The Diamond Master

Jacques Futrelle

Nov 2021 · Graphic Arts Books

About this ebook

The Diamond Master (1909) is a mystery novel by Jacques Futrelle. Published at the height of his career as a leading popular detective and science fiction writer, The Diamond Master was adapted for two silent films in 1921 and 1929. Celebrated for his brisk storytelling and mastery of suspense, Jacques Futrelle was lost at sea on April 15, 1912 while returning from Europe on the HMS Titanic. His wife, who survived the disaster, had his last book dedicated to “the heroes of the Titanic.” “A minute or more passed, a minute of wonder, admiration, allurement, but at last he ventured to lift the diamond from the box. It was perfect, so far as he could see; perfect in cutting and color and depth, prismatic, radiant, bewilderingly gorgeous. Its value? Even he could not offer an opinion...” An expert jeweler, even Harry Latham is forced to admit he has never in his life seen such a diamond. It arrived in an unmarked package with neither message nor return address, a rather casual presentation for such an invaluable object. Unable to appraise it, let alone uncover its origins, he seeks the advice of other experienced jewelers. Soon, it is determined that five flawless diamonds have been delivered to his colleagues across the United States, prompting confusion and fear as to the intentions of the anonymous sender. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Jacques Futrelle’s The Diamond Master is a classic of American detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.

About the author

Jacques Futrelle (1875-1912) was an American journalist and mystery writer. Born in Georgia, he began working for the Atlanta Journal as a young sportswriter and later found employment with The New York Herald, the Boston Post, and the Boston American. In 1906, he left his career in journalism to focus on writing fiction, producing seven mystery and science fiction novels and a popular series of short stories featuring gifted sleuth Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen. In April 1912, at the end of a European vacation, he boarded the RMS Titanic with his wife Lily. Although a first-class passenger, he insisted that others, including his wife, board a lifeboat in his place. He is presumed to have died when the passenger ship sunk beneath the frigid Atlantic waves.