In her groundbreaking work, "Hereditary," Mary Fortune weaves a complex tapestry exploring themes of identity, lineage, and the psychological scars passed down through generations. Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, Fortune employs a blend of gothic elements and psychological realism, crafting a narrative that is both compelling and evocative. The characters are intricately developed, revealing the struggles between societal expectations and personal desires, all of which are articulated through a rich, lyrical style that evokes the emotional weight of her themes. Fortune's exploration of the concept of heredity transcends mere biology, delving into the emotional and moral implications of inherited traits. Mary Fortune, an Australian novelist and pioneering figure in the genre of mystery fiction, brought her unique perspective to her writing through her own experiences as a woman in the 19th century literary landscape. As one of the first female writers of crime fiction, her insights into societal norms and personal ambition are reflected in the characters of "Hereditary." Her works often question the roles assigned to women and illustrate the complexities of familial bonds, showcasing her keen understanding of the human condition. "Hereditary" is not just a novel; it is an invitation to reflect on the legacies we inherit and the choices we make. Fortune's incisive narrative skillfully engages the reader, ensuring a gripping journey that resonates on both emotional and intellectual levels. This book comes highly recommended for those interested in the intersections of gender, societal norms, and psychological exploration. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Mary Helena Fortune (circa 1833 - circa 1910) was an Australian mystery, suspense, and horror writer who wrote under the pseudonyms "Waif Wander" and "W.W." She was one of the earliest female detective writers in the world (if not the earliest). She was also probably the first to write from the viewpoint of the detective. A prolific storyteller, she wrote at least 500 detective stories over 40 years, many featuring Detective Mark Sinclair. This volume reprints 15 of her classic stories (many for the first time) and is the largest collection of her work ever published. Included are: THE RED ROOM THE SPIRITS OF THE TOWER THE GREENSTONE GRAVES AT "THE RANGES" ILLILLIWA MY LODGER HEATHERVILLE THE WHITE MANIAC; A DOCTOR'S TALE THE SECRET OF THE KEYS TRACES OF CRIME THE QUEEN OF COOINDA THE BRAND OF CAIN THE ST. JOHNS AT THE NEW YEAR3 THE MURDER AT OZER'S If you enjoy this book, search your favorite ebook store for "Wildside Press Megapack" to see the 170+ entries in the MEGAPACKTM series, covering science fiction, fantasy, horror, mysteries, westerns, classics, adventure stories, and much, much more!

In "The White Maniac: A Doctor's Tale," Mary Fortune delves into the intricate interplay of madness and morality, presenting a gripping narrative that intertwines the medical profession with the darker aspects of human psychology. Written in the mid-19th century, this work exemplifies the era's fascination with sensational narratives and gothic elements, employing rich, evocative language that captures the tumultuous emotions of its characters. Set against a backdrop of societal taboos regarding mental health and the supernatural, the novel explores themes of obsession, ethical dilemmas in medicine, and the stigma surrounding mental illness'Äîcritical considerations reflecting the Victorian period's complex attitudes towards science and morality. Mary Fortune, an astute observer of human nature, was among the first female authors to contribute significantly to the genre of crime and mystery fiction in Australia. Her diverse experiences as a teacher, newspaper writer, and early feminist advocate enriched her storytelling, allowing her to weave authentic elements of suspense and psychological depth into her narratives. Fortune's acute awareness of the societal constraints faced by women in her time likely informed the creation of complex, multifaceted characters that challenge conventional gender roles. Readers drawn to psychological thrillers and compelling moral quandaries will find "The White Maniac" a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. With its haunting narrative and incisive observations, this novel offers profound insights into the labyrinth of the human psyche, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, psychology, and social commentary.

In 'The Detective's Dream,' Mary Fortune crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines elements of mystery and psychological exploration. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Australia, the novel offers an intricate tapestry of crime and morality, reflecting the burgeoning detective genre of the time. Fortune's prose is notable for its vivid imagery and sharp characterizations, deftly navigating the intersections of societal norms and individual desires. The novel not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the complexities of justice and human experience within a rapidly changing world. Mary Fortune, a pioneering figure in Australian literature, was among the first women to write detective fiction, often drawing upon her own experiences and observations of Victorian society. Her background, steeped in the challenges of gender and class, profoundly influenced her narrative style, injecting a strong feminist perspective into her works. Fortune's contributions to literature shed light on the often overlooked voices of women in the crime genre, establishing her as a forerunner in blending feminist themes with traditional detective storytelling. Readers seeking to delve into a captivating mystery grounded in rich historical context will find 'The Detective's Dream' an essential addition to their literary collection. Fortune's ability to weave suspense with meaningful commentary makes this book not only an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking engagement with the era's social dynamics. Embrace this literary journey and uncover the layers of intrigue that Fortune so masterfully constructs. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

A biography of Mary Fortune, Australia's first female writer of crime fiction. She kept her identity secret by writing under the names of W.W. or Waif Wander. Arriving in Australia with her young son, she supported herself by writing about life on the goldfields and in the cities.

