Adventure novels set between 1900s to 1930s?

[kuilis]

Sorry to start another topic, just seems like folks here know their business on historical fiction.

Can anyone recommend some adventure novels with historical setting anytime between 1900-1939? Something with similar themes to Indiana Jones or The Mummy (treasure hunting, exploration, etc.) but preferably with a bit more realism, i.e. no monsters or aliens. Would prefer the Far East as a setting but would also be interested in South America or Europe. Doesn't matter if the book was written back then or today.

[SGM]

Never read them myself but Rider Haggard might suit. Many of his novels were written during this time and so might reflect the period you want. I have only seen the films. Ditto Erskine Childers' Riddle of the Sands.

[kuilis]

Never read them myself but Rider Haggard might suit.

Cheers. I think most of them are set somewhat earlier (19th century) but I've still heard he's a great writer and King Solomon's Mines is still on my reading list.

Ditto Erskine Childers' Riddle of the Sands.

Just read a plot overview of it, sounds very interesting. Thanks again.

[SGM]

Some of John Buchan's fit into your time period, being arranged around the outbreak of WW1 and the aftermath. I think a couple are based in Africa (or South Africa). Some are set in a much earlier period.

[MLE (Emily Cotton)]

Wilbur Smith's Assegai is set in 1906 Kenya. It brings together two series of adventure / family sagas mostly set in Africa.

[Mythica]

Clive Cussler? Haven't read him myself but whenever I see his covers I think it looks Indiana Jones-ish.

[kuilis]

Some of John Buchan's fit into your time period, being arranged around the outbreak of WW1 and the aftermath. I think a couple are based in Africa (or South Africa). Some are set in a much earlier period.

Thanks I'll have a look.

Wilbur Smith's Assegai is set in 1906 Kenya. It brings together two series of adventure / family sagas mostly set in Africa.

Haven't heard of that one. Thanks.

Clive Cussler? Haven't read him myself but whenever I see his covers I think it looks Indiana Jones-ish.

I've read most of his Isaac Bell stories, but I think apart from those his other works are set in the modern times.

[Margaret]

There are two novels by Bartle Bull, Shanghai Station and China Star, set in 1918 China. You will likely find more if you browse the Asia page at HistoricalNovels.info. Happy hunting!

[RLStevenson]

I'd second the suggestion of King Solomon's Mines. It is closer to last 1800s, but still has an Indiana Jones vibe. It very cleverly deals with superstitions and magic while keeping everything grounded in reality and has everything you could want from an adventure novel - treasure hunting, foreign lands, indigenous peoples and customs, battles, exploration...

[werewolf]

I think I know what you want. A lot of great stories published in US pulp magazines that are being re-published. Try Syd Fleischer's Malay Woman or Danger in Paradise. Check out Far East Adventure Stories by Ace Williams (publ by Adventure House). Kipling's stories are a recommended read, but fall well outside the time period that interests you.