by Sexton Blake (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Two classic adventures from the golden age of Britain's master detective.

In 1923, Sexton Blake was at the height of his popularity, thrilling readers with a unique blend of mystery, action, suspense, and international adventure. This volume brings together two remarkable novels from that celebrated year, showcasing the detective's talent for uncovering secrets, exposing villains, and triumphing against seemingly impossible odds.

Included in this collection:

The Mystery of Glyn Castle by Leonard H. Brooks

A storm, a shipwreck, and a lonely Welsh castle set the stage for a gripping tale of hidden identities, lost memories, family secrets, and long-buried crimes. When a young veteran is drawn to the mysterious Glyn Castle, strange coincidences lead Sexton Blake into a labyrinth of deception where the truth has been concealed for years.

In Darkest Madras by H. Gregory Hill

Called to British India, Blake confronts one of his most dangerous enemies in a thrilling adventure of espionage, secret societies, conspiracy, and intrigue. Amid ancient temples, political unrest, and deadly plots, the detective must outwit a ruthless criminal mastermind before disaster engulfs an empire.

This edition features:

• Two complete Sexton Blake novels from 1923

• A substantial new introduction exploring Blake's golden years

• Notes on the authors behind the famous detective

• Classic mystery, adventure, and espionage fiction

• Authentic examples of early twentieth-century popular storytelling

With loyal assistant Tinker at his side and danger around every corner, Sexton Blake faces shipwrecks, secret passages, conspiracies, impostors, hidden inheritances, and deadly enemies in stories that capture the excitement and imagination of a bygone age.

Perfect for readers of Sherlock Holmes, John Buchan, Edgar Wallace, Sapper, and classic British adventure fiction, More Golden Years: Sexton Blake, 1923 offers a fascinating journey into one of the most enduring detective series ever created.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 245p.

by Sexton Blake (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Three classic adventures from the golden age of Britain's greatest detective.

Long before modern crime fiction dominated bookshelves, millions of readers followed the exploits of Sexton Blake, the master detective known throughout the English-speaking world as "the poor man's Sherlock Holmes." Intelligent, courageous, and endlessly resourceful, Blake combined brilliant deduction with a taste for danger, carrying his investigations from the streets of London to the farthest reaches of the British Empire.

This volume brings together three thrilling adventures from the years 1921 to 1923, a period widely regarded as one of the high points of the Sexton Blake saga.

Included in this collection:

The Idol's Eye by Gregory Hille
A priceless ruby known as the Eye of Kali becomes the centre of a baffling murder mystery. When a respected society woman is accused of a brutal crime, Sexton Blake uncovers a web of long-buried secrets stretching from England to India, involving stolen treasure, religious fanaticism, blackmail, and a sacrifice made for love.

Gun-Runner by Cecil Hayter
Blake, Tinker, and Pedro embark on a perilous mission to South America, where revolution, espionage, and betrayal threaten an entire nation. Packed with smugglers, saboteurs, mutiny, and high adventure on land and sea, this is Sexton Blake at his most daring.

The Adventure of the Renegade Spy by H. Gregory Hill
In British India, a master criminal plots rebellion while an impostor steals vital imperial secrets. Confronting secret societies, disguises, hypnotic intrigue, and deadly conspiracies, Blake must prevent a catastrophe that could shake the foundations of the Empire.

Inside this edition:

• Three complete Sexton Blake novels from 1921–1923

• An extensive new introduction

• Background on the authors behind the adventures

• Classic detective fiction blended with action, espionage, and international intrigue

• A fascinating glimpse into the world of early twentieth-century popular literature

Featuring unforgettable villains, exotic settings, hidden identities, daring escapes, and the loyal companionship of Tinker and Pedro the bloodhound, these stories showcase Sexton Blake at the height of his popularity.

For fans of Sherlock Holmes, Bulldog Drummond, Edgar Wallace, John Buchan, and Golden Age detective fiction, Sexton Blake: The Golden Years 1921–1923 offers an exciting return to one of the most beloved heroes of classic British adventure literature.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 252p.

Sexton Blake (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Three classic adventures from the golden age of British popular fiction

Before James Bond, before Hercule Poirot became a household name, there was Sexton Blake—the tireless detective whose adventures thrilled generations of readers across Britain and the Empire.

This first volume of The Best Years collects three outstanding stories from the early twentieth century:

• In the Shadow of Siberia (1912)

• In the Kaiser's Service (1913)

• The Rajah's Revenge (1915)

Set against the backdrop of an anxious Europe edging toward war, these fast-paced tales find Blake confronting ruthless master criminals, foreign agents, political conspiracies, and deadly international intrigues. Alongside his loyal assistant Tinker and the famous bloodhound Pedro, Blake pursues murderers from the streets of London to the frontiers of empire.

These are stories of relentless action, cliff-hanger suspense, hidden documents, secret prisons, stolen fortunes, and daring rescues—exactly the kind of adventures that made Sexton Blake one of the most popular fictional heroes of the twentieth century.

