The Flaming Jewel

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26651

Title

The Flaming Jewel

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the Adirondacks, Robert W. Chambers' *The Flaming Jewel* weaves a tale of crime, romance, and redemption. Following the theft of a legendary diamond by a band of international thieves, a determined detective and a refugee princess race against time to recover the gems. Blending atmospheric wilderness settings with fast-paced suspense, this novel offers a compelling look at loyalty, class, and the enduring allure of a priceless treasure.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the autumn of 1922 within the rugged Adirondack wilderness, Robert W. Chambers' *The Flaming Jewel* weaves a tale of high-stakes pursuit, moral ambiguity, and unexpected redemption. The narrative centers on the theft of the legendary Flaming Jewel, a rare diamond belonging to Ricca, formerly Grand Duchess Theodorica of Esthonia. After the jewels are stolen by the notorious bandit José Quintana, the story follows the frantic efforts to recover them. Ricca's new husband, James Darragh, a young detective with a background in military intelligence, leads the chase. He is aided by State Trooper Jack Stormont and Eve Strayer, the stepdaughter of Mike Clinch, a former guide who now runs the lawless settlement known as 'Clinch's Dump.' The plot intensifies as Darragh tracks Quintana's gang, including accomplices Emanuel Sard and Nick Salzar, through the forest to Clinch's Dump. Tension mounts as the gang prepares to retrieve the gems hidden within the settlement. The narrative explores the decline of Mike Clinch, a once-respected guide driven into crime by economic pressure and the encroachment of wealthy neighbor Henry Harrod's expanding estate. Clinch's downfall is hastened by legal and financial entrapment, creating a backdrop of desperation that fuels the criminal activity. A dramatic confrontation erupts at Clinch's house, where the barn burns down. Quintana manages to escape with the jewels, seemingly securing his victory. However, the story delivers a surprising twist that redefines the conflict. Ricca reveals that the dazzling gems displayed in the case were merely perfect imitations. The true fortune, including the magnificent Flaming Jewel, was concealed in a secret compartment within the case itself. This revelation shifts the dynamic from a desperate recovery mission to one of triumphant security, ensuring the safety of the family's wealth. As Quintana flees into the night, pursued by a lone trooper, the novel concludes with a sense of resolution. The protagonists are safe and united, while the fate of the bandit remains uncertain. Through this chase, Chambers examines themes of justice versus the law, the corruption of the wealthy, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story ultimately suggests that true value lies not in material wealth, but in the integrity of character and the bonds of friendship and loyalty that sustain the human spirit against adversity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction