Join us on a literary world trip!
Add this book to bookshelf
Grey
Write a new comment Default profile 50px
Grey
Subscribe to read the full book or read the first pages for free!
All characters reduced
An African Millionaire - cover

An African Millionaire

Grant Allen

Publisher: Classic Crime

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Summary

South African businessman Sir Charles Vandrift rose to the pinnacle of his field through his keen instincts and superb acumen -- but the roguish swindler Colonel Clay (Vandrift's long-time nemesis) is just smart enough to stay one step ahead. In this linked story cycle, the dashing Clay endeavours to relieve Vandrift of his money and property in a variety of amusing vignettes.

The gentleman thief known as Colonel Clay cons the same South African Millionaire, Sir Charles Vandrift again and again in a series of clever short stories. It is immensely satisfying to read how the pompous Vandrift and his equally demanding wife are tricked out of their money through their own greed, vanity and suspicion. Clay is a master of disguise and with his female partner, Madame Picardet, they follow the Vandrifts across Europe and America selling them their own diamonds or a stranger's castle.

In this present economic crisis it is is nice to see a millionaire of questionable morals get his comeuppance at the hands of a pair who freely admit they are preying on him specifically because he is a capitalist. Originally published in 1897, the stories are remarkably fresh and entertaining. With a social undercurrent that and clever plot construction that elevates above other specimens of the genre.
Available since: 02/13/2018.

Other books that might interest you

  • Blood White and Blue - A Gripping Crime Thriller - cover

    Blood White and Blue - A...

    James Silvester

    • 0
    • 3
    • 0
    In this gripping spy thriller, post-Brexit tensions are high across the UK, and the fate of the nation is in the hands of a desperate agent.  
     
    Britain is a hotbed of racial discord and economic uncertainty. Only Sir Geoffrey Hartnell, an ageing but hugely respected Member of Parliament, can ease tensions. But as tenuous talks begin, a ghost from the past threatens to bring the UK to its knees. 
     
    Lucie Musilova is a young woman running out of places to hide. Half-British, half-Czech and rejected by both countries in the aftermath of Brexit, she has no choice but to accept an assignment with a secret branch of intelligence services. As the Hartnel case—and her mysterious role in it—spiral out of control, one false move could cost future of the nation . . . not to mention Lucie’s life.
    Show book
  • The Constable Mavis Upton Adventures Books One to Three - Handcuffs Truncheon and a Polyester Thong; Whiskey Tango Foxtrot; and Blues Twos and Baby Shoes - cover

    The Constable Mavis Upton...

    Gina Kirkham

    • 0
    • 2
    • 0
    An ebook collection of three novels that follow the hilarious misadventures of a woman who takes no prisoners—which is never ideal for a police officer.   Mavis Upton tackles everything life can throw at her in this humorous, poignant, and moving series of an everyday girl who one day followed a law enforcement dream . . .  Handcuffs, Truncheon and a Polyester Thong   Single mom Mavis Upton decides to pursue her lifelong ambition to become a police officer. Using her newly discovered investigative skills, she reluctantly embarks on a search to find her errant dad who was last seen years before, making off with her mum’s much needed coupon for a fabulous foam cup bra all the way from America.  Whiskey Tango Foxtrot   Our hapless heroine Constable Mavis Upton is preparing to step down the aisle with her fiancé Joe, but has to deal with her temperamental teen daughter, as well as investigate a serial flasher on a push bike. Throw a diva drag queen into the mix and readers can expect the usual hilarious Mavis mishaps that made the first book such a hit.  Blues, Twos and Baby Shoes   Mavis and her daughter Ella are both pregnant. But now Mavis has to deal with a mysterious case involving a blackmailer sending poison pen letters. Can Mavis juggle impending motherhood and her career, maintain a loving relationship with her other half Joe and deal with being a grandmother, all while solving the case?  Series praise   “Laugh out loud brilliance, so witty and cleverly written.” —Samantha Magson   “Hilarious! It’s true, everyone needs Mavis in their life.” —Sherrie Hewson   “Such a terrific read!” —Lorraine Kelly
    Show book