Old Broadbrim Into the Heart of Australia: or, A Strange Bargain and Its Consequences

"Old Broadbrim Into the Heart of Australia" by St. George Rathborne is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Old Broadbrim, a renowned Quaker detective, who is hired under mysterious circumstances to guard a wealthy man, Custer Kipp, against unseen threats, leading him into a complex web of intrigue, murder, and danger as he pursues his foe across the globe. The narrative promises suspense as it delves into the darker side of human nature and the risks entailed in uncovering hidden truths. The opening of the novel introduces us to Old Broadbrim on a fateful day in April, where he meets Custer Kipp, who reveals that he has received threats against his life and offers the detective a staggering sum to protect him for a year. Despite his reservations, Old Broadbrim accepts the peculiar commission, feeling the allure of the challenge. However, the story quickly escalates as Kipp is found murdered shortly after, thrusting Broadbrim into an unexpected investigation that intertwines with the mystery of another murder, setting the stage for an intricate plot that spans continents and involves a deadly adversary. The initial chapters establish the stakes and the complexities of safeguarding Kipp, while hinting at the larger web of deceit and vengeance to be unraveled.