The Dead Letter


Read by J. M. Smallheer

(4.6 stars; 257 reviews)

Published in 1866, "The Dead Letter: An American Romance" written by Metta Victoria Fuller Victor under the pseudonym, Seeley Regester, is credited by historians of popular literature to be the first full-length American crime fiction novel. The writing is melodramatic in places and includes opinions typical of the time period, but is an enjoyable, early example of the genre. The novel begins with Richard Redfield, a clerk in the "Dead Letter Office," opening an unclaimed letter. Upon reading the contents, he is convinced that the message relates to the events of a night two years prior when another young man was brutally murdered. (summary by J. M. Smallheer) (8 hr 39 min)

Chapters

Part I: The Letter 3:59 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Events of a Night 19:34 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Figure Beneath the Trees 19:56 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Moreland Villa 24:24 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Mr. Burton, the Detective, part 1 21:34 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Mr. Burton, the Detective, part 2 19:24 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Two Links in the Chain 23:42 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Eleanor 14:05 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Haunted Grave, part 1 19:51 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Haunted Grave, part 2 16:39 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Spider and the Fly 30:45 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Anniversary, part 1 25:57 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Anniversary, part 2 12:33 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Little Guest and the Apparition, part 1 17:36 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Little Guest and the Apparition, part 2 22:42 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Night in Moreland Villa 19:22 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Shadow Assumes Shape 18:23 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Part II: The Letter 23:57 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Our Visits 27:50 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Confession 26:09 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Embarked for California 15:20 Read by J. M. Smallheer
On the Trail 14:55 Read by J. M. Smallheer
At Last -- At Last 27:56 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Now for Home Again 7:51 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Ripe Hour 22:35 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Joining the Missing Links 14:35 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The New Life 7:39 Read by J. M. Smallheer

Reviews


(5 stars)

I don't give out 5 stars too often. This book deserves it. It's basically a murderer mystery with a scoop of drama, a dash of love (not mushy), & a pinch of a ghost story. I was kept interested throughout the entire story. You get drawn into the characters. You want to know what's next. While most of them have good endings you don't feel like the story is hindered by this as there's no sappiness or cheese like with some books/movies. This book is just perfection.

Fabulous story, fabulous reading


(5 stars)

What a well crafted story of mystery, love, and betrayal. All the characters were finely developed. The plot was woven carefully and the ending was perfect. The reader did a wonderful job and was so easily to listen to. Highly recommended!

J. M. Smallheer, you are a fine reader


(5 stars)

I just started listening but I wanted to give a "shout out": I am so grateful to hear the rare female reader for novels such as this. I am a male and I prefer female readers. I am not a p correctness liberal(I am an economic socialist, and regarding privacy and free speech I am a libertarian. money is not speech i say to the corrupt US voting system). I just find female readers keep my attention, regardless if they are British, American, etc or even have a foreign accent while reading english. And I am getting sick and tired of reviewers bashing female readers. Just let it slide off your back my female comrads, they are morons. dahszil male usa("beat the swords into plowshares": dismantle the US empire and restore the US republic as a peaceful, non exploitative, non warmongering, compassionate, contributor member of the world's family of nations

Pretty Writing


(3 stars)

I almost liked this, even though it was hard to follow which characters are which. Vague references to "he" or "she" domniate. Add to that, the Eleanor/Leanor thing. But the detestable ending takes the cake. The main character, with the world before his feet, (*spoiler*)...submits to a febble minded family who; rejected him and aided the killer. The author's wimpy, privileged mentality wont allow for the comeuppance of aristocrats. Yuck. Mr. "he" withering, isnt good enough. That the judgment of the older sister is revered, is a joke. The fate of the detective and his daughter was the last straw and downright loathsome. Nevermind that both killers where allowed to get away and practice upon new victims. The author has a skewed sence of justice and perhaps secretly and cowerdly, admires murderers. I can hardly believe this author was American, as she writes like the product of a long line of cousins, with the storyline edited by a corrupt priest. Excellently read, though. Thank you.

Wonderfully Tragic


(5 stars)

A murder changes the lives of everyone left behind. There's action, adventure, frustration and of course, betrayal. This Author made me care about all the characters & my emotions were brought along for the ride. The LibriVox volunteer is excellent. Highly recommended!


(4.5 stars)

Greatly enjoyed this 1st American example of what has become a staple genre in domestic fiction. Ms. Smallhere reads the text very well as always. Time spent listening to this book Will not be wasted.

great read!


(5 stars)

Great story, with plenty of twists and turns, suspense, mystery and more. Author did a great job writing from the point of view of the story teller also.

one of my favorite readers


(4 stars)

pretty good mystery. The story brought out emotions of anger towards the family that turned their back on their friend.