The Corner House

by Fred M. (Fred Merrick) White

"The Corner House" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around Gordon Bruce, a young doctor who finds himself embroiled in a web of mystery and intrigue linked to the enigmatic Countess Lalage and the foreboding, abandoned property known as the Corner House. The story explores themes of love, deception, and the haunting secrets of the past. At the start of the novel, the setting is established with a stark contrast between the vibrant social life outside Number 1, Lytton Avenue, and the dark, mysterious presence of the Corner House next door. The narrative introduces Countess Lalage, a captivating figure who throws lavish parties, and her relationship with Gordon Bruce, who is drawn to both her beauty and the unsettling aura surrounding her. The opening chapters describe eerie occurrences, including a child's vision of a terrible face in the Corner House's window, suggestive of a past tragedy that still lingers. As Bruce is drawn deeper into the Countess's world, complications arise, hinting at secrets and crimes that may connect them all. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for a gripping story filled with suspense and emotional tension.