...Or Your Money Back By: Randall Garrett (1927-1987)
In Randall Garrett's "Or Your Money Back," readers are taken on an entertaining journey through the mind-bending realm of time travel and detective mysteries. This science fiction detective novel combines two genres, resulting in an intriguing and fast-paced story that will keep readers engaged until the very end. Set in 1950s New York, the protagonist Lord Darcy (a mixture of nobility and Sherlock Holmes) is a forensic detective with a knack for solving the most challenging cases. In this particular story, he is presented with a perplexing scenario involving a time machine operator who claims to have gone back in time and purchased shares from a profitable company. However, upon returning to his present, he discovers that the company never existed. Garrett skillfully weaves together elements of science fiction and detective fiction, creating a unique and captivating narrative. The concept of time travel is handled with great precision, and the author's attention to detail adds a layer of believability to the story. The complex plot is expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing with each new revelation and twist. One of the standout features of this novel is the character development. Lord Darcy is a fascinating and multidimensional protagonist. His intellect and deductive reasoning are on par with the great detective figures of literature, yet his nobility and sense of justice add depth to his character. Additionally, the supporting cast is equally well-developed, bringing together a diverse range of personalities and motives that contribute to the overall intrigue of the story. The writing style is sharp and engaging, with Garrett's prose flowing smoothly from one scene to the next. The language is accessible and immersive, allowing readers to become fully absorbed in the narrative. The dialogue is witty and realistic, enhancing the interactions between characters and adding an enjoyable element of humor to the story. While "Or Your Money Back" is a gripping and exceptionally well-crafted novel, it may not appeal to everyone. The intricate plot and incorporation of time travel may require readers to fully immerse themselves in the story, potentially making it a less accessible read for those seeking a more casual literary experience. Overall, Randall Garrett's "Or Your Money Back" is a compelling fusion of science fiction and detective fiction, offering readers an enthralling journey through time and mystery. With its clever and intricate plot, well-developed characters, and engaging writing style, this novel is sure to captivate both fans of science fiction and detective stories alike. First Page: ... OR YOUR MONEY BACK BY DAVID GORDON Illustrated by Summers [Transcriber note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction, September 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] [Illustration: There are lots of things that are considered perfectly acceptable ... provided they don't work. And of course everyone knows they really don't, which is why they're acceptable.... ] There are times when I don't know my own strength. Or, at least, the strength of my advice. And the case of Jason Howley was certainly an instance of one of those times. When he came to my office with his gadget, I heard him out, trying to appear both interested and co operative which is good business. But I am forced to admit that neither Howley nor his gadget were very impressive. He was a lean, slope shouldered individual, five feet eight or nine which was shorter than he looked with straight brown hair combed straight back and blue eyes which were shielded with steel rimmed glasses. The thick, double concave lenses indicated a degree of myopia that must have bordered on total blindness without glasses, and acute tunnel vision, even with them. He had a crisp, incisive manner that indicated he was either a man who knew what he was doing or a man who was trying to impress me with a ready made story... Continue reading book >>

...Or Your Money Back By: Randall Garrett (1927-1987)

In Randall Garrett's "Or Your Money Back," readers are taken on an entertaining journey through the mind-bending realm of time travel and detective mysteries. This science fiction detective novel combines two genres, resulting in an intriguing and fast-paced story that will keep readers engaged until the very end.

Set in 1950s New York, the protagonist Lord Darcy (a mixture of nobility and Sherlock Holmes) is a forensic detective with a knack for solving the most challenging cases. In this particular story, he is presented with a perplexing scenario involving a time machine operator who claims to have gone back in time and purchased shares from a profitable company. However, upon returning to his present, he discovers that the company never existed.

Garrett skillfully weaves together elements of science fiction and detective fiction, creating a unique and captivating narrative. The concept of time travel is handled with great precision, and the author's attention to detail adds a layer of believability to the story. The complex plot is expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing with each new revelation and twist.

One of the standout features of this novel is the character development. Lord Darcy is a fascinating and multidimensional protagonist. His intellect and deductive reasoning are on par with the great detective figures of literature, yet his nobility and sense of justice add depth to his character. Additionally, the supporting cast is equally well-developed, bringing together a diverse range of personalities and motives that contribute to the overall intrigue of the story.

The writing style is sharp and engaging, with Garrett's prose flowing smoothly from one scene to the next. The language is accessible and immersive, allowing readers to become fully absorbed in the narrative. The dialogue is witty and realistic, enhancing the interactions between characters and adding an enjoyable element of humor to the story.

While "Or Your Money Back" is a gripping and exceptionally well-crafted novel, it may not appeal to everyone. The intricate plot and incorporation of time travel may require readers to fully immerse themselves in the story, potentially making it a less accessible read for those seeking a more casual literary experience.

Overall, Randall Garrett's "Or Your Money Back" is a compelling fusion of science fiction and detective fiction, offering readers an enthralling journey through time and mystery. With its clever and intricate plot, well-developed characters, and engaging writing style, this novel is sure to captivate both fans of science fiction and detective stories alike.

First Page:

... OR YOUR MONEY BACK

BY DAVID GORDON

Illustrated by Summers

[Transcriber note: This etext was produced from Astounding Science Fiction, September 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]

[Illustration: There are lots of things that are considered perfectly acceptable ... provided they don't work. And of course everyone knows they really don't, which is why they're acceptable.... ]

There are times when I don't know my own strength. Or, at least, the strength of my advice. And the case of Jason Howley was certainly an instance of one of those times.

When he came to my office with his gadget, I heard him out, trying to appear both interested and co operative which is good business. But I am forced to admit that neither Howley nor his gadget were very impressive. He was a lean, slope shouldered individual, five feet eight or nine which was shorter than he looked with straight brown hair combed straight back and blue eyes which were shielded with steel rimmed glasses. The thick, double concave lenses indicated a degree of myopia that must have bordered on total blindness without glasses, and acute tunnel vision, even with them.

He had a crisp, incisive manner that indicated he was either a man who knew what he was doing or a man who was trying to impress me with a ready made story... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Science
Short stories

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