THE STORY: Angela, a hard-bitten call-girl, is visited by Tom, a private detective of long acquaintance, who is convinced that she can supply information about a murder case which, some years earlier, resulted in a miscarriage of justice. As Tom plays on their former closeness, trying to draw out the facts he seeks, Angela withdraws behind a schizophrenic screen of multiple personalities ranging from a brazen creature named Leontyne, to a shrinking violet called Emily, to a haughty English-woman named Renata. Doggedly persistent, Tom does, in the end, break through the fears which have driven Angela to hide the truth within herself. With chilling intensity she pours through a tale of duplicity and corruption and recounts how an innocent man ended up paying for the crimes of others. As the play ends Tom offers to drive Angela to her next assignation-relieved that his quest has ended but, at the same time, disturbed by the knowledge that his worst fears have been borne out.

In "A Daughter of Astrea," E. Phillips Oppenheim crafts a riveting thriller that intertwines political intrigue, romance, and moral dilemmas within a richly constructed narrative. Set against a tumultuous backdrop of early 20th-century societal shifts, the novel explores themes of loyalty and identity through the life of its fiercely independent protagonist. Oppenheim's engaging prose and adept character development invite readers into a world where personal ambition collides with the expectations of family and tradition, all while building suspense through masterfully executed plot twists and layers of deception. E. Phillips Oppenheim, often celebrated as one of the pioneers of the modern thriller, drew upon his extensive experiences in the glamorous yet perilous arena of early British politics and society. His background in journalism and firsthand encounters with influential figures provided a fertile ground for his storytelling. Oppenheim's writing often reflects the uncertainties of his time, as he sought to entertain readers while simultaneously providing insightful commentary on the nature of power and morality. For readers enthralled by intricate plots and dynamic characters, "A Daughter of Astrea" is an essential addition to any thriller aficionado's library. Oppenheim's exceptional ability to weave suspense with social commentary will leave readers captivated, provoking both thought and excitement long after the final page is turned.

Miss Brown of X.Y.O. is a 1927 mystery thriller novel by the British writer E. Phillips Oppenheim. It was notable amongst thrillers of the time for its use of an everyday female character as heroine. Miss Edith Brown, a comely typist, stumbles upon the doorstep of the dying Colonel Dessiter who has just returned from a mission throughout Europe fighting against the forces of the Communist Internationale. After she transcribes his report, she is thrust into the massive intrigue and deadly conflict between forces trying to bring about a revolution in England, and the small organization known as X.Y.O. which is defending the realm.

Oppenheim featured on the cover of Time magazine on September 12, 1927, he was the self-styled "prince of storytellers." He composed some one hundred and fifty novels, mainly of the suspense and international intrigue nature, but including romances, comedies, and parables of everyday life. He was the earliest writer of spy fiction as understood today, and invented the "Rogue Male" school of adventure thrillers that was later exploited by John Buchan and Geoffrey Household. Much of Oppenheim's work possesses a unique escapist charm, featuring protagonists who delight in Epicurean meals, surroundings of intense luxury, and the relaxed pursuit of criminal practice, on either side of the law.

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic, timeless works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

The Great Prince Shan By E. Phillips Oppenheim

SECRETS & SOVEREIGNSE. Phillips Oppenheim was the prince of storytellers. In his lifetime he published over 150 books-novels, story collections, plays, travel books and autobiographical works. But a handful of his stories were never published in book form. They appeared in magazines like The Strand, Windsor Magazine and Cosmopolitan in the early 1900's, and have never been reprinted since. Editor Daniel Paul Morrison has scoured libraries and resource centers, and has put together the first new collection of Oppenheim material in over sixty years--nineteen stories of mystery and political intrigue, duplicity and romance. Oppenheim could always be counted on to tell a good story, and this collection is guaranteed to keep you entertained.Secrets and Sovereigns also features the most complete bibliography ever published of the works of E. Phillips Oppenheim. Morrison has thoroughly researched this project, checking publication dates against his vast Oppenheim collection as well as a wide array of book sources, and can honestly say that this is the definitive list, even better than the "official" Oppenheim bibliographies that appear in the Little, Brown editions. His introduction is chock full of information as well.Whether you are a reader or a collector, there is something here for everyone. So pull up an easy chair, and let the prince of storytellers tell you a tale.

One of many great works by E. Phillips Oppenheim, "prince of storytellers" from the late 19th and early 20th Century England.

Richard Temperley arrives at Euston station early on a fogbound London morning. He takes refuge in a nearby hotel, along with a disagreeable fellow passenger, who had snored his way through the train journey. But within minutes the other man has snored for the last time-he has been shot dead while sleeping in an armchair. Temperley has a brief encounter with a beautiful young woman, but she flees the scene. When the police arrive, Detective Inspector James discovers a token at the crime scene: a small piece of enamelled metal. Its colour was crimson, and it was in the shape of the letter Z. Temperley sets off in pursuit of the mysterious woman from the hotel, and finds himself embroiled in a cross-country chase- by train and taxi - on the tail of a sinister serial killer. This classic novel by the author of the best-selling Mystery in White is a gripping thriller by a neglected master of the genre. J. Jefferson Farjeon (1883-1955) was the author of more than sixty crime and thriller novels that were highly acclaimed in his lifetime. Farjeon is the author of Number Seventeen, a play that was adapted for the big screen by Alfred Hitchcock. His Christmas crime novel, Mystery in White, was republished as a British Library Crime Classic and became a bestseller. Front cover (c) NRM/Pictorial Collection/Science & Society Picture Library

The Avenger By Edward Phillips Oppenheim Unravels the deepest of mysteries with consummate power. The story of an English curate and his connection with the fair occupant of a near-by yellow house. Every page in it suggests a mystery. We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience.

An Englishman steals two idols, which may contain hidden treasure, in order to try and help his impoverished family in England.