Gwangi

Lovecraft himself considered this story drivel. He wrote it for money, which he felt was an artistic compromise. Yet it is really a great story. It definitely has more of a pulpy style to it than his normal fare, but it's both exciting and creepy. It also includes "fast zombies" decades before the movie 28 Days Later!

If you like creepy, horrific, pulpy fun, you should definitely latch onto Herbert West Reanimator.

When it comes to an adventurous romp with cliffhangers dangling at the end of every chapter, you can't beat The Scarlet Pimpernel. I love the old B&W film and I love the book.

The highlight of the book, for me, is the dramatic irony created when we, the audience, have to sit mutely on the sideline while the main character is unjustly criticized. I guarantee you will feel every cut given to Percy, the self-absorbed dandy that the Scarlet Pimpernel uses as his impervious disguise. The disguise may be impenetrable, but you have to believe that the true man underneath all the finery and silliness feels every biting remark and longs for the day when he can openly declare his allegiances.

It helps that Percy's character is so damned clever. His engaging witticisms will make you laugh and take away some of the sting from the undeserved criticism.