The Fortune Hunter By: Louis Joseph Vance (1879-1933)
The Fortune Hunter by Louis Joseph Vance is a captivating tale of love, passion, and intrigue set against the backdrop of 1920s high society. Vance skillfully weaves together a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The central character, Anthony Cleigh, is a charismatic fortune hunter who charms his way into the lives of wealthy women in order to secure his own financial gain. His charming personality and cunning tactics make him an intriguing and complex protagonist. Despite his deceitful actions, Vance manages to create a sense of empathy towards Anthony, making readers both despise and root for him simultaneously. The novel takes a thrilling turn when Anthony sets his sights on the beautiful and desirable Rosamund Smithers, the wife of a millionaire. Vance effortlessly portrays Rosamund's vulnerability and desire for adventure, making her a character readers will sympathize with. As their illicit affair unfolds, the tension and suspense build, leaving readers eager to know the consequences of their actions. Vance's writing style is poetic and descriptive, transporting readers to the glamorous world of the upper class during the Jazz Age. His attention to detail immerses readers into the opulent parties, extravagant fashion, and lavish lifestyles of the characters. This vivid imagery not only adds depth to the story but also serves as a commentary on the disparities between the rich and the poor during that time. What truly sets The Fortune Hunter apart is Vance's ability to blend romance with mystery and intrigue. As Anthony and Rosamund's affair becomes increasingly complicated, a series of unexpected events unfold, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Vance expertly balances the themes of love and betrayal, adding layers of suspense that make the book difficult to put down. While the novel is undeniably entertaining, it does have its flaws. The pacing of the story can be uneven at times, with certain sections feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, some of the secondary characters lack depth and development, making them feel somewhat two-dimensional in comparison to the complex main characters. Overall, The Fortune Hunter is a compelling read that combines romance, mystery, and social commentary. Louis Joseph Vance's ability to create memorable characters and immerse readers in a bygone era is undeniably impressive. Despite a few minor flaws, this novel is an enjoyable and engaging escape for those looking to be transported to a world of glamour, deceit, and forbidden love. First Page: [Illustration: "You can be worth a million ... within a year"] THE FORTUNE HUNTER By Louis Joseph Vance Author Of "The Brass Bowl," "The Bronze Bell," Etc. With illustrations by Arthur William Brown 1910 To George Spellvin, Esq., This book is cheerfully dedicated CONTENTS CHAPTER I. FROM HIM THAT HATH NOT II. TO HIM THAT HATH III. INSPIRATION IV. TRIUMPH OF MR. HOMER LITTLE JOHN V. MARGARET'S DAUGHTER VI. INTRODUCTION TO MISS CARPENTER VII. A WINDOW IN RADVILLE VIII. THE MAN OF BUSINESS IN EMBRYO IX. SMALL BEGINNINGS X. ROLAND BARNETTE'S FRIEND XI. BLINKY LOCKWOOD XII. DUNCAN'S GRUBSTAKE XIII. THE BUSINESS MAN AND MR. BURNHAM XIV. MOSTLY ABOUT BETTY XV. MANOEUVRES OF JOSIE XVI. WHERE RADVILLE FEARED TO TREAD XVII. TRACEY'S TROUBLES XVIII. A BARGAIN IS A BARGAIN XIX. PROVING THE PERSIPICUITY OF MR. KELLOGG XX. ROLAND SHOWS HIS HAND XXI. AS OTHERS SAW HIM XXII. ROLAND'S TRIUMPH XXIII. THE RAINBOW'S END ILLUSTRATIONS "You can be worth a million ... within a year" "You mean you're going to work here?" "Four hundred dollars, Mr. Sheriff" "Betty!" "You're a thief with a reward out for you" "Forever and ever and a day" I FROM HIM THAT HATH NOT Receiver at ear, Spaulding, of Messrs... Continue reading book >>

The Fortune Hunter By: Louis Joseph Vance (1879-1933)

The Fortune Hunter by Louis Joseph Vance is a captivating tale of love, passion, and intrigue set against the backdrop of 1920s high society. Vance skillfully weaves together a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

The central character, Anthony Cleigh, is a charismatic fortune hunter who charms his way into the lives of wealthy women in order to secure his own financial gain. His charming personality and cunning tactics make him an intriguing and complex protagonist. Despite his deceitful actions, Vance manages to create a sense of empathy towards Anthony, making readers both despise and root for him simultaneously.

