U automobilu
In the Car is a crime (detective) novel by English writer George Webb Appleton, published in Zagreb in 1917. It is a translation of one of his light detective novels from the early 20th century.
The main character is James Beale, a capable and resourceful detective who investigates a crime whose center is precisely the car – then still a new and fascinating symbol of modern technology. The plot unfolds in a dynamic rhythm: car chases, secret meetings, mysterious murders and the unraveling of a conspiracy. Among the characters, a certain Petrović appears in the role of a suspect, a character who brings a Balkan, Eastern European touch to the story.
The novel combines elements of the classic detective genre with the novelties of the time – the car as a means of crime, escape and investigation. Appleton writes in a light, accessible style, intended for a wider audience, with enough tension, romance and social observations. The book reflects the early 20th century fascination with motoring and the modern way of life.
The 1917 edition is one of the early examples of crime literature in the Croatian language and testifies to the interest of the Croatian audience in new technology and genre prose during the First World War. Today, this edition is an antiquarian rarity.
One copy is available
- Slight damage to the cover
