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Join us as we delve into the hidden corners of American literature, sharing thirteen grisly tales kept secret due to their macabre nature. These stories, penned by renowned writers, were deemed too disturbing to be published by traditional magazines. Yet, we believe that even the darkest tales deserve their time in the spotlight. Weve gathered these unlucky masterpieces, inviting you to pass your judgment. Are they too grim for the public eye, or will they find their audience amongst those who appreciate the darker side of storytelling? This is the mission of Grim Thirteen - to bring the ...

Delve into the intriguing life of Nancy Nance Olden, a charming yet cunning woman skilled in deception and thievery. Having survived a harrowing childhood in a brutal orphanage, Nance, alongside her criminal lover, Tom Dorgan, embarks on a daring con at the outset of this tale. The aftermath of their actions thrust Nance into a whirlwind of events beyond her wildest dreams. Miriam Michelsons debut novel, a sensational blockbuster in its era, stoked controversy for its unconventional portrayal of a morally grey heroine. Ranked fourth on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list of 1904, this book ...

As the P. and O.s liner Neptune departs Australia for Britain, Ronald Monteith, a prosperous young Australian, is drawn into the haunting tale of Lionel Ventin, a fellow passenger with a tragic past. When Ventin is found murdered in his cabin, Monteith commits to solving the crime, assuming the culprit is Ventins vengeful ex-wife. Upon reaching London, he enlists a barrister and a detective to aid his quest. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he is horrified to discover that the evidence is pointing towards the woman hes fallen for - the girl from Malta... - Summary by Celine Major

Hidden within the dense Louisiana swamplands, the Lamont House stands, forgotten and shrouded in layers of dust, a grim reminder of the chilling murder that took place two decades prior. Elise, the daughter of the slain Lamont patriarch, finds herself in the shadow of this forsaken mansion one storm-ridden night, accompanied by the daring Dr. Kirk Hayward, to confront her brother and his newly wedded wife. An unexpected murder and a series of perplexing events plunge them into a chilling mystery, as an unseen menace lurks in the silent halls of the dilapidated mansion. Originally serialized in...

Meet Emily Brown, an endearing orphan girl who captivates everyone she encounters. As she navigates through life, she finds herself courted by two intriguing men the artistic Mr. Alban Morris from her school and the devout Rev. Miles Mirabel. But as Emily unearths the unsettling truth behind her fathers mysterious death, she realizes one of her suitors is not who he seems. This compelling narrative is introduced by TriciaG.

Journey into the heart of a “rotten borough” and uncover its secrets. This term, rooted in the 18th century, represents a parliamentary constituency where few property owners had the power to elect a local member of parliament. But what happens when this system is replaced by a new one that still allows a select few to secretly profit from the boroughs finances? Following a narrow victory, a newly elected mayor, committed to reforming this corrupt system, is found mysteriously murdered in the Mayors Parlour. His young nephew, visiting from London, takes it upon himself to unravel ...

Our protagonist, Delight Hunter, finds herself intrigued by her mysteriously reclusive and undeniably handsome neighbor. However, her curiosity spirals into a whirlwind of enigma when a sudden fire breaks out in his house. Despite the evident danger, she rushes over to warn him, only to be locked inside with strict instructions not to let anyone else enter. Why is he so adamant about keeping others out? What secrets are shrouded within the confines of this seemingly ordinary house? Join Delight as she uncovers these mysteries, one clue at a time. - Summary by Laura Victoria

Delve into the riveting courtroom drama revolving around the murder trial of Wall Street tycoon, Hiram Holladay. As the finger of suspicion chillingly points towards his devoted daughter, Frances, Lester, a law clerk at New York firm Graham & Royce, finds himself deep within the throes of the case. Working diligently alongside the firms senior partner, Mr. Royce, Lester uses his sharp intellect and keen understanding of law to unravel the truth and clear Frances name. Narrated with a captivating charm by Cate Barratt.

Join the thrilling adventures of Arsine Lupin, the gentleman thief, as he finds himself entangled in a web of disguise, romance, and hidden treasures. This time, Lupin isnt just matching wits with the legendary Holmlock Shears, but also with the astute Isidore Beautrelet, a sixth-form schoolboy. Beautrelet is always hot on Lupins trail, threatening to uncover his secrets at any turn. Is Lupin truly outmatched this time? Will Beautrelet unravel the mystery of the Hollow Needle? And amidst this perilous game of cat and mouse, has Lupin found a match of a different kind that could steer him away ...

