Motor Matt's Close Call; or, The Snare of Don Carlos by Stanley R. Matthews

(6 User reviews)   1071
By Sarah Bauer Posted on Mar 30, 2026
In Category - Journalism
Matthews, Stanley R. Matthews, Stanley R.
English
Hey, I just finished this wild little adventure book from 1909 that I found online. It's called 'Motor Matt's Close Call' and it's basically an early 20th-century action movie on paper. The hero is Motor Matt, a young guy who's a wizard with cars and motorcycles in an era when those things were still new and exciting. The plot kicks off when he gets tangled up with a schemer named Don Carlos, who has a plan that's way more dangerous than it first appears. It's all about speed, secret codes, and trying to outsmart a villain who's always one step ahead. The best part? It moves fast. There's no boring filler—just chases, narrow escapes, and clever fixes using the technology of the time. If you like old-school heroes who use their brains and their mechanical skills to save the day, you'll get a real kick out of this. It's a fun, quick read that shows how people imagined adventure over a hundred years ago.
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I picked up this old dime novel out of curiosity, and it turned out to be a surprisingly fun ride. It's a pure, straightforward adventure story from a time when cars were still a novelty.

The Story

Motor Matt, our hero, is a skilled driver and mechanic. He's the guy you call when you need a fast getaway or a broken engine fixed in the middle of nowhere. His latest job seems simple enough, but it quickly pulls him into the schemes of Don Carlos, a charming but dangerous man with a hidden agenda. What starts as a simple transport job becomes a high-stakes game. Matt finds himself in a snare—a trap set by Don Carlos that involves stolen plans, a race against time, and plenty of double-crosses. The story follows Matt as he uses his wits and his mechanical know-how to untangle the plot, outdrive his pursuers, and expose the truth before it's too late.

Why You Should Read It

Don't go in expecting deep character studies. The joy here is in the action and the setting. Matt is a classic, capable hero—the kind who solves problems with a wrench and a cool head. The book is a fascinating window into the early 1900s, when the automobile represented ultimate freedom and danger. The 'close calls' feel real because the technology itself was risky and untamed. The plot is simple and propulsive. It's the literary equivalent of a Saturday morning serial: predictable in the best way, where you know the good guy will win, but you have fun watching how he does it.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys classic adventure tales, fans of early technology, or readers curious about popular fiction from the past. It's a short, energetic story. Think of it like finding a cool, old B-movie—it's not sophisticated, but it's got heart and a great sense of momentum. If you want a quick, entertaining escape into a simpler era of heroes and machines, Motor Matt's your driver.

William Flores
1 year ago

A bit long but worth it.

Carol Jones
5 months ago

Wow.

Joseph Jackson
1 year ago

Honestly, the author's voice is distinct and makes complex topics easy to digest. Don't hesitate to start reading.

Linda Rodriguez
10 months ago

Solid story.

Oliver Lee
1 year ago

Fast paced, good book.

5
5 out of 5 (6 User reviews )

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