"Pawned" is a thrilling crime novel written by Frank L. Packard written before 1913. The story follows the character Jimmie Dale, a wealthy socialite by day and a master thief known as "The Gray Seal" by night. Jimmie's double life takes a dramatic turn when he finds himself unwittingly involved in a deadly game of blackmail and murder. The book begins with Jimmie receiving a letter from a mysterious figure known only as "The Tocsin." The letter informs Jimmie that he is being watched and that he must steal a particular item or face the consequences. As Jimmie races to clear his name, he finds himself in a race against time, with danger lurking around every corner. Along the way, he teams up with a spunky newspaper reporter named Marie LaSalle, who helps him navigate the seedy underbelly of New York City's criminal underworld. "Pawned" is a classic crime novel filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected twists and turns. It offers a glimpse into the criminal mind and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.
Canadian author Frank L. Packard lived from February 2, 1877, until February 17, 1942. Frank L. Packard attended the Universities of Liège and McGill after being born in Montreal, Quebec. He was a civil engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway when he was a young guy. His experiences as a railroad worker inspired him to write numerous train tales and later a series of mystery books, the most well-known of which included a character by the name of Jimmie Dale. He has some of his books adapted into movies. Frank Packard passed away in Lachine, Quebec, in 1942, and was laid to rest in Montreal's Mount Royal Cemetery. went to work as a civil engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railway as a young man. His experiences working on the railroad inspired him to write a number of mystery books, the most well-known of which included a character by the name of "Jimmie Dale," who made his debut in the 1917 book The Adventures of Jimmie Dale. By day, he was a wealthy playboy, but at night, he put on a disguise and went by the name The Grey Seal. He breaks into homes and businesses to open safes.