The novel likely revolves around the character of Black Nick, who is described as a hermit living in the hills. The title suggests that Black Nick may have a mysterious or notorious reputation, possibly due to a past crime that he is seeking to atone for.As with many works of fiction from the 19th century, "Black Nick, The Hermit of The Hills" may feature elements of melodrama, adventure, and moral exploration. The novel may explore themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the consequen...

Ruby Roland: The protagonist, Ruby Roland, is depicted as a brave and resourceful young woman. Her intelligence and bravery lead her to take on the role of a spy, where she uses her skills to gather information and assist the American forces during the war.Simon Kenton: Simon Kenton, a real historical figure known for his role as a frontiersman and soldier, is a significant character in the novel. He serves as Ruby's mentor and protector, guiding her through the dangers and challenges of h...

A tall, muscular young fellow, dressed in hunter garb, came silently out of the woods from the north side of the Kentucky river, about a hundred years ago, and pausing by the bole of a gigantic beech tree, scanned the opposite shore with keen, silent attention. There was a peculiar air of resolute fearless deviltry in the face of the young hunter, coupled with the piercing, roving glances of his intensely black eyes, that showed he was no novice to the trade of hunter and scout. He was in ...

In "Black Nick, the Hermit of the Hills; or, The Expiated Crime," Frederick Whittaker explores themes of redemption, isolation, and moral complexity within the backdrop of American frontier life. The novel employs a naturalistic style, vividly portraying the rugged landscapes of the hills as a reflection of the protagonist's internal struggles. Through rich character development and a narrative imbued with psychological depth, Whittaker examines the impact of societal ostracism and the que...

In the midst of the lonely forest, that stretched in an almost unbroken line of solitude from the head-waters of the Hudson to the Mississippi, during the last century, a small party of Indian warriors, in full war-paint, treading one in the other’s footsteps, to the number of five, stole into a little clearing formed by the hand of Nature, and halted by a spring.The sun was about to set, in an angry glow of crimson, that portended bad weather. The fiery beams shot aslant through th...

An unearthly figure of gigantic hight, but lean and attenuated as a skeleton, terrorizes American soldiers and Mohaawks. The figure was clothed in a tight black garment with steely gleams that covered it from head to foot, and a pair of short, upright horns projected from its close skull-cap, leaving exposed skin a face of deathly pallor, with great, burning black eyes, and a mustache that pointed upwards in true diabolical fashion.Who—or what is this monstrous figure, and what doe...

Our 65th issue features original stories, by Tammy Euliano (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken) and Phyllis Ann Karr (continuing her Bart Maverel weird western series). Plus we have “The Victorian Frock Coat,” by Clare Empson (thanks to Barb Goffman), and a great lineup of classics and modern mysteries and science fiction. Good stuff!Here’s this issue’s lineup:Mystery / Suspense:“The Intern,” by Tammy Euliano“Time After Time,” by Ha...

In "Ruby Roland, the Girl Spy; or, Simon Kenton's Protege," Frederick Whittaker crafts a gripping tale set against the tumultuous backdrop of early American frontier life. The novel elegantly intertwines historical fiction with adventure, following the daring exploits of Ruby Roland as she navigates perilous circumstances to serve her country. Whittaker's vivid prose captures the essence of the American landscape while employing a narrative style that preserves the immediacy of the story, ...

"Ruby Roland, the Girl Spy; or, Simon Kenton's Protege" is a captivating adventure novel set against the backdrop of the American frontier in the late 18th century. Whittaker employs a vivid narrative style, weaving elements of historical fiction with thrilling escapades that bring to life the perilous and often romanticized era of westward expansion. Centered around the strong-willed character of Ruby Roland, the story delves into themes of espionage, loyalty, and the struggle for surviva...

40 Must-Read Spy Novels surveys the formative terrain of espionage fiction, tracing how secrecy, surveillance, coded loyalties, imperial rivalry, and political intrigue became engines of popular narrative. Spanning adventure romance, detective fiction, invasion scare, international thriller, and psychological suspense, the volume reveals a genre still testing the boundaries between patriotic duty and private conscience. Its standout tales of hidden identities, conspiratorial networks, and ...

Behind Enemy Lines: 40 Spy Thrillers surveys the formative decades of espionage fiction, assembling tales of covert passage, coded intelligence, political intrigue, imperial rivalry, and perilous disguise. Its range extends from brisk adventure narratives and detective-inflected puzzles to psychological suspense, melodrama, and romance shadowed by international conflict. Stories of infiltrators, compromised loyalties, secret documents, and hostile frontiers reveal how the spy thriller tran...

An unearthly figure of gigantic hight, but lean and attenuated as a skeleton, terrorizes American soldiers and Mohawks. The figure was clothed in a tight black garment with steely gleams that covered it from head to foot, and a pair of short, upright horns projected from its close skull-cap, leaving exposed skin a face of deathly pallor, with great, burning black eyes, and a mustache that pointed upwards in true diabolical fashion.Who—or what is this monstrous figure, and what does...