The Wheel O' Fortune   By: Louis Tracy (1863-1928)

The Wheel O' Fortune by Louis Tracy is a thrilling novel that combines elements of mystery, romance, and adventure. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the lives of two main characters, Philip Tankerville and Joan Carver, as they embark on a perilous journey filled with surprising twists and turns.

The book starts off with the introduction of Philip, a skilled engineer who finds himself caught in a dangerous trap when he stumbles upon a secret society's plot to control the world's oil supply. As Philip becomes closer to uncovering the truth, he finds himself facing numerous obstacles and dangerous encounters, all designed to prevent him from revealing the society's evil plans.

Meanwhile, Joan Carver, a strong-willed journalist, investigates the strange disappearance of her father, a renowned scientist. As she digs deeper, Joan realizes that her father's vanishing act is connected to Philip's investigation. Determined to unveil the truth, Joan teams up with Philip, and together they face grave danger while trying to bring down the secret society.

What sets this novel apart is its well-developed characters. Philip is portrayed as a resourceful and quick-thinking protagonist, while Joan adds a dash of bravery and intelligence. Their chemistry is palpable and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Tracy's descriptions of the settings and the action scenes are vivid, effectively immersing the readers into the story.

The author masterfully weaves multiple subplots, creating an intricate web of mysteries that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The plot twists are unexpected and cleverly executed, constantly raising the stakes for our protagonists and leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

The only minor criticism is that at times the pacing feels a bit disjointed, with certain events occurring rapidly, while others are drawn out in excessive detail. Nonetheless, this doesn't overshadow the overall enjoyment of the novel.

The Wheel O' Fortune is an enthralling read that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, adventure, and romance. Tracy's storytelling prowess is evident throughout the narrative, creating a captivating world filled with danger, secrets, and unexpected alliances. If you're a fan of thrilling mysteries with a touch of romance, this book is definitely worth a read.

First Page:

At ten o'clock on a morning in October a dazzling, sunlit morning after hours of wind lashed rain a young man hurried out of Victoria Station and dodged the traffic and the mud pools on his way towards Victoria Street... Continue reading book >>