Sexton Blake—and the “Pretenders”

One of the unique features of the Sexton Blake phenomenon is that the detective was not the creation of a single author. After the character's introduction in 1893, dozens—and eventually hundreds—of writers contributed adventures under the famous house name “Sexton Blake.”The result was a literary institution that lasted for more than eighty years and produced thousands of stories.

This volume highlights some of those talented “pretenders” behind the Blake legend. Andrew Murray authored In the Shadow of Siberia and The Rajah's Revenge, while William Shaw Rae, one of the earliest and most prolific Blake writers, penned In the Kaiser's Service. Together they demonstrate how different authors helped shape, expand, and enrich the world of Britain's great detective.

Featuring a new introduction by Colin Heston, this edition places these adventures in their historical context and explores the remarkable publishing phenomenon that made Sexton Blake a cultural icon.

A must-read for fans of classic mysteries, pulp adventures, Sherlock Holmes, vintage detective fiction, and Edwardian thrillers.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 285p.

Sexton Blake (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Three classic adventures from the golden age of British popular fiction

Before James Bond, before Hercule Poirot became a household name, there was Sexton Blake—the tireless detective whose adventures thrilled generations of readers across Britain and the Empire.

This first volume of The Best Years collects three outstanding stories from the early twentieth century:

• In the Shadow of Siberia (1912)

• In the Kaiser's Service (1913)

• The Rajah's Revenge (1915)

Set against the backdrop of an anxious Europe edging toward war, these fast-paced tales find Blake confronting ruthless master criminals, foreign agents, political conspiracies, and deadly international intrigues. Alongside his loyal assistant Tinker and the famous bloodhound Pedro, Blake pursues murderers from the streets of London to the frontiers of empire.

These are stories of relentless action, cliff-hanger suspense, hidden documents, secret prisons, stolen fortunes, and daring rescues—exactly the kind of adventures that made Sexton Blake one of the most popular fictional heroes of the twentieth century.

Sexton Blake—and the “Pretenders”

One of the unique features of the Sexton Blake phenomenon is that the detective was not the creation of a single author. After the character's introduction in 1893, dozens—and eventually hundreds—of writers contributed adventures under the famous house name “Sexton Blake.”The result was a literary institution that lasted for more than eighty years and produced thousands of stories.

This volume highlights some of those talented “pretenders” behind the Blake legend. Andrew Murray authored In the Shadow of Siberia and The Rajah's Revenge, while William Shaw Rae, one of the earliest and most prolific Blake writers, penned In the Kaiser's Service. Together they demonstrate how different authors helped shape, expand, and enrich the world of Britain's great detective.

Featuring a new introduction by Colin Heston, this edition places these adventures in their historical context and explores the remarkable publishing phenomenon that made Sexton Blake a cultural icon.

A must-read for fans of classic mysteries, pulp adventures, Sherlock Holmes, vintage detective fiction, and Edwardian thrillers.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 315p.

by Sexton Blake (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Before Sexton Blake became Britain's most famous detective, he was many detectives.

Early Blake: The Pretenders returns to the formative years of the great detective's career, presenting a remarkable collection of rare stories from 1893–1905 that reveal how the character evolved through the hands of multiple pioneering writers. Long before the standardized Blake of later decades, these adventures show a hero who could be detective, adventurer, spy, scientist, actor, and globe-trotter—sometimes all within the same story.

From inheritance conspiracies and criminal secret societies to hypnotism, imposture, international manhunts, theatrical murders, and bizarre scientific mysteries, these tales capture the extraordinary imagination of turn-of-the-century popular fiction. Readers will follow Sexton Blake across London, India, South America, the Mediterranean, and beyond as he unmasks killers, exposes frauds, rescues kidnapped heirs, and defeats some of the era's most ingenious villains.

Included are classic early adventures by William Shaw Rae, Hal Meredith, Arnold Grahame, F. H. Evans, and other influential contributors whose distinctive voices helped shape the detective's legend. These stories showcase the full range of the early Blake phenomenon: Gothic mystery, high adventure, melodrama, proto-thriller, scientific romance, and traditional detective fiction.

More than a collection of exciting mysteries, Early Blake: The Pretenders is a window into the creation of one of popular literature's greatest fictional institutions. The volume demonstrates how Sexton Blake's extraordinary versatility emerged through collaboration, experimentation, and the fertile imagination of numerous authors writing under a shared character.

For readers of Sherlock Holmes, Victorian and Edwardian detective fiction, pulp adventures, and literary history, this collection offers both thrilling entertainment and an important chapter in the development of modern popular fiction.

Note on the "Blake Pretenders"

The title The Pretenders operates on two levels.

Within the stories, Blake repeatedly confronts pretenders to wealth, titles, inheritances, identities, and social position. Impostors, masqueraders, false heirs, criminal doubles, and master deceivers drive many of the plots, making questions of identity central to the early Sexton Blake canon.

