About this ebook
Excerpt: "James Ross was well content, that morning. He stood on the deck, one elbow on the rail, enjoying the wind and the cold rain that blew in his face, enjoying still more his feeling of complete isolation and freedom. None of the other passengers shared his liking for this bleak November weather, and he had the windward side of the deck to himself. He was alone there; he was alone in the world—and he meant to remain alone. Through the window of the saloon he could, if he liked, see the severe, eagle-nosed profile of Mrs. Barron, who was sitting in there, more majestic than ever in her shore-going outfit. She was a formidable lady, stern, resolute, and experienced; she had marked him down as soon as he had come on board at San Juan. Yet he had escaped from her; he had got the better of her, and so skillfully that even to this moment she was not sure whether he had deliberately avoided her, or whether it was chance. Yes, even now, if the weather had permitted, she would have come out after him with her card. But, if the weather had permitted that, Ross would not have been where he was. The day before, she had captured him for an instant in the dining saloon, and she had said that before they landed she would give him her card. He had thanked her very civilly, but he had made up his mind that she should do nothing of the sort. Because, if she did, she would expect a card from him in return; she would want to know where he was going, and he meant that she should never know, and never be able to find him. Even she was not likely to go so far as to rush across the rain-swept deck with that card of hers."
Excerpt: "James Ross was well content, that morning. He stood on the deck, one elbow on the rail, enjoying the wind and the cold rain that blew in his face, enjoying still more his feeling of complete isolation and freedom. None of the other passengers shared his liking for this bleak November we...
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About the author
Elisabeth Sanxay Holding (1889-1955) was an American novelist and short story writer, renowned for her contributions to the genre of crime fiction. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she began her literary career with romance novels but found her true calling in the realm of suspense and mystery. Holding's work is characterized by its psychological depth and intricate plotting, often exploring themes of domestic tension and moral ambiguity.During the Great Depression, Holding's shift to crime fiction was both a strategic and creative pivot that resonated with the anxieties of the era. Her novels often featured ordinary people entangled in extraordinary circumstances, reflecting the societal undercurrents of fear and instability. This approach not only captivated readers but also earned her the admiration of contemporaries and future generations of writers.One of the most intriguing aspects of Holding's career is her influence on the hardboiled and noir genres. Raymond Chandler, a titan of crime fiction, praised her work for its sophistication and narrative skill. Holding's ability to weave suspense with keen psychological insight set a precedent that many modern thriller writers continue to follow.Despite her acclaim, Holding's work was not without controversy. Her unflinching portrayal of flawed characters and moral complexities often challenged the conventional norms of her time, making her a pioneering figure in the evolution of crime fiction. Today, Elisabeth Sanxay Holding is celebrated for her innovative contributions to the genre and her enduring influence on the landscape of American literature.
Elisabeth Sanxay Holding (1889-1955) was an American novelist and short story writer, renowned for her contributions to the genre of crime fiction. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she began her literary career with romance novels but found her true calling in the realm of suspense and mystery. Holdin...
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