Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

JACQUES FUTRELLE (1875-1912) is widely considered "the American Sherlock Holmes" for his series of stories about Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, who is better known as The Thinking Machine. Van Dusen, a master of logic, believed he could think himself out of any situation-and solve any crime-through the use of his immense intellect. Through dozens of stories, The Thinking Machine solved locked-room puzzles, kidnappings, and more murders than can be easily counted, proving again and again that brain-power is the answer to any problem.

Elusive Isabel (1909) is a spy novel by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, Elusive Isabel was adapted for a 1916 silent film of the same name starring Florence Lawrence. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to "the heroes of the Titanic." "All the world rubs elbows in Washington. Outwardly it is merely a city of evasion, of conventionalities, sated with the commonplace pleasures of life, listless, blase even, and always exquisitely, albeit frigidly, courteous; but beneath the still, suave surface strange currents play at cross purposes, intrigue is endless, and the merciless war of diplomacy goes on unceasingly." Stationed in Washington, DC, international spy Isabel Thorne is tasked with securing the signatures of leading diplomats from Latin countries in an agreement to usurp England and America as the dominant global power. At the same time, her brother has developed a powerful weapon allowing submarines to launch missiles, which will undoubtedly grant their alliance an advantage in the event of war. Known for her ability to elude capture, Isabel finds herself shaken by the love of Grimm, a loyal U. S. Secret Service agent. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle's Elusive Isabel is a classic of American detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.

The Thinking Machine (1907) is a short story collection by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, The Thinking Machine collects stories that originally appeared in such publications as The Saturday Evening Post and the Boston American. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to "the heroes of the Titanic." Professor Augustus S. F. X Van Dusen, Ph.D., LL.D., F.R.S., M.D., M.D.S is a man whose intellect is as exhaustive as his name. Having learned the game of chess just hours before, he defeated grandmaster Tchaichowsky using logic and reason alone, earning himself the nickname "The Thinking Machine." Ever since that fateful day, Van Dusen, with the help of his trusted companion Hutchinson Hatch, is called to solve crimes, complete puzzles, and face challenges no normal man could possibly endure. In "The Problem of Cell 13," Van Dusen argues that no feat is impossible when the human mind is involved. To prove his theory, he endeavors to escape from a notoriously brutal prison in just one week's time. Presented alongside six other stories of mystery and adventure, "The Problem of Cell 13" stands out as one of the greatest detective and suspense tales of all time. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle's The Thinking Machine is a classic of American detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.

The Simple Case of Susan (1908) is a romance novel by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, The Simple Case of Susan is unique example in Futrelle's oeuvre as a lighthearted romantic comedy. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to "the heroes of the Titanic." "This was Susan. Perhaps the stately Mrs. Wetmore described her more tersely when she said she was feather headed. Be that as it may, Susan was Susan-irrevocably, everlastingly, and eternally Susan." Everyone thinks they know Susan. She was beautiful and free, a desirable young woman in New York's vibrant social scene. Then she was married, leaving behind her independence for a traditional relationship. When she runs into Dan Wilbur, an old flame, in a shop on Broadway, Susan finds herself reminded of all the men who came before, the broken engagements, disappointments, and near misses that defined her former romantic life. Desperate to leave those days behind, she can't help feel through Dan's flirtations a slight pull back to the woman she was, the Susan who lived fast and free. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle's The Simple Case of Susan is a classic of American fiction reimagined for modern readers. The Simple Case of Susan (1908) is a romance novel by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, The Simple Case of Susan is unique example in Futrelle's oeuvre as a lighthearted romantic comedy. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to "the heroes of the Titanic." "This was Susan. Perhaps the stately Mrs. Wetmore described her more tersely when she said she was feather headed. Be that as it may, Susan was Susan-irrevocably, everlastingly, and eternally Susan." Everyone thinks they know Susan. She was beautiful and free, a desirable young woman in New York's vibrant social scene. Then she was married, leaving behind her independence for a traditional relationship. When she runs into Dan Wilbur, an old flame, in a shop on Broadway, Susan finds herself reminded of all the men who came before, the broken engagements, disappointments, and near misses that defined her former romantic life. Desperate to leave those days behind, she can't help feel through Dan's flirtations a slight pull back to the woman she was, the Susan who lived fast and free. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle's The Simple Case of Susan is a classic of American fiction reimagined for modern readers.