But there is a second meaning. The real "Blake pretenders" were the many authors who, over the years, stepped into the role of creating Sexton Blake himself. Unlike Sherlock Holmes, who remained associated with a single creator, Sexton Blake became a collaborative literary phenomenon. Each writer brought a different vision of the detective—more adventurous, more scientific, more theatrical, more mysterious, or more action-oriented. Rather than diminishing the character, these successive "pretenders" transformed Blake into one of the most adaptable heroes in popular fiction.

This volume celebrates those early contributors and reveals how their diverse interpretations combined to create the enduring legend of Sexton Blake.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 327p.

by Nick Carter (Author), Graeme R. Newman (Introduction)

Featuring: The Stolen Brain, An Uncanny Revenge, A Human Counterfeit, and The Forced Crime

What happens when crime appears impossible—and science itself becomes the weapon?

In this thrilling collection of classic Nick Carter adventures, America's legendary detective confronts some of the most bizarre and unsettling mysteries of the early twentieth century. Mad surgeons, stolen identities, psychological manipulation, human experimentation, and seemingly impossible crimes challenge Carter's powers of observation, deduction, and courage like never before.

The centerpiece of this volume, The Stolen Brain, pits Nick Carter against the brilliant but ruthless Doctor Hiram Grantley, a surgeon whose obsession with scientific discovery has crossed every moral boundary. As Carter uncovers a horrifying conspiracy of human experimentation, he finds himself facing a criminal genius willing to sacrifice anything—and anyone—in pursuit of forbidden knowledge.

Also included:

• An Uncanny Revenge – A chilling tale in which vengeance reaches beyond the ordinary limits of justice.

• A Human Counterfeit – An ingenious mystery of deception, impersonation, and hidden motives.

• The Forced Crime – A suspenseful battle of wills involving manipulation, coercion, and a crime that may not be what it seems.

Introduced by criminologist Graeme R. Newman, Strange Crimes explores the fascinating intersection of detective fiction, early forensic science, psychology, and the enduring appeal of the impossible crime. These stories capture a pivotal moment when scientific progress inspired both hope and fear, and when the detective became the champion of reason against mystery and deception.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 276p..

In Book 5 of the celebrated Nick Carter series, America's legendary detective confronts some of his most dangerous and morally complex cases. Murder, deception, stolen fortunes, elaborate conspiracies, and false accusations combine in a thrilling collection of classic detective adventures that helped define the modern crime novel.

This volume includes:

• A Battle for Right – A deadly confrontation at a poker game appears to end in murder, but the truth is far more complicated than anyone suspects. Nick Carter must untangle a web of family loyalties, hidden motives, and mistaken guilt before justice can prevail.

• With Links of Steel – A daring robbery, an international diamond gang, and a relentless pursuit lead Carter through one of his most ingenious investigations.

• The Crime of the French Café – An apparently straightforward murder becomes a masterclass in mistaken identity, deception, and brilliant deduction.

• Nick Carter's Ghost Story – Supernatural appearances conceal a thoroughly human crime, as Carter exposes the tricks behind a haunting mystery.

• The Mystery of St. Agnes' Hospital – Bribery, suspicious deaths, and hidden evidence place Carter's reputation—and the search for justice itself—at risk.

This new Read-Me.Org edition features an original introduction by Graeme R. Newman, exploring the relationship between crime fiction and the Progressive Era's faith in policing, prisons, punishment, and the rule of law. Newman shows how Nick Carter's adventures reflect enduring questions about justice, criminal investigation, and whether legal institutions can ever fully overcome human greed, corruption, and violence.

Fast-paced, intelligently plotted, and historically fascinating, Justice in Chains captures the golden age of American detective fiction while revealing why Nick Carter remains one of the most influential fictional detectives ever created. Whether you are discovering these stories for the first time or revisiting a classic, this collection offers suspense, ingenious mysteries, and timeless reflections on crime and justice.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 345p..

by Nick Carter (Author), Graeme Newman (Introduction)

Deadly Women and Other Mysteries brings together three gripping Nick Carter detective adventures in which danger, deception, and brilliant criminal minds collide in the shadowy world of early crime fiction.

At the heart of these stories are women who defy every conventional expectation of their age—women who are cunning, fearless, manipulative, and sometimes deadly. From criminal masterminds and femme fatales to survivors hiding dangerous secrets, these unforgettable characters challenge Detective Nick Carter at every turn.

In A Woman at Bay, Carter infiltrates a ruthless gang of railroad robbers and outlaws, only to discover that the legendary criminal leader known as Hobo Harry is actually the notorious Black Madge, one of the most formidable villains he has ever faced. Disguises, bank robberies, secret hideouts, and life-or-death escapes lead to an explosive battle between detective and queen of crime.

In The Babbington Case, a mysterious death, hidden identities, forged documents, and a deadly inheritance conspiracy draw Carter into a complex investigation where appearances are never what they seem—and where a beautiful woman may be far more dangerous than any armed criminal.

