Showing results by author "G K Chesterton" in All Categories

"The Blue Cross" is a short story by G. K. Chesterton. It was the first Father Brown short story and also introduces the characters Flambeau and Valentin. It is unique among the Father Brown mysteries in that it does not follow the actions of the Father himself, but rather those of Valentin. It was first published on 23 July 1910, under the title "Valentin Follows a Curious Trail", in the Saturday Evening Post, Philadelphia. Re-titled as "The Blue Cross", publication in London followed, in The Story-Teller magazine of September 1910.

A stormy evening of olive and silver was closing in, as Father Brown, wrapped in a grey Scotch plaid, came to the end of a grey Scotch valley and beheld the strange castle of Glengyle. It stopped one end of the glen or hollow like a blind alley; and it looked like the end of the world. Rising in steep roofs and spires of seagreen slate in the manner of the old French-Scotch chateaux, it reminded an Englishman of the sinister steeple-hats of witches in fairy tales; and the pine woods that rocked round the green turrets looked, by comparison, as black as numberless flocks of ravens.

Both by calling and conviction Father Brown knew better than most of us, that every man is dignified when he is dead. But even he felt a pang of incongruity when he was knocked up at daybreak and told that Sir Aaron Armstrong had been murdered. There was something absurd and unseemly about secret violence in connection with so entirely entertaining and popular a figure. For Sir Aaron Armstrong was entertaining to the point of being comic; and popular in such a manner as to be almost legendary.

The tenth story in The Innocence of Father Brown is entitled The Eye of Apollo. At the beginning of this short story, Flambeau has just opened his detective agency in a new building located near Westminster Abbey. The other tenants in the building are a religious charlatan named Kalon, who claims to be "the New Priest of Apollo," and two sisters, who are typists. Flambeau and Father Brown instinctively distrust Kalon, who has installed a huge eye of Apollo outside his office.

The Sign of the Broken Sword is a short story by G. K. Chesterton featuring his famous characters Father Brown and former criminal Flambeau. At the centre of the story is the mysterious death of General Sir Arthur St. Clare, who was hanged on a tree with his broken sword hung round his neck. It is a detective story and throughout it Father Brown reveals the mystery of General St. Clare.

The Reverend Wilfred Bohun could no longer stand the scandalous behavior of his alcoholic brother Norman, who blasphemed God and humiliated the Reverend Bohun in the eyes of his parishioners. Chesterton states that Wilfred and Norman Bohun belong to an old noble family whose descendants are now mostly "drunkards and dandy degenerates." Rumor has it that there has been "a whisper of insanity" in the Bohun family.

The story takes place at an English manor home on Boxing Day. A young lady and the young man who lives next door are present, as is the girl's father, Colonel Adams, a newly arrived uncle and a quite rich godfather. Also present, in addition to the servants, simply because the Colonel likes his company is the local priest, Father Brown. The godfather has brought a gift for the young lady, a set of three gorgeous, large diamonds, which he has tucked away in his coat pocket.

Father Brown (Chesterton's sharp-witted detective priest) and Flambeau (the reformed master-thief and Brown's constant companion) are on a little vacation in Norfolk, invited to visit the mysterious Prince Saradine. It doesn't go well. Sure, Flambeau gets some good fishing in, but there's also a duel with rapiers, a couple murders, a hanging, a case of mistaken identity, an awkward family reunion, and a gang of surly Sicilians.

Certain of the great roads going north out of London continue far into the country a sort of attenuated and interrupted spectre of a street, with great gaps in the building, but preserving the line. Here will be a group of shops, followed by a fenced field or paddock, and then a famous public-house, and then perhaps a market garden or a nursery garden, and then one large private house, and then another field and another inn, and so on.

"The Invisible Man" is a detective story written by G. K. Chesterton which concerns the nature of the crimes committed by one James Welkin, who had been harassing Laura Hope and menacing his romantic rival, Isidore Smythe (whom he would later murder), all without ever being seen.

Dive into the world of The Innocence of Father Brown, a collection of riveting mystery tales penned by G.K. Chesterton. Unveil the truth behind each enigma with the unassuming yet astoundingly sharp Roman Catholic priest, Father Brown. Despite his unremarkable exterior, Father Browns insightful deductions consistently outdo the so-called experts, often caught off-guard due to their prejudgments about Christianity. This 1911 classic weaves together enthralling narratives and thought-provoking commentary, making it an irresistible read. (Summary by Brian Roberg)

Set in the steep northern heights of London, where the streets climb skywards like a towering mountain range, Manalive tells the story of a desolate terrace of tall grey houses. At the end of this terrace lies Beacon House, a boarding establishment that stands tall and imposing like an abandoned ships prow against the setting sun. This intriguing tale was masterfully penned by the renowned writer, Gilbert Keith Chesterton.

Dive into the world of Father Brown, an unassuming and often underestimated Catholic priest with an extraordinary talent for solving mysteries. Unlike the conventional detective approach, Father Brown relies not on forensic science, but on his unparalleled understanding of human nature, gained through years of listening to confessions and working with the underprivileged. This collection of eight mysteries, mainly set in America, showcases Father Browns unique methods. Often overlooked due to his humble demeanor, Father Browns ability to observe and make logical deductions from seemingly ...

Explore the intriguing world of Man Who Was Thursday, a riveting blend of fantasy, comedy, and thriller, penned by author Chesterton. Subtitled as a Nightmare, the narrative plunges into a sinister plot crafted by anarchists, aiming to obliterate the world. Often hailed as Chestertons magnum opus, this novel promises a captivating ride into the realms of chaos and anarchy.

Discover the intrigue and mystery of The Man Who Knew Too Much, penned by the prolific and influential English author, Gilbert Keith Chesterton. Known for his vast literary contributions, including journalism, poetry, and novels, Chestertons most memorable work remains the Father Brown stories. This book shares a unique similarity with his famous detective series. The protagonist, Horne Fisher, is intricately linked to the top-tier politicians of his time, providing him with insider knowledge on the mysteries he encounters and resolves. Dive into this gripping narrative and unravel the ...

Step into the vivid, paradoxical world of G. K. Chesterton—where saints dance with skeptics, riddles reveal truth, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Best known for his wit and philosophical insight, Chesterton’s poetry is a rich blend of humor, faith, social commentary, and fierce imagination. From the rousing rhythms of “Lepanto” to the introspective depth of “The Ballad of the White Horse”, this curated selection showcases Chesterton’s signature style: playful yet profound, grounded yet soaring.

In 1910, when the industrialists and intelligentsia both promised only “progress,” G. K. Chesterton was among the few in the West who could see the brewing ideological storms that would soon make landfall, not just in the form of world wars and totalitarianism but in the pervasive modern dehumanization that consumes us to this day. More than a century ago, Chesterton perceived the beginnings of “woke capital” and how it aligns with and promotes social progressivism. There is an unspoken alliance between big business and progressives, he explains.

Father Brown: The Essential Stories brings together the finest tales of the beloved amateur detective, Father Brown - a small, unassuming priest with a remarkable knack for solving the most baffling crimes. With his quiet wisdom, sharp intuition, and deep understanding of human nature, Father Brown solves cases that baffle even the most seasoned detectives.

The Complete Father Brown Collection: Books 1-5, read by the outstanding Nicholas Boulton, includes unabridged recordings of the complete works of Father Brown—G. K. Chesterton's beloved amateur sleuth.

The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare is a mind-bending thriller blending espionage, philosophy, and satire. When Gabriel Syme infiltrates a secret anarchist organization, he finds himself caught in a surreal game of deception and identity. A brilliant mix of detective fiction and metaphysical mystery.