeme R. Newman, brings these classic tales to contemporary readers in a carefully prepared and accessible form, preserving their original energy while highlighting their lasting significance.

For readers of Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Wallace, and classic detective fiction, The Criminologist as Detective offers a compelling journey into the origins of modern crime-solving—where reason triumphs, perception sharpens, and every case is a battle of minds.

A classic reborn for a new generation of readers.

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 273 p.