Subject
Hampshire (England) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Bernard Capes
The mill of silence
"The Mill of Silence" by B. E. J. Capes is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins with a poignant encounter between the narrator, Renalt Trender, and a mysterious little girl named Zyp, who claims to be a changeling. Set in a rural mill envied for its history yet shunned for its reputation, the narrative delves into themes of family dysfunction, secrets, and the supernatural, particularly as they relate to the troubled relationships among Renalt, his brothers, and their alcoholic father. The opening of the novel introduces us to the somber atmosphere surrounding the mill and its inhabitants. Renalt discovers Zyp, who brings news of her deceased mother and asks him to care for her. The narrative then shifts to Renalt’s reflections on his family's grim history, characterized by his father's alcoholism and the burdens placed upon him and his two brothers, Jason and Modred. As the story unfolds, Renalt grapples with feelings of responsibility and a longing for connection, especially with Zyp, who represents both innocence and an inexplicable magic. The complex dynamics of sibling rivalry, the haunting nature of the mill, and the emerging sense of foreboding set the stage for a tale steeped in emotion and intrigue.
Bernard Capes
The skeleton key
"The Skeleton Key" by Bernard Capes is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the enigmatic character of M. le Baron, a Frenchman with delightful yet perplexing mannerisms, who becomes intertwined with the protagonist, Mr. Bickerdike, during a series of intriguing encounters in Paris and later at a family estate called Wildshott. The backdrop of the narrative features themes of suspense, the criminal underworld, and the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Bickerdike, who is waiting in Paris for his friend Hugo Kennett to arrive. During his wait, he meets M. le Baron, a jovial yet secretive gentleman, who engages him in seemingly light-hearted banter while hinting at deeper layers of intellect and mystery. As the plot unfolds, the Baron and Bickerdike encounter the Kennett family at Wildshott, where a tragic event—a murder of a maid—shatters the tranquility of the household. The opening establishes not only the main characters and their relationships but also evokes a sense of lurking danger and intrigue, promising a complex puzzle involving crime, hidden motives, and the nature of truth.
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