Shadow in the House

by Sinclair Gluck

"Shadow in the House" by Sinclair Gluck is a murder mystery novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around the bizarre murder of a millionaire named Mason Rees Harrison, who is found dead in his lavish home, shot with an arrow. The narrative introduces several central characters, including Paul Bernard, a retired detective, and Landis, a younger colleague, who must navigate through a web of family secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind Harrison's sudden death. At the start of the novel, the tension is palpable as the characters gather for a dinner party shortly after the newlywedded couple Landis and Elsa return from their honeymoon. The festive atmosphere quickly dissolves when a frantic call interrupts their evening, informing them of Harrison's murder. The detectives are drawn into the case, attempting to piece together the events leading up to the crime while navigating the peculiar dynamics of the household. The opening sets the stage for a compelling mix of suspense and character interplay, hinting at the complex relationships and hidden motives that will unfold as the investigation progresses.