
The Chase of the Ruby (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Action Adventure ThrillerBy Richard MarshLength5h 33m
About this audiobook
The Chase of the Ruby is a brisk late-Victorian/Edwardian sensation mystery in which a precious gem becomes the magnetic centre of intrigue, deception, pursuit, and romantic complication. Marsh writes with the propulsive economy of serial fiction: scenes turn quickly, dialogue sharpens character, and suspense is generated through misdirection rather than ponderous exposition. The novel belongs to the popular tradition of jewel theft and urban adventure, standing near detective fiction, melodrama, and comic romance. Richard Marsh, born Richard Bernard Heldmann, was one of the most versatile popular writers of his generation, remembered today especially for The Beetle but remarkably prolific across crime, horror, humour, and adventure. His experience in periodical publishing shaped his narrative habits: he understood pacing, cliff-hangers, and the appetite of readers for mystery grounded in contemporary social life. His fascination with disguise, instability, and respectability under pressure informs this novel's energetic plot. Readers interested in Victorian popular fiction beyond the canonical names will find The Chase of the Ruby highly rewarding. It offers not only entertainment but also a revealing example of how mass-market fiction negotiated wealth, desire, chance, and modern urban mobility. For admirers of Wilkie Collins, Conan Doyle, and fin-de-siècle intrigue, Marsh's novel is a lively and intelligent rediscovery.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreMystery and Thriller
Length5 hrs 33 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJul 18, 2018
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Christmas Hirelings (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5CHAPTER I GHOSTS IN AFRICA
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6CHAPTER II THE QUEST ORDAINED
7CHAPTER III MISS BROAD COMMANDS
8CHAPTER IV MR HOLLAND FAILS
9CHAPTER V A WOMAN SCORNED
10CHAPTER VI MISS BROAD COMMANDS A SECOND TIME
11CHAPTER VII THE BOTTOM DRAWER
12CHAPTER VIII THE LADY--AND THE GENTLEMAN
13CHAPTER IX THE FLYMAN
14CHAPTER X SHE WISHES THAT SHE HADN'T
15CHAPTER XI THE PURSUIT OF THE GENTLEMAN
16CHAPTER XII THE TENDER MERCIES OF TWO LADIES
17CHAPTER XIII VISITORS FOR MISS CASATA
18CHAPTER XIV WHO KNOCKS?
19CHAPTER XV AN HONOURABLE RETREAT
20CHAPTER XVI THE FINDING OF THE RUBY AND THE LOCKING OF THE DOOR
21CHAPTER XVII THE FIGURES ON THE BED
22CHAPTER XVIII REINFORCED
23CHAPTER XIX STILL WITH A SMILE
24CHAPTER XX HOW THE CHASE WAS ENDED
25Analysis
26Reflection
27Memorable Quotes