Occult detectives—sometimes called psychic investigators—have been in vogue since the middle of the 19th century. This collection goes back to the roots of the occult detective story. The earliest story in this collection—Fitz-James O'Brien's "The Pot of Tulips"—originally appeared in 1855. Rare stories by Mary Fortune and Bayard Taylor, famous tales from the end of the 19th century by E. and H. Heron, plus 20th Century stories by Robert E. Howard, Edmond Hamilton, Manly Wade Wellman, Seabury Quinn, and many more round out the book...29 classic tales in all! Included are: THE POT OF TULIPS, by Fitz-James O'Brien WHAT WAS IT? by Fitz-James O'Brien THE HAUNTED SHANTY, by Bayard Taylor Dr. Martin Hesselius in "GREEN TEA," by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu MR JUSTICE HARBOTTLE, by J. Sheridan Le Fanu THE UNINHABITED HOUSE, by Mrs. J. H. Riddell THE PHANTOM HEARSE, by Mary Fortune AYLMER VANCE AND THE VAMPIRE, by Alice and Claude Askew THE DOOR INTO INFINITY, by Edmond Hamilton Carnacki in "THE GATEWAY OF THE MONSTER," by William Hope Hodgson Carnacki in "THE HOUSE AMONG THE LAURELS," by William Hope Hodgson Carnacki in "THE WHISTLING ROOM," by William Hope Hodgson Carnacki in "THE HORSE OF THE INVISIBLE," by William Hope Hodgson Carnacki in "THE SEARCHER OF THE END HOUSE," by William Hope Hodgson Carnacki in "THE THING INVISIBLE," by William Hope Hodgson Flaxman Low in "THE STORY OF SADDLER'S CROFT," by E. and H. Heron Flaxman Low in "THE STORY OF BAELBROW," by E. and H. Heron Flaxman Low in "THE STORY OF YAND MANOR HOUSE," by E. and H. Heron Flaxman Low in "THE STORY OF KONNOR OLD HOUSE," by E. and H. Heron Flaxman Low in "THE STORY OF THE SPANIARDS, HAMMERSMITH," by E. and H. Heron Flaxman Low in "THE STORY OF SEVENS HALL," by E. and H. Heron Steve Harrison in "FANGS OF GOLD," by Robert E. Howard Steve Harrison in "THE TOMB'S SECRET," by Robert E. Howard Steve Harrison in "NAMES IN THE BLACK BOOK," by Robert E. Howard Steve Harrison in "GRAVEYARD RATS," by Robert E. Howard THE HALF-HAUNTED, by Manly Wade Wellman Jules de Grandin in "THE JEST OF WARBURG TANTAVUL," by Seabury Quinn Jules de Grandin in "PLEDGED TO THE DEAD," by Seabury Quinn Jules de Grandin in "INCENSE OF ABOMINATION," by Seabury Quinn And don't forget to search this ebook store for "Wildside Megapack" to see more great entries in this great series, covering mysteries, ghost stories, westerns, science fiction, historical, and much, much more!

Black Cat Mystery Magazine returns with an action-packed issue featuring 11 original tales of crime and mystery. Our classic reprint is "The Moffat Mystery" by Australian writer Mary Fortune. Here's the lineup: REAL COURAGE, by Barb Goffman MEET ME AT THE CHURCH AND BRING ALL THE GUNS, by Bruce Arthurs EL PASO HEAT, by Peter W.J. Hayes THE LEGEND OF YAG-GRYLLHOTH, by Andrew Welsh-Huggins RED ROSES FOR A BLUE LADY, by Josh Pachter HEIRESS, by Linda Niehoff EL PRIMO DE ANA, by Tom Larsen RAIN ALWAYS FALLS, by Stephen D. Rogers HYENAS, by Janice Law< A GREAT TEAM, by John Bosworth SPEED DATING, by Steve Liskow

