Name: The Ivory Snuff Box by Frederic Arnold Kummer
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (7 reviews)
Author: Kummer, Frederic Arnold, 1873-1943

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The Ivory Snuff Box by Frederic Arnold Kummer

(7 User reviews) 766

By Elizabeth Adams Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Gentle Worlds

Authors: Kummer, Frederic Arnold, 1873-1943 Published By : Kummer, Frederic Arnold, 1873-1943

Book Language: English

Hey, have you ever picked up a book just because the title grabbed you? That's what happened to me with 'The Ivory Snuff Box.' Forget what you think you know about dusty old mysteries. This one starts with a bang—literally. Richard Duvall, an American in Paris, is just trying to enjoy a quiet evening when a shot rings out. Next thing he knows, a man is dying in his arms, and a priceless ivory snuff box is thrust into his hand with a desperate plea. Now he's caught in a web of international spies, secret treaties, and a race against time to clear his own name. It's less of a 'whodunit' and more of a 'how-on-earth-is-he-going-to-get-out-of-this?' Kummer throws you right into the action and doesn't let up. If you like your mysteries with a side of old-world glamour and constant forward motion, you've got to give this one a try. It's a forgotten gem that deserves a comeback.

File: The Ivory Snuff Box by Frederic Arnold Kummer

Picture this: Paris, in the early 1900s. Richard Duvall, a successful American artist, is living the good life. His world turns upside down in a single moment. After hearing a gunshot, he finds a French secret agent, Monsieur Lefevre, mortally wounded. With his last breath, Lefevre hands Duvall a beautiful, carved ivory snuff box. It's not just a trinket—it contains a secret treaty that could prevent a war. Lefevre's final wish? Get the box to the American ambassador. Simple, right? Not even close.

The Story

Duvall immediately becomes the prime suspect in Lefevre's murder. The real spies, who want that treaty for themselves, are now hunting him. To clear his name and complete his promise, Duvall has to outsmart the French police and a network of clever, ruthless enemies. The chase takes him from elegant Parisian apartments into the city's shadowy underworld. He gets help from an unexpected ally: Grace, Lefevre's quick-witted and resourceful daughter. Together, they use every trick they can think of—disguises, clever ruses, and pure guts—to stay one step ahead. The tension isn't just about solving a crime; it's about surviving long enough to deliver the box.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast. Duvall isn't a professional detective; he's an ordinary guy in an impossible situation, which makes his clever solutions so satisfying to follow. His partnership with Grace feels fresh for its time—she's far from a damsel in distress. Kummer writes with a crisp, visual style that makes you feel like you're watching a classic black-and-white film. The pace is fantastic; something is always happening. Beyond the thrills, there's a heart to it. It's about honor, keeping a promise to a dying man, and the unexpected courage people find when pushed to their limit.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a fast-paced, cinematic adventure. If you're a fan of early spy fiction, Alfred Hitchcock-style suspense, or stories where the hero has to think on his feet, you'll devour this. It's also a great pick for historical fiction readers who want to feel the atmosphere of pre-WWI Europe without a heavy history lesson. 'The Ivory Snuff Box' is a tightly-plotted, entertaining ride that proves a good story never goes out of style.