The Thinking Machine (1907) is a short story collection by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, The Thinking Machine collects stories that originally appeared in such publications as The Saturday Evening Post and the Boston American. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to "the heroes of the Titanic." Professor Augustus S. F. X Van Dusen, Ph.D., LL.D., F.R.S., M.D., M.D.S is a man whose intellect is as exhaustive as his name. Having learned the game of chess just hours before, he defeated grandmaster Tchaichowsky using logic and reason alone, earning himself the nickname "The Thinking Machine." Ever since that fateful day, Van Dusen, with the help of his trusted companion Hutchinson Hatch, is called to solve crimes, complete puzzles, and face challenges no normal man could possibly endure. In "The Problem of Cell 13," Van Dusen argues that no feat is impossible when the human mind is involved. To prove his theory, he endeavors to escape from a notoriously brutal prison in just one week's time. Presented alongside six other stories of mystery and adventure, "The Problem of Cell 13" stands out as one of the greatest detective and suspense tales of all time. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle's The Thinking Machine is a classic of American detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.

The Diamond Master (1909) is a mystery novel by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, The Diamond Master was adapted for two silent films in 1921 and 1929. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to "the heroes of the Titanic." "A minute or more passed, a minute of wonder, admiration, allurement, but at last he ventured to lift the diamond from the box. It was perfect, so far as he could see; perfect in cutting and color and depth, prismatic, radiant, bewilderingly gorgeous. Its value? Even he could not offer an opinion..." An expert jeweler, even Harry Latham is forced to admit he has never in his life seen such a diamond. It arrived in an unmarked package with neither message nor return address, a rather casual presentation for such an invaluable object. Unable to appraise it, let alone uncover its origins, he seeks the advice of other experienced jewelers. Soon, it is determined that five flawless diamonds have been delivered to his colleagues across the United States, prompting confusion and fear as to the intentions of the anonymous sender. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle's The Diamond Master is a classic of American detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.

Elusive Isabel (1909) is a spy novel by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, Elusive Isabel was adapted for a 1916 silent film of the same name starring Florence Lawrence. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to "the heroes of the Titanic." "All the world rubs elbows in Washington. Outwardly it is merely a city of evasion, of conventionalities, sated with the commonplace pleasures of life, listless, blase even, and always exquisitely, albeit frigidly, courteous; but beneath the still, suave surface strange currents play at cross purposes, intrigue is endless, and the merciless war of diplomacy goes on unceasingly." Stationed in Washington, DC, international spy Isabel Thorne is tasked with securing the signatures of leading diplomats from Latin countries in an agreement to usurp England and America as the dominant global power. At the same time, her brother has developed a powerful weapon allowing submarines to launch missiles, which will undoubtedly grant their alliance an advantage in the event of war. Known for her ability to elude capture, Isabel finds herself shaken by the love of Grimm, a loyal U. S. Secret Service agent. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle's Elusive Isabel is a classic of American detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.

This entertaining short story collection features Professor Augustus S.F.X. Van Dusen, nicknamed "The Thinking Machine"-a brilliant but abrasive scientist who proves time and again that any puzzle can be solved by the application of logic. Could you beat the world chess master in one try if you'd never played or studied the game? Or plot and execute a successful escape from an inescapable prison cell? And could you do it at the turn of the twentieth century, without benefit of modern technology? Sound impossible? Never use that word in the presence of The Thinking Machine-it angers him greatly and does not give him a favorable impression of the user. Professor Augustus S.F.X. Van Dusen knows that both feats are indeed possible, having accomplished them himself. But he also applies his superior intellect and deductive reasoning to more official ends-namely helping the police solve "impossible" crimes. With assistance from reporter Hutchinson Hatch, who is only too happy to suggest potential cases and then write about the outcome, The Thinking Machine proves that no puzzle is unsolvable-not corporate espionage, nor a kidnapped baby, nor a pilfered necklace, And certainly not a "perfect murder."