Originally serialized in the 1920s, George F. Worts's Peter the Brazen is a blast from the past that still delivers a punch.

The Story

Peter Moore is a wireless operator stationed in China, a man who knows how to handle himself. His quiet life gets upended when the beautiful, enigmatic Lola Erwin shows up, fleeing a terrifying secret society known as the Red Eye of Shaitan. They're after something she knows, and Peter, against his better judgment, decides to help her. What follows is a wild chase from the docks of Shanghai into the heart of the Chinese interior. Peter faces off against smugglers, deciphers cryptic warnings, and uncovers a plot that mixes ancient legend with modern greed. The big question isn't just who the villains are, but what they truly are.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a time capsule of adventure fiction. Worts writes with a cinematic energy that pulls you right along. Peter is a classic, two-fisted hero—smart, tough, and a bit reckless. The real charm is in the atmosphere. You can almost smell the salt air on the wharves and feel the tension in the shadowy alleys. It's a romanticized, thrilling version of the Far East that existed in the popular imagination of the time. Don't come for historical accuracy; come for the ride.

Final Verdict

This one's for readers who love the unapologetic action of early pulp magazines, fans of characters like Indiana Jones or Allan Quatermain, and anyone who enjoys a straightforward, action-packed mystery with a exotic backdrop. If you appreciate classic adventure tales where the good guy is brave and the dangers are larger than life, you'll have a great time with Peter Moore.