In Out of Death’s Shadow, blackmail, murder, deception, and long-buried secrets converge in a suspense-filled mystery that tests Carter’s powers of deduction to their limits.

Featuring daring undercover operations, criminal masterminds, courtroom drama, thrilling escapes, and some of the most memorable female antagonists of classic detective fiction, Deadly Women and Other Mysteries is a fascinating collection from the golden age of pulp mysteries.

This volume also includes an insightful introduction by Graeme R. Newman, exploring the role of women, crime, and social anxiety in Victorian and Edwardian detective fiction.

Perfect for readers of classic mysteries, vintage detective stories, Sherlock Holmes, and crime fiction history.

New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 377p.

by Nick Carter (Author), Colin Heston (Editor), Graeme Newman (Introduction)

Who are you when your name, face, and reputation can be stolen?

In this gripping second volume of the classic Nick Carter Mysteries, America's legendary detective confronts criminals who hide behind false identities, shattered loyalties, and perfect disguises. As deception spreads through high society and the criminal underworld alike, Carter must look beyond appearances to uncover the truth.

This collection features three thrilling adventures:

A Stolen Name
When the notorious criminal known as Bare-Faced Jimmy assumes the identity of a respected Southern gentleman, he appears untouchable. Protected by forged histories, social standing, and the law itself, he launches an audacious scheme involving stolen jewels, hidden fortunes, and a dangerous woman known only as The Leopard. To expose the truth, Nick Carter must wage a battle against one of the most brilliant impostors he has ever faced.

A Broken Bond
A lifelong friendship is shattered by betrayal, paranoia, greed, and attempted murder. As suspicion and deception threaten to destroy innocent lives, Carter uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving forged checks, scientific murder, and a criminal mastermind who hides behind a mask of respectability.

The Twin Mystery
When mistaken identity leads to murder, Nick Carter faces a baffling case involving twins, blackmail, revenge, and hidden family secrets. Every clue points in the wrong direction, and only Carter's relentless pursuit of the truth can reveal the real killer.

Filled with ingenious plots, dangerous criminals, undercover operations, international intrigue, and clever detective work, Dangerous Identities explores the timeless questions of trust, reputation, and the hidden selves that lie beneath the surface.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Sherlock Holmes

• Golden Age mysteries

• Classic detective fiction

• Historical crime novels

• Pulp adventures

• Clever twists and hidden identities

Book 2 of a six-volume series collecting the complete adventures of Nick Carter, one of America's greatest fictional detectives.When names can be stolen and appearances cannot be trusted, only Nick Carter can uncover the truth.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 433p.

by Nick Carter (Author), Colin Heston (Editor), Graeme Newman (Introduction)

Strange Clues is the thrilling first volume in a six-book series collecting the classic adventures of America’s legendary detective, Nick Carter.

Long before modern crime fiction, Nick Carter was solving impossible mysteries, infiltrating criminal gangs, exposing master swindlers, and bringing dangerous killers to justice through a combination of daring action, brilliant deduction, and masterful disguise.

In this volume, three gripping detective novels place Carter against some of the most cunning criminals of the early twentieth century:
Following a Chance Clew
A seemingly random street attack leads Nick Carter into a deadly web of robbery, deception, and murder. As clues point toward the mysterious criminal mastermind known as Doc Helstone, Carter must unravel a conspiracy involving stolen diamonds, secret hideouts, and hidden identities before more lives are lost.

A Cigarette Clew
What begins with an ordinary cigarette becomes the key to exposing a sophisticated fraud worth millions. With swindlers, forged evidence, desperate pursuits, and clever traps, Nick Carter follows the smallest clue to uncover a massive criminal scheme.

The Four-Fingered Glove
A murder, a missing heir, a forged identity, and a fortune at stake. Facing one of his most complex investigations, Carter must untangle a maze of circumstantial evidence, family secrets, deception, and betrayal before an innocent person pays the price.

Filled with hidden passages, criminal masterminds, daring escapes, undercover operations, and ingenious clues, Strange Cluesshowcases the detective who helped define American mystery fiction.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Sherlock Holmes

• Golden Age mysteries

• Classic detective fiction

• Vintage pulp adventures

• Clever clues and locked-room puzzles

• Historical crime stories

Step into the world of Nick Carter—where even the strangest clue can reveal the truth.

Edited and introduced by Colin Heston, this volume launches a six-book series celebrating one of the most influential detectives in American popular fiction.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 327p.

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

Before there was Poirot... there was Inspector Hanaud.

A master of both adventure and detective fiction, A. E. W. Mason created stories that have captivated readers for more than a century. Roads to Murder brings together two of his finest novels—one a sweeping tale of imperial adventure across the mountains of Afghanistan, the other a brilliantly constructed murder mystery featuring the legendary Inspector Hanaud.

