Face Cards

:	Carolyn Wells
:	Rafat Allam
:	Face Cards
:	Al-Mashreq eBookstore
:	9780400740560
:	1
:	CHF 5.70
:

:	Science Fiction, Fantasy
:	English

:	280
:	DRM
:	PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
:	ePUB

Face Cards by Carolyn Wells is a dazzling detective novel that plunges readers into the glamorous yet perilous world of high society. When a renowned socialite is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the case unfolds like a high-stakes game of cards, with each player hiding a crucial piece of the puzzle. Amateur sleuths and seasoned investigators alike are drawn into a whirlwind of deception, hidden motives, and shocking revelations. With every chapter, the stakes rise and the true nature of the suspects is revealed. Will the killer be unmasked before the final card is played? Immerse yourself in this enthralling mystery where the truth is as elusive as a winning hand.

Carolyn Wells (1862-1942) was an American author and poet known for her mystery novels, humor writing, and children's literature. She wrote over 170 books, including mystery stories featuring detective Fleming Stone. Wells initially gained fame through her nonsense verse and light poetry but later focused on mysteries influenced by Anna Katharine Green. Some of her notable works include The Clue and The Gold Bag. Her diverse writing made her a significant figure in early 20th-century American literature.

Chapter I - The King of Clubs

The constructor and interior decorator had done their work; such scars to the grounds as piles of unused building material had been removed; and today, with the new addition and appointments complete and in order, a few week-end guests were expected at Clearman Court by way of celebration.

These guests were few, and not entirely easy in mind. House guests had not been usual at Clearman Court since the master's astounding second marriage. For one thing Stephen Clearman and his wife rarely cared for the same people, and just as rarely did the guests at Clearman Court desire to go again.

They might pretend to be amused at the legend of the Curse of Clearman Court, yet there was an undeniable spell of Oriental exoticism saturating the place. One felt it even in the Clearman limousine that called at the station for one; although it bespoke Detroit or Indianapolis in every glint of its body, every thrum of its motor, within it the guest thought of bamboo, teak wood, gongs, idols.

Perhaps the car had a strangely sweet perfume in it. It would not have been beyond Stephen Clearman to have put some curious scent in the upholstery just to foster respect for the legend of the Curse. There was no amusement in the legend for him.

What an extraordinary composite the man was! His cultured side was evident to the world at large. He was wealthy, educated, basically intelligent. A cosmopolitan, having traveled and lived in many countries, he had the poise anywhere he found himself of a notable man-about-town. In short, like his exclusive kind, he was well-bred, well-fed, well-read.

He belonged to a great number of clubs, some of which he had himself organized and most of which had at one time or another called him President. Worthwhile clubs they were, the great city clubs, the exclusive country clubs, clubs of a special sport or game and the wiseacre clubs devoted to lore and research.

To so many of these had he given assistance, both in the way of prestige and financial support, that he had come to be known by the title of the King of Clubs. This pleased him and he had his note paper engraved with a miniature King of Clubs copied from a playing card.