The second volume of our Victorian Mystery series presents 38 more classic mysteries, including series by Andrew Lang, August Groner, and Robert Barr. Included are: IN THE HOUSE OF SUDDHOO, by Rudyard Kipling THE CRIME CLUB, by William Holt-White TRACES OF CRIME, by Mary Fortune THE STAR OF THE "GRASMERE," by E. W. Hornung MR. BOVEY'S UNEXPECTED WILL, by L. T. Meade and Robert Eustace THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLAW KOMBS, by Robert Barr THE AFFAIR OF THE "AVALANCHE BICYCLE AND TYRE, CO., LTD," by Arthur Morrison THE RED CROSS GIRL, by Richard Harding Davis THE MYSTERY OF THE CLASPED HANDS, by Guy Boothby CHEATING THE GALLOWS, by Israel Zangwill THE DREAM WOMAN, Wilkie Collins The "Joe Muller" Series, by Augusta Groner: THE CASE OF THE GOLDEN BULLET THE CASE OF THE REGISTERED LETTER THE POCKET DIARY FOUND IN THE SNOW The "Eugene Valmont" Series, by Robert Barr: THE MYSTERY OF THE FIVE HUNDRED DIAMONDS THE SIAMESE TWIN OF A BOMB-THROWER THE CLUE OF THE SILVER SPOONS LORD CHIZELRIGG'S MISSING FORTUNE THE ABSENT-MINDED COTERIE THE GHOST WITH THE CLUB-FOOT THE LIBERATION OF WYOMING ED LADY ALICIA'S EMERALDS Robert Louis Stevenson's Mystery Tales from "New Arabian Nights": THE STORY OF THE BANDBOX THE STORY OF THE YOUNG MAN IN HOLY ORDERS THE STORY OF THE HOUSE WITH THE GREEN BLINDS THE ADVENTURE OF PRINCE FLORIZEL AND A DETECTIVE The "Disentanglers" Series, by Andrew Lang: THE GREAT IDEA FROM THE HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES ADVENTURE OF THE FIRST CLIENTS ADVENTURE OF THE RICH UNCLE THE ADVENTURE OF THE OFFICE SCREEN A LOVER IN COCKY THE ADVENTURE OF THE EXEMPLARY EARL THE ADVENTURE OF THE LADY PATRONESS ADVENTURE OF THE LADY NOVELIST AND THE VACCINATIONIST ADVENTURE OF THE FAIR AMERICAN ADVENTURE OF THE MISERLY MARQUIS ADVENTURE OF THE CANADIAN HEIRESS If you enjoy this book, search your favorite ebook store for "Wildside Press Megapack" to see the more than 180 other entries in the series, covering science fiction, modern authors, mysteries, westerns, classics, adventure stories, and much, much more!

A murderer is identified by a team of oxen. A dead man rises from a watery grave to indict his killer. A phantom hearse gliding through Melbourne’s slums foretells violent death. A seamstress turns ­detective to avenge her friend’s homicide. A locked-tent mystery. Such are the themes of Mary Fortune’s ingenious and dramatic crime stories. Between 1865 and 1910 she wrote over 500 of them; they comprise the first ever detective fiction series written by a woman. Set in the outback, on the goldfields, and in the burgeoning metropolis of Melbourne, they offer a vivid account of life and death in colonial-era Australia. Fortune tackled subjects such as murder, armed robbery, bootlegging, and sexual violence with a frankness unprecedented for a woman in the 19th century, in styles ranging from melodrama and Gothic horror to social realism and what is now called noir. This book brings together 17 of her finest stories, edited and introduced by literary historians Lucy Sussex and Megan Brown. Born in Ireland in 1832, Fortune arrived in Australia during the gold-rush, which she observed firsthand and depicted in many of her stories. A brief, bigamous marriage to a policeman gave her inside knowledge to write about crime, and over the next 40 years her prolific output was serialized under the title The Detective’s Album in the mass-circulation Australian Journal. She often lived precariously—struggling with alcohol, unable to prevent her son drifting into a life of crime—and preserved her privacy by publishing under pseudonyms. Her anonymity meant that when she died in 1911 she was almost lost to literary history. Only recently have Mary Fortune’s true identity and her extraordinary life story emerged. This collection, together with a simultaneously published biography, will confirm Mary Fortune’s status as a trailblazing crime writer. “The themes of marriage, murder, and gendered violence resonate with contemporary concerns. The writing is beautiful, complex, and thrilling . . . From the small towns of the goldfields to the arid yet lush landscape of the outback, and back to society living in Melbourne, these stories will enthral you.”—Candice Fox

Welcome to the book series 7 best short stories specials, selection dedicated to a special subject, featuring works by noteworthy authors. The texts were chosen based on their relevance, renown and interest. This edition is dedicated to Detective Fiction. Detective fiction is a subgenre of crime fiction and mystery fiction in which an investigator or a detective—either professional, amateur or retired—investigates a crime, often murder. The detective genre began around the same time as speculative fiction and other genre fiction in the mid-nineteenth century and has remained extremely popular. This book contains - The Red-Headed League by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. - The Blue Cross by G. K. Chesterton. - Traces of Crime by Mary Fortune. - The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe. - The Case of the Dixon Torpedo by Arthur Morrison. - The Coin Of Dionysius by Ernest Bramah. - The Crooked Man by Arthur Conan Doyle. For more books with interesting themes, be sure to check the other books in this collection!