Dive into the intriguing world of Michael Berrington, a London bachelor, who stumbles upon a mystery that unravels his quiet life. Captivated by an enigmatic character, Gastrell, mentioned in a conversation at his club, Berrington finds himself irresistibly drawn into a labyrinth of secrets and scandals. His fiancé, Dulcie Challoner, befriends a wealthy widow, Mrs. Connie Stapleton, who seemingly has ties with Gastrell, further deepening the mystery. Berringtons world soon spirals into a whirlwind of daring robberies, horrific murders, cryptic codes, and mind-bending control. The plot ...

Uncover a chilling tale of a young bride who finds herself married to a man with a deadly secret. As she discovers her husbands gruesome past, she must find a way to escape his lethal intentions. Join us for this haunting Bluebeard story retold. (Summary by Jane Greensmith)

The life of young, beautiful, and wealthy Grace Perivale is turned upside down when her beloved husband, Hector, dies unexpectedly. With her heart torn apart and her high societal standing offering no reprieve from her grief, she spends three years in widowhood. On her return to London after wintering in Italy, she finds herself ostracized by the very society she was once the center of. Her close friend Sue reveals an unthinkable scandal linked to Graces name. Grace vehemently denies any wrongdoing, but the question remains - who is spreading these damaging rumors and what is their motive? ...

Join John Seward Mervyn as he embarks on a chilling adventure at Heath Hover, a modest yet eerie location nestled in a secluded woodland, close to a tranquil pond. As night falls, an uninvited stranger pays a visit, bringing with him a wave of unanswered questions. Will Mervyn be able to debunk the legends that shroud Heath Hover in mystery, including the claim that no one can spend an entire night there on specific dates? Or will he succumb to the belief that the place is haunted? The cellar door that seems to have a mind of its own only adds to the enigma. Its a journey that leads Mervyn ...

Explore the intriguing world of detective fiction with Anna Katharine Green, one of Americas pioneering authors in the genre. Known for her well-crafted plots and legally accurate narratives, undoubtedly influenced by her lawyer father, Greens work is a testament to her remarkable talent.

Explore the notorious mutiny on the Bounty, a ship of the British Royal Navy, which occurred on April 28, 1789. Led by Fletcher Christian, the mutiny was a rebellion against the commanding officer, William Bligh. The Bounty, carrying a cargo of breadfruit, had just left Tahiti when the mutiny broke out near Tonga. Christian, along with his followers, forcefully took control of the ship, confining Bligh to the deck with only his nightshirt for clothing. Despite Blighs pleas for reason, Christian responded with, I am in hell, I am in hell!. The mutineers then forced Bligh and his loyal crew into...

Seeking relief from the sweltering heat, a doctor inadvertently becomes a witness to his neighbors peculiar activities. Suddenly, a mysterious death makes everyone a potential suspect. This thrilling tale of suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing until the shocking end. - Summary by Sharon Kilmer

Explore the enthralling tale of The Four Pools Mystery, where a despotic plantation owner meets his untimely demise, seemingly at the hands of the oppressed slaves he continued to mistreat post-war. This captivating narrative is crafted by Jean Webster, an acclaimed American author famed for her works like Daddy-Long-Legs and Dear Enemy. Born as Alice Jane Chandler Webster on July 24, 1876, she left an indelible mark in the literary world before her demise on June 11, 1916.

The ancient ruler of Northern Peru, Mansiche, allegedly entombed a vast treasure, placing a curse on anyone who dared reveal its location or stumble upon it. When a Peruvian dagger is stolen from a museum, right under the watch of Prof. Allen Norton, the curse seemingly takes its first victim - treasure hunter Don Luis de Mendoza. As the curse threatens the safety of his beautiful daughter, Inez Mendoza, who finds herself entangled in a love triangle with Mr. Lockwood and Alfonso de Moche, Detective Kennedy enters the fray. Can he solve the enigma surrounding the murder, the stolen dagger, and...

Backlit is a series of groundbreaking conversations with emerging authors. Hosted by Abena Ntoso, each empowering discussion goes behind the literature and beyond it, inspiring intellectual and creative engagement around social issues. Built on authentic curiosity and camaraderie, Backlit transcends literary discourse to become a generative space documenting the emergence of new perspectives and new possibilities for life and work.

Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of House to Let, a captivating short story first published in 1858 in the Christmas edition of Charles Dickens magazine, Household Words. This unique narrative, a collective effort of various contributors each penning a chapter, was skillfully edited by Dickens himself. The tale follows an elderly woman, Sophonisba, who becomes intrigued by signs of life in a seemingly abandoned, run-down house across the street. Aided by her lovestruck admirer, Jabez Jarber, and loyal servant, Trottle, she sets out on a fascinating journey to uncover the secrets hidden...