Léon-René Delmas de Pont-Gest (1830-1904) was a French writer, traveler, and author of many adventure and detective novels. He served in the French navy, traveled a lot, especially in Southeast Asia, leaving valuable memories of his travels to India and China. His works are distinguished by vivid plots, mysteries, and a keen knowledge of exotic countries.
This volume includes two of his fascinating novels.
"Pearl River" takes the reader to 19th-century China. It all begins with the appearance of a mysterious stranger, followed by a strange theft. But when this incident is followed by a terrible crime, it becomes only the beginning of a series of exciting events, where intrigues, ancient secrets, and the struggle for power are intertwined.
"Duchess Claudia" is set in Paris in the mid-19th century, where high-society intrigues can be no less dangerous than crimes. The demi-monde lady Genevieve Fremrol, who has become rich kept woman, dreams of securing a high-sounding title for her daughter Claudia. At the same time, Duke Robert de Blangy-Portal, a reckless gambler and rake, seeks to improve his dire financial situation through a profitable marriage. But their carefully planned deal is doomed to a tragic ending, because Madame Fremrol's past hides a terrible secret that will destroy the destinies of all participants in this story.
Secrets, crimes, passion and a fatal ending - Pont-Gest's novels draw you into a world of unexpected twists, intense intrigues and dramatic destinies.
