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Robert Hichens
The Londoners : $b an absurdity
"The Londoners: An Absurdity" by Robert Hichens is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Mrs. Verulam, a disenchanted member of London's high society, who grapples with ennui and the absurdity of her life as she navigates social obligations and her interactions with various characters including her friend Mrs. Van Adam, who navigates her own turbulent backstory of divorce and newfound desires for acceptance in society. The characters' struggles against the constraints of their social environment create a rich exploration of identity and societal roles. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Mrs. Verulam, who enters her drawing-room in the oppressive heat of a London afternoon, demonstrating a pervasive sense of weariness with her high-society routines. She and her maid, Marriner, engage in a clever dialogue that highlights the absurdities of their social engagements and the invitation cards piling up, representing the superficiality of their world. As Mrs. Verulam expresses her yearning for freedom from societal expectations, the recent arrival of Mrs. Van Adam—recently divorced—brings a fresh conflict and opportunity for both women as they consider their respective places in a society that is both alluring and confining. This sets the stage for further developments in their stories and the exploration of social absurdity in the heart of London.
J. J. Connington
Murder in the maze
"Murder in the Maze" by J. J. Connington is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Shandon family, particularly the twins Neville and Roger, against a backdrop of murder and intrigue set in a complex garden maze. The opening chapters introduce a tense atmosphere as the characters grapple with an ongoing legal case while foreshadowing an impending tragedy. The beginning of the novel sets the stage with Neville Shandon, a barrister preparing for a challenging cross-examination in the Hackleton case, retreating to the serenity of his brother’s estate, Whistlefield. As family dynamics unfold, the narrative builds tension with the introduction of eerie elements, hinting at a dark future. The peace is shattered when Vera Forrest and Howard Torrance venture into the Maze for a light-hearted contest, only to witness a shocking event leading to murder. Their innocent excursion quickly turns into a fight for survival as they realize the deadly consequences hiding within the hedges of the Maze. The stark contrast between the tranquil setting and the violence lurking beneath serves to engage readers, promising an intricately woven mystery filled with danger and suspense.
J. J. Connington
The Dangerfield Talisman
"The Dangerfield Talisman" by J. J. Connington is a novel likely written in the late 1920s. The story unfolds in a setting rich with interpersonal dynamics among a group of characters gathered at Friocksheim, a historic estate. Central to the plot is the titular Talisman, an heirloom of significant value within the Dangerfield family, which both draws admiration and envy from the characters present, setting the stage for potential intrigue and conflict. The opening of the book introduces several key characters engaged in a bridge game, highlighting their relationships and personal concerns. Eileen Cressage, one of the players, is preoccupied with mounting debts and the allure of the Dangerfield Talisman, which she believes could alleviate her financial struggles. Meanwhile, the atmosphere anticipates tension, as Wraxall, a collector, aims to obtain the Talisman, and secretive discussions hint at underlying motives among the guests. As the plot unfolds, themes of wealth, reputation, and the consequences of desire begin to emerge, particularly with the foreshadowing of challenges surrounding the Talisman itself.
Margery Allingham
The crime at Black Dudley
"The Crime at Black Dudley" by Margery Allingham is a crime novel published in 1929. A house party at the remote Black Dudley manor turns deadly when Colonel Coombe dies during a mysterious ritual involving an ancient dagger. Pathologist George Abbershaw suspects murder, but before he can investigate, a dangerous criminal gang takes the guests hostage. Among the captives is the enigmatic Albert Campion, whose true identity and purpose remain unclear as the trapped guests fight for survival.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Bealby; A Holiday
"Bealby: A Holiday" by H. G. Wells is a comic novel published in 1915. When thirteen-year-old Bealby rebels against his position as a servant boy in a grand English estate, he runs away after disrupting an important weekend party. His week-long escape leads him through a series of misadventures with a beautiful actress, a disgraced captain, and a cunning tramp. Each encounter brings chaos and comedy as Bealby discovers the world beyond his sheltered life in pre-World War I England.
J. J. Connington
Tragedy at Ravensthorpe
"Tragedy at Ravensthorpe" by J. J. Connington is a detective novel published in 1927. During a fancy dress party at a country estate, thieves attempt to steal valuable medallions from the house's museum room. Chief Constable Sir Clinton Driffield, a guest and old family friend, takes charge of the investigation. When two mysterious deaths follow the failed robbery, he must uncover their connection to the targeted collection in this Golden Age mystery.
Ronald Gorell Barnes Gorell
In the night
"In the Night" by R. Gorell Barnes is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a quaint English village, bringing into focus the tragic murder of Sir Roger Penterton, a figure cloaked in unpopularity and abruptness. The plot engages a cast of characters including Inspector Humblethorne, who is tasked with unraveling the circumstances surrounding the crime, and Philip Castle, the disturbed secretary whose complex relationship with his employer becomes pivotal to the investigation. At the start of the novel, the setting is established in the quiet village near Salting Towers, where the unexpected murder sets the stage for intrigue and suspicion. The narrative introduces Inspector Humblethorne as he begins his holiday only to be drawn into the investigation of Sir Roger's violent death. Another central character, Philip Castle, is revealed to have had a contentious relationship with Sir Roger, hinting at underlying tensions that may provide motive for the crime. As villagers react to the shocking news, the opening builds suspense and lays the groundwork for the detective story to unfold, inviting readers to delve into the relationships and mysteries that will be explored throughout the unfolding tale.
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