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 Thomas W Lawson (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)

Friday the Thirteenth (1907) is a fast-paced financial novel by Thomas W. Lawson, a real-life financier and reformer who had firsthand experience in the volatile world of Wall Street at the turn of the twentieth century. The book tells the story of Robert Brownley, a charismatic but embittered stockbroker who decides to take revenge on the corrupt financial system that has wronged him. Choosing the superstitiously unlucky date of Friday the 13th, Brownley orchestrates a plan to deliberately crash the stock market, triggering a financial panic that ruins the wealthy elite and brings Wall Street to its knees.

Lawson uses the novel to expose the greed, manipulation, and moral bankruptcy of the financial world, offering readers both a gripping drama and a pointed critique of early twentieth-century capitalism. The book combines elements of romance, thriller, and social commentary, presenting the stock exchange as both a place of opportunity and a dangerous machine capable of destroying lives.

Today, Friday the Thirteenth is notable not only as an engaging piece of popular fiction but also as a window into public attitudes toward finance during the Progressive Era. It remains a fascinating blend of fiction and financial history, reflecting Lawson’s insider knowledge and reformist zeal.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 109 p.