In The Broken Road, political intrigue, dangerous frontiers, romance, and betrayal collide as lives are transformed by conflict on the turbulent borders of British India. Rich in atmosphere and suspense, the novel explores loyalty, honour, and sacrifice against one of the most dramatic landscapes in classic fiction.

In The House of the Arrow, Mason introduces readers to one of detective fiction's greatest investigators. When a wealthy widow dies under mysterious circumstances in rural France, Inspector Hanaud uncovers a web of deception, greed, and carefully concealed murder. Every clue matters. Every suspect has secrets. Every revelation leads closer to an unforgettable solution.

Together these two classics demonstrate Mason's remarkable versatility. One carries readers across mountains, deserts, and international intrigue; the other into the elegant but deadly world of Golden Age crime fiction. Both display the author's exceptional gift for memorable characters, intricate plotting, and sustained suspense.

This new edition includes an informative Preface by Colin Heston, placing both novels in their historical context while examining Mason's lasting influence on modern thriller and detective fiction.

Whether you enjoy classic mysteries, vintage thrillers, or timeless adventure stories, Roads to Murder offers two unforgettable journeys from one of Britain's greatest storytellers.

This edition features:

• Two complete classic novels by A. E. W. Mason

• A new scholarly Preface by Colin Heston

• Carefully prepared modern text

• An ideal volume for readers of Golden Age detective fiction, classic adventure, and literary crime novels

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 384p.

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

Step into a world of intrigue, courage, and moral conflict with this compelling double volume from acclaimed storyteller A.E.W. Mason. Trials of Honor and Fate brings together two unforgettable novels—The Witness for the Defence and The Winding Stair—in one masterful collection of suspense, adventure, and human drama.

In The Witness for the Defence, a seemingly straightforward murder trial unfolds into a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. As a barrister navigates a case that is painfully close to his own past, the boundaries between justice and personal honor blur. Set against evocative backdrops in England and colonial India, this powerful story explores the cost of silence and the weight of truth.

In The Winding Stair, Mason leads readers on a sweeping journey of redemption and courage. A young man burdened by his father’s disgrace sets out to reclaim lost honor, only to face dangers that test both his spirit and his convictions. Spanning continents and filled with vivid landscapes and high-stakes adventure, this novel reveals that the path to redemption is rarely straight—but always transformative.

Together, these two novels showcase Mason at the height of his storytelling powers—blending thrilling plots with deep psychological insight. Whether in the courtroom or the far reaches of unfamiliar lands, his characters are united by one question: can honor survive the trials imposed by fate?

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Classic mystery and courtroom drama

• Adventure tales set in exotic locations

• Stories of moral conflict, redemption, and courage

• Early 20th-century British fiction

Discover two timeless works in one captivating volume—where every choice matters, and every turn of fate leaves its mark.
Trials await. Honor is tested. Fate decides.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 306p.

by Colin Heston (Author), Arthur Machen (Author) Format: Paperback

Long before H. P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and modern psychological horror, Arthur Machen was redefining the boundaries of supernatural fiction. His stories blurred the line between science and mysticism, reality and nightmare, suggesting that beneath the familiar world lies an older, stranger, and infinitely more terrifying reality.

This definitive collection brings together Machen's five greatest longer works, spanning more than twenty years of his remarkable career:

• The Great God Pan (1894) – the classic novella that shocked Victorian readers and forever changed supernatural fiction.

• The Three Impostors (1895) – an ingenious web of mysteries containing some of the finest weird tales ever written, including The Novel of the Black Seal and The Novel of the White Powder.

• The House of Souls (1906) – haunting stories in which everyday life opens onto hidden worlds of wonder and terror.

• The Hill of Dreams (1907) – Machen's deeply psychological masterpiece, exploring genius, obsession, imagination, and madness.

• The Terror (1917) – a chilling wartime novel in which nature itself appears to declare war on humanity.

More than a collection of horror stories, Of God and Terror is an exploration of forbidden knowledge, ancient myths, hidden civilizations, spiritual mystery, and the fragile limits of human understanding. Machen's influence can be traced through more than a century of literature, inspiring writers from H. P. Lovecraft and Algernon Blackwood to Ramsey Campbell, Clive Barker, and Stephen King.

This new Read-Me.Org edition features a substantial new preface by Colin Heston placing Machen's work in its historical context while examining its enduring relevance to modern readers. The text has been carefully modernized for readability while preserving the elegance, atmosphere, and distinctive voice of the original works.

Whether you are discovering Arthur Machen for the first time or returning to one of the founding masters of weird fiction, Of God and Terror offers an unforgettable journey into the mysterious territory where mythology, psychology, horror, and literature meet.

This volume includes:

• The Great God Pan

• The Three Impostors

• The House of Souls

• The Hill of Dreams

• The Terror

A landmark collection by one of the greatest—and most influential—writers of supernatural fiction ever to put pen to paper.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 470p.

Colin Heston (Editor and Preface). H. P. Lovecraft (author).