The novel takes a thrilling turn when Anthony sets his sights on the beautiful and desirable Rosamund Smithers, the wife of a millionaire. Vance effortlessly portrays Rosamund's vulnerability and desire for adventure, making her a character readers will sympathize with. As their illicit affair unfolds, the tension and suspense build, leaving readers eager to know the consequences of their actions.

Vance's writing style is poetic and descriptive, transporting readers to the glamorous world of the upper class during the Jazz Age. His attention to detail immerses readers into the opulent parties, extravagant fashion, and lavish lifestyles of the characters. This vivid imagery not only adds depth to the story but also serves as a commentary on the disparities between the rich and the poor during that time.

What truly sets The Fortune Hunter apart is Vance's ability to blend romance with mystery and intrigue. As Anthony and Rosamund's affair becomes increasingly complicated, a series of unexpected events unfold, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Vance expertly balances the themes of love and betrayal, adding layers of suspense that make the book difficult to put down.

While the novel is undeniably entertaining, it does have its flaws. The pacing of the story can be uneven at times, with certain sections feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, some of the secondary characters lack depth and development, making them feel somewhat two-dimensional in comparison to the complex main characters.

Overall, The Fortune Hunter is a compelling read that combines romance, mystery, and social commentary. Louis Joseph Vance's ability to create memorable characters and immerse readers in a bygone era is undeniably impressive. Despite a few minor flaws, this novel is an enjoyable and engaging escape for those looking to be transported to a world of glamour, deceit, and forbidden love.

First Page:

[Illustration: "You can be worth a million ... within a year"]

THE FORTUNE HUNTER

Louis Joseph Vance

Author Of "The Brass Bowl," "The Bronze Bell," Etc.

With illustrations by Arthur William Brown

1910

To George Spellvin, Esq.,

This book is cheerfully dedicated

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I. FROM HIM THAT HATH NOT

II. TO HIM THAT HATH

III. INSPIRATION

IV. TRIUMPH OF MR. HOMER LITTLE JOHN

V. MARGARET'S DAUGHTER

VI. INTRODUCTION TO MISS CARPENTER

VII. A WINDOW IN RADVILLE

VIII. THE MAN OF BUSINESS IN EMBRYO

IX. SMALL BEGINNINGS

X. ROLAND BARNETTE'S FRIEND

XI. BLINKY LOCKWOOD

XII. DUNCAN'S GRUBSTAKE

XIII. THE BUSINESS MAN AND MR. BURNHAM XIV. MOSTLY ABOUT BETTY

XV. MANOEUVRES OF JOSIE

XVI. WHERE RADVILLE FEARED TO TREAD

XVII. TRACEY'S TROUBLES

XVIII. A BARGAIN IS A BARGAIN

XIX. PROVING THE PERSIPICUITY OF MR. KELLOGG

XX. ROLAND SHOWS HIS HAND

XXI. AS OTHERS SAW HIM

XXII. ROLAND'S TRIUMPH

XXIII. THE RAINBOW'S END

ILLUSTRATIONS

"You can be worth a million ... within a year"

"You mean you're going to work here?"

"Four hundred dollars, Mr. Sheriff"

"Betty!"

"You're a thief with a reward out for you"

"Forever and ever and a day"

FROM HIM THAT HATH NOT

Receiver at ear, Spaulding, of Messrs... Continue reading book >>

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