Showing results by narrator "Chris Lutkin" in All Categories

Inspired by an account in the Broadway Journal of a surgeon putting a patient into a magnetic sleep, "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" is a suspenseful tale concerning the forestallment of death by hypnosis. Originally published without a clear indication of its fictionality, the story was assumed to be a true account by some of its original readers.

First published in a 1842 edition of Graham's Lady's and Gentleman's Magazine, "The Masque of the Red Death" tells the story of Prince Prospero as he tries to avoid a plague by confining himself and his nobles to a masquerade in an abbey. Often considered a Gothic allegory, the story reflects on not only life and death but also the illusion of control.

First published in an 1843 edition of the Saturday Evening Post, "The Black Cat" tells the story of a man and his increasingly antagonistic relationship with his cat. Akin to "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Cask of Amontillado", "The Black Cat" investigates the psychological effects of guilt as well as the potentially destructive and violent consequences of alcoholism.

First published in an 1849 edition of The Flag of Our Union, "Hop-Frog" is a revenge tale akin to "The Cask of Amontillado". Told from the perspective of a crippled jester who was taken from his homeland and has been abused by the king he serves, the story focuses on the revenge Hop-Frog takes after the king strikes his fellow countrywoman and performer, the dancer Trippetta.

First published in an 1846 edition of Godey's Lady's Book, "The Cask of Amontillado" is widely considered to be one of the most perfect short stories ever written. Told by the unreliable narrator Montresor - a man who sought vengeance against his acquaintance for an insult that the listener is not privy to - the story details how Montresor accomplished his revenge.

First published in an 1839 edition of Burton's Gentleman's Magazine, "The Fall of the House of Usher" is the story of the declining physical and psychological health of the residents of the House of Usher - and the way in which the house itself reflects that. Gothic in theme and style, the story is an exemplar of Poe's philosophy of composition, which dictates that literary works should be short and methodological and have a unity of effect wherein all the elements of the story are related and relevant.

First published in an 1841 edition of Graham's Magazine, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is often cited as the first modern detective story. The first of three stories to center around C. Auguste Dupin, Poe's fictional detective, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" involves Dupin's investigation of two women's murders. Establishing many of the tropes that would later become common to detective fiction, the story begins with an explanation of Dupin's theory of ratiocination, a concept that greatly influenced the creation of detective fiction.

The girl is found beside the East River, strangled. She's in her late 20s - so why was she carrying a fake ID? The case should have nothing to do with Reuben Frost, retired Wall Street lawyer, but Frost has never been known to mind his own business. Not to mention, his wife, Cynthia, has been slowed down by arthritis, and his social calendar is barren for the first time in decades. It's the perfect time to find a murderer.

Famed Broadway producer Milo Short steps out of his Upper West Side brownstone on one exceptionally hot morning, he's not expecting to see the impossible: a woman from his life 60 years ago, winking at him on a New York sidewalk. The sight causes him to suffer a stroke. And when he comes to, the renowned lyricist discovers he has lost the ability to communicate. Milo believes he must unravel his complicated history with Vivian Adair in order to win back his words

The US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California is responsible for enforcing the federal law of the US for an area that is larger than 14 states and has a population of more than five million people. Here, follow Lizzie Scott as she untangles an excessive-force case against a cop, all while balancing agency turf battles, secret grand jury proceedings, interoffice rivalries, and on-the-make prosecutors.

Eighteen-year-old Henry Fleming is a private in the Union Army's 304th New York Regiment. Having enlisted despite his mother's protest, Henry internally questions if his bravery will hold true in the face of battle. Determining that all hope is lost during his regiment's first skirmish, Henry flees in the midst of a bleak and bloody situation. However, as he reaches the rear of the army, he learns that the Union has actually won the battle.

Stories include: "The Raven"; "Hop-Frog"; "The Black Cat"; "The Cask of Amontillado"; "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar"; "The Fall of the House of Usher"; "The Gold-Bug"; "The Masque of the Red Death"; "The Murders in the Rue Morgue"; "The Purloined Letter"; "The Pit and the Pendulum"; and "The Tell-Tale Heart".

Dramatic, lyrical, and beautiful, O Captain, My Captain tells the story of one of America’s greatest poets and how he was inspired by one of America’s greatest presidents.

Sometimes that very thin line between illusion and reality is not as clearly defined as we would like it to be. It certainly wasn't the day that Alan Mitz stumbled into the garden of Abdul Gasazi. For in this bizarre and eerie place - where strange topiary trees loomed - the evil visage of Gasazi casts its shadow. And even after Alan escaped, the spell of Gasazi still seemed to penetrate into his everyday world. In this extraordinary, unusual, and unique book, Chris Van Allsburg explores both real and surreal worlds with incredible deftness.

For anyone approaching retirement, Where's My Money? is a must-hear guide to ensure you maximize your income, reduce your tax burden, protect your loved ones, avoid costly mistakes, and enjoy the retirement you have always dreamed of.

Revel in the in the magic of the holiday season with three classic Christmas tales. From the birth of Christ to a visit from Santa Claus, these family favorites will be enjoyed over and over again. Titles include: The Christmas Story; Twas the Night Before Christmas; and Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.

In the heart of the Adirondack wilderness, two old friends are forced to confront their pasts and face an ancient, supernatural force that haunts the forest. As the line between reality and nightmare blurs, John and Frank must survive not only the wilderness but the dark, terrifying entities lurking within.

In the third Richard Hannay novel, the Brigadier-General finds himself pulled from the warfront to hunt down a German agent whilst undercover as a conscientious objector.

Delve into the rich traditions of Historic Base Ball in this comprehensive guide to America's pastime as it was played in the mid-19th century. This book offers enthusiasts an immersive look at the game before the advent of modern rules and equipment, featuring insights into period-specific uniforms, playing strategies, and the historical context that shaped these early games.