Enter the shadowed realms of H. P. Lovecraft—where the boundaries of reality unravel, and humanity stands helpless before forces older than time itself. Horrors of Madness brings together five of Lovecraft’s most iconic and unsettling works, newly edited and modernized for today’s reader.

In these pages, you will confront:

• The Dunwich Horror – A remote, decaying village hides a secret too monstrous to remain unseen.

• The Colour Out of Space – A mysterious entity from beyond the stars corrupts the very fabric of life.

• The Call of Cthulhu – Fragments of forbidden knowledge reveal a sleeping god beneath the sea.

• At the Mountains of Madness – A scientific expedition uncovers an ancient, alien civilization in the Antarctic wastes.

• The Shunned House – A cursed dwelling reveals horrors buried under generations of decay.

These tales form the dark heart of Lovecraft’s legacy—stories of forbidden knowledge, cosmic insignificance, and the fragile edge of sanity.

This edition has been carefully edited and modernized, with a thoughtful preface by Colin Heston, offering insight into Lovecraft’s enduring influence and the deeper themes behind his most chilling works.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Cosmic horror and existential dread

• Gothic and supernatural fiction

• Dark, atmospheric storytelling

• Classic literature with modern readability

Dare to look beyond the veil.
Because once you understand the universe Lovecraft reveals… there is no going back.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 208p.

Edited by Graeme R. Newman

Step out of the shadow of 221B Baker Street and into the gaslit world of the "Great Detectives."

While Sherlock Holmes reigned supreme in the pages of The Strand, he was far from the only mind at work in the fog-choked streets of Victorian London. "Beyond Sherlock Holmes: The Rivals, Rogues, and Rationalists of the Golden Age" is a definitive collection of public domain masterpieces that defined the evolution of the modern thriller.

From the "ratiocination" of Edgar Allan Poe to the forensic laboratories of Dr. Thorndyke, this anthology gathers the brilliant specialists who refined, subverted, and occasionally haunted the detective genre. These are the stories that gave Holmes his fiercest competition—characters who used logic, science, and even the occult to solve the "impossible."

Inside this collection, you will discover:

• The Forensic Pioneers: Join Dr. Thorndyke as he utilizes the first true "mobile crime lab" to solve murders through microscopic analysis.

• The Logic Masters: Witness The Thinking Machine prove that "two and two make four" by thinking his way out of an inescapable prison cell.

• The Shadow Detectives: Meet Max Carrados, the blind investigator whose heightened senses allow him to observe truths that even Holmes would miss.

• The Occult Investigators: Follow Thomas Carnacki as he bridges the gap between science and the supernatural to hunt "monsters" through the lens of logic.

• The Mastermind Villains: Face the terrifying ambition of Dr. Nikola, the Victorian "supervillain" whose global reach predates Bond villains by half a century.

• The Gentleman Thieves: Cross the line with A.J. Raffles and Arsène Lupin, the brilliant "cracksmen" who prove that the detective’s mind is just as effective when applied to the perfect heist.

A Must-Have for Fans of Classic Mystery

Whether you are a scholar of criminology or a lover of "Victorian Shockers," this volume offers a panoramic view of an era defined by gaslight, cobblestones, and the birth of forensic science. Curated with an extensive introduction detailing the history and impact of these "Rivals of Sherlock," this book is more than a collection—it is a journey through the evolution of the human mind at work.

Stories included in this edition: THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE, Edgar Allan Poe-- THE CASE OF LAKER, ABSCONDED, Arthur Morrison-- THE CASE OF THE DIXON TORPEDO, Arthur Morrison-- THE PROBLEM OF CELL 13, Jacques Futrelle-- THE SILENT BULLET, Austin Freeman-- THE COIN OF DIONYSIUS, Ernest Bramah-- THE GATEWAY OF THE MONSTER, Wiliam Hope Hodgson-- THE RED LODGE, Russell Wakefield-- THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND, Arthur Conan Doyle-- THE IDES OF MARCH, E.W.Hornung-- THE ARREST OF ARSÈNE LUPIN, Maurice Leblanc.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 330p.

By Hugh Clifford (Author), Graeme Newman (Introduction)

Studies in Brown Humanity by Sir Hugh Clifford is a striking collection of literary sketches drawn from the author’s experiences as a British colonial administrator in the Malay Peninsula during the late nineteenth century. Blending storytelling with observation, Clifford presents a series of vivid portraits of village life, local customs, personal conflicts, and dramatic encounters shaped by the social structures of colonial Southeast Asia. The narratives explore themes of honor, betrayal, justice, and authority, often focusing on moments when traditional Malay codes of conduct collide with the legal and moral framework imposed by the British colonial state.

Although written as literary sketches rather than formal social analysis, the book provides revealing insights into the ways communities understand wrongdoing and punishment. Clifford’s stories depict acts of violence, disputes over reputation, and conflicts between individuals and authority, illustrating how social norms, kinship ties, and communal expectations shape both criminal behavior and responses to it. In this sense, the work can be read not only as colonial literature but also as an early, informal contribution to the sociological study of crime and social control.

