Blackmail and Murder

Murder Mystery Book. The Brown Sparrow is Master of Disguise in Early 1900s New York City. (Murder Mystery Book Series)

By: James Harris

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

A murder mystery book set in New York and New York City during the early 20th century.

Step into the shadowy streets of early 20th century New York City, where the echoes of a masterful criminal's footsteps blend with the clinking of horse-drawn carriages. Nick Grossman, a seasoned detective known for his unyielding pursuit of justice, finds himself entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the enigmatic Brown Robin, a cunning blackmailer and elusive impersonator.

Nick Grossman receives a taunting letter from the Brown Robin, a master of disguise who has evaded the police in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and now New York. The Brown Robin hints at a newly blackmailed target, Alpheus Cary, who soon contacts Nick for help after falling victim to the Brown Robin’s deceptive tactics involving blackmail and compromising photographs. Nick is immediately drawn into a web of deception orchestrated by the elusive criminal.

Nick, along with his team—Allison, Chick, and Ida—begins investigating the Brown Robin's activities. Meanwhile, Ida travels to Philadelphia to uncover additional information related to the Brown Robin's identity. Ida faces peril when she is kidnapped and held against her will, but she manages to send a covert message for help. Nick and Chick rescue her, conclude more about the case, and discover a pattern in the Brown Robin’s schemes.

Simultaneously, another affluent victim, Richard F. Mountain, is blackmailed by the Brown Robin over a compromising confession he wrote but cannot find. Nick intervenes, obtaining the letter and promising to handle things, only to receive more taunting messages from the Brown Robin.

As the plot thickens, Chick unravels more details, tracing back the steps of Ethel Romney, who moved from Philadelphia to New York. George Macrane, connected to the Romney family, emerges as a suspect when Ida’s investigations expose his vindictive nature and troubled relationship with Ethel. Nick hypothesizes George is in New York posing as someone he resembles to divert attention, a tactic that fits the clever style of the Brown Robin.

Allison uncovers a parallel plot involving Masson, who uses his yacht for nefarious activities, including the attempted kidnapping of Blanche Carter, and inadvertently, Nick's wife, Lisa. Allison heroically thwarts the kidnapping, earning gratitude and praise.

Back in Philadelphia, Nick confronts George Macrane, revealing his suspicions surrounding Ethel’s murder. Macrane is arrested and ultimately confesses his crime during an emotional breakdown.

Key concepts in this intense detective narrative revolve around disguise, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It’s a story woven with continuous twists, calculated moves by both the detective and the criminal, and a testament to the power of intelligence, observation, and determination.

The conclusion sees Masson fleeing to Europe, George Macrane awaiting execution, and Blanche Carter dealing with her grief while expressing her gratitude to Allison. The mystery is resolved, demonstrating Nick Grossman’s prowess as a detective and the loyalty and bravery of his team. The case becomes known among Nick’s crew as “Allison’s Triumph,” marking an unforgettable chapter in their careers.