At the same time, Studies in Brown Humanity reflects the attitudes and assumptions of its imperial context. Clifford’s interpretations are filtered through the perspective of a European observer, and the book reveals much about the intellectual climate of the British Empire at the turn of the twentieth century. For modern readers, the volume is therefore both a vivid narrative of colonial life and a historical document that illuminates how crime, justice, and cultural difference were understood within the framework of empire.

Rich in atmosphere and dramatic detail, Clifford’s work remains valuable today as a window into the complex social worlds of colonial Southeast Asia and as a reminder of how early narratives about crime and punishment were shaped by the cultural and political conditions of their time.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 291p.

By G. K. Chesterton

In the fog-shrouded heart of Edwardian London, a secret war is being waged—not just with bombs, but with beliefs. Gabriel Syme, a poet turned undercover policeman, successfully infiltrates the dreaded Central Anarchist Council, a shadowy group of seven men named for the days of the week. Taking his seat as "Thursday," Syme prepares for a deadly game of cat and mouse, only to find himself trapped in a reality that is unraveling at the seams.

In this metaphysical "nightmare," nothing is as it seems. Beneath every mask lies another, and every conspirator hides a secret more baffling than the last. As the chase moves from the city streets to a phantasmagoric countryside, Syme must confront the ultimate enigma: the massive, jovial, and terrifying President Sunday. Is Sunday the world’s greatest destroyer, or its ultimate protector?

G.K. Chesterton’s masterpiece is a riotous, mind-bending journey that transforms a political thriller into a profound celebration of the divine paradox. Brimming with wit and wonder, it remains a timeless defense of sanity in a world that often feels like a dream.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 170p.

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

To step into the world of Guy Boothby is to step into a whirlwind. At the turn of the 20th century, few authors could match Boothby's sheer velocity. A man who famously dictated his novels into a phonograph to keep pace with his imagination, Boothby was the architect of the "sensation novel," bridging the gap between the gothic mysteries of the past and the fast-paced thrillers of the future. This volume brings together two of his most gripping works: My Strangest Case and The Red Rat's Daughter. While different in setting, they share the quintessential Boothby hallmarks—exotic locales, high-stakes intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of justice (or survival).

The George Fairfax Mystery: My Strangest Case
In My Strangest Case, we are introduced to George Fairfax, a detective who stands in the long shadow of Sherlock Holmes but operates with a flair all his own. Originally published at the dawn of the 1900s, this story takes the reader from the high society of London to the rugged landscapes of the East. It is more than a simple whodunit; it is a globe-trotting adventure that explores the consequences of a long-hidden secret. Boothby’s talent for atmosphere ensures that the mystery feels as much a part of the environment as the characters themselves.

Intrigue in the East: The Red Rat's Daughter
The Red Rat's Daughter showcases Boothby’s obsession with the "Far East" and the political tensions of the era. Set against the backdrop of imperial Russia and the vast Siberian frontier, it is a tale of romance entangled with international conspiracy. The title itself—alluding to the mysterious "Red Rat"—promises a level of melodrama that Boothby delivers in spades. It captures a specific moment in literary history when the world felt both dangerously large and increasingly interconnected.
Why Boothby Matters Today
Reading Guy Boothby in the 21st century offers more than just nostalgia. It provides a window into the Victorian psyche:

• The Pace: Boothby’s narrative drive is modern; he rarely lets a chapter end without a hook.

• The Scope: He was an early pioneer of the "international thriller," refusing to keep his protagonists tethered to English soil.

• The Style: His prose is unapologetically bold, designed to entertain the masses of the Edwardian era.

Whether you are a devotee of classic detective fiction or a newcomer to the "sensation" genre, these two novels represent a master storyteller at the height of his powers. Turn the page and prepare for a journey that spans continents and decades.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 350p.

by Guy Boothby (Author), Graeme Newman (Editor), Colin Heston (Introduction)

. When the enigmatic Dr. Nikola first stepped onto the literary stage in 1895, clutching his sinister black cat Apollyon and weaving schemes that stretched from the back alleys of Shanghai to the hidden monasteries of Tibet, he didn't just capture the Victorian imagination—illegally or otherwise, he colonized it.
These volumes bring together, for the first time in a single definitive collection, the complete saga of Dr. Nikola: A Bid for Fortune, Dr. Nikola, The Lust of Hate, Dr. Nikola’s Experiment, and Farewell, Nikola. To read them in succession is to witness the birth of the modern "super-villain" and to appreciate the unique, rugged perspective Boothby brought to the crowded field of late-Victorian sensation fiction.
Born in Adelaide in 1867, Guy Newell Boothby was the son of a prominent South Australian parliamentarian. While he eventually found fame in the drawing rooms of London, his formative years were spent in the wide-open, often unforgiving landscapes of the Australian colonies.
In the 1890s, the literary world was reeling from "Sherlock-mania." While Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gave the world the ultimate champion of logic, Boothby gave it the ultimate agent of chaos. Dr. Nikola is not merely a criminal; he is a polymath, an occultist, and a man of immense physical and intellectual magnetism.
Across these five novels, we see Nikola evolve:
Volume 1:
A Bid for Fortune (1895): We are introduced to the Doctor through the eyes of Richard Hattasall. Here, Nikola is a vengeful shadow, a man whose "vendetta" drives a globe-trotting chase.
Dr. Nikola (1896): Arguably the centerpiece of the series, Boothby takes us into the forbidden heart of Tibet. It remains one of the finest examples of the "Lost World" genre, enriched by Stanley L. Wood’s iconic illustrations.
The Lust of Hate (1898): A darker, more psychological turn where Nikola manipulates a broken man’s desire for revenge.
Volume 2
Dr. Nikola’s Experiment (1899): Here, Boothby touches on the "mad scientist" tropes that would later define 20th-century sci-fi, as Nikola attempts to conquer death itself.
Farewell, Nikola (1901): The swan song of the character, providing a sense of closure to a man who lived his life in the liminal space between genius and madness.
Guy Boothby died tragically young at the age of 37, leaving behind a staggering 53 novels written in just over a decade. For years, his work languished in the shadows of more "academic" Victorian literature. However, as these works have entered the public domain, a new generation of readers—and editors—has rediscovered the sheer, unadulterated joy of his storytelling.
Boothby’s Dr. Nikola remains a vital link in the evolution of popular fiction. Without Nikola, would we have Sax Rohmer’s Fu Manchu? Would we have the sophisticated antagonists of James Bond? Probably not. By centering this edition on Boothby’s Australian roots, we acknowledge that the "King of Sensation" wasn't just a product of London’s Fleet Street, but a traveler of the world who brought the wild energy of the Antipodes to the heart of the Empire. This collection aims to preserve the thrill of the original serialization while providing the context necessary for a modern reader. As you follow the Doctor through the mist-shrouded streets of London and the sun-bleached ports of the Pacific, remember that you are in the hands of a master who knew those ports firsthand.
Welcome to the world of Dr. Nikola. Tread carefully—Apollyon is watching!

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 292p.

by Guy Boothby (Author), Graeme Newman (Editor), Colin Heston (Introduction)

When the enigmatic Dr. Nikola first stepped onto the literary stage in 1895, clutching his sinister black cat Apollyon and weaving schemes that stretched from the back alleys of Shanghai to the hidden monasteries of Tibet, he didn't just capture the Victorian imagination—illegally or otherwise, he colonized it. Behind this towering figure of Gothic villainy was a prolific, whirlwind talent from the edge of the British Empire: the South Australian-born Guy Boothby.

These two volumes bring together, for the first time in a single definitive collection, the complete saga of Dr. Nikola: A Bid for Fortune, Dr. Nikola, The Lust of Hate, Dr. Nikola’s Experiment, and Farewell, Nikola. To read them in succession is to witness the birth of the modern "super-villain" and to appreciate the unique, rugged perspective Boothby brought to the crowded field of late-Victorian sensation fiction.

Born in Adelaide in 1867, Guy Newell Boothby was the son of a prominent South Australian parliamentarian. While he eventually found fame in the drawing rooms of London, his formative years were spent in the wide-open, often unforgiving landscapes of the Australian colonies. Unlike many of his contemporaries—who wrote of "The Orient" or the "South Seas" from the comfort of an English study—Boothby had the red dust of the Flinders Ranges and the salt of the Southern Ocean in his blood. In 1891, he and his brother famously crossed Australia from north to south, an arduous journey that informed the visceral, kinetic energy of his prose. This "Australian-ness" manifests in the Nikola series through a distinct lack of Victorian stuffiness; his heroes and villains alike are defined by their competence, their physical endurance, and a certain democratic grit that felt fresh to a British audience.

Guy Boothby died tragically young at the age of 37, leaving behind a staggering 53 novels written in just over a decade. For years, his work languished in the shadows of more "academic" Victorian literature. However, as these works have entered the public domain, a new generation of readers—and editors—has rediscovered the sheer, unadulterated joy of his storytelling. Boothby’s Dr. Nikola remains a vital link in the evolution of popular fiction. Without Nikola, would we have Sax Rohmer’s Fu Manchu? Would we have the sophisticated antagonists of James Bond? Probably not. By centering this edition on Boothby’s Australian roots, we acknowledge that the "King of Sensation" wasn't just a product of London’s Fleet Street, but a traveler of the world who brought the wild energy of the Antipodes to the heart of the Empire.

This collection published in two volumes aims to preserve the thrill of the original serialization while providing the context necessary for a modern reader. As you follow the Doctor through the mist-shrouded streets of London and the sun-bleached ports of the Pacific, remember that you are in the hands of a master who knew those ports firsthand.
Welcome to the world of Dr. Nikola. Tread carefully—Apollyon is watching!

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 471p.