Subject
Washington (D.C.) Region -- Fiction Books
Best books
Temple Bailey
The Dim Lantern
"The Dim Lantern" by Temple Bailey is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the suburban setting of Sherwood Park, focusing on the lives of the Barnes family, particularly the spirited Jane Barnes and her artistic brother, Baldwin. Themes of love, social standing, and personal aspiration resonate throughout the narrative, providing a rich backdrop against which the characters navigate their relationships and challenges. The opening of the novel introduces the mundane yet intimate world of Jane and her brother, Baldwin, as they go about breakfast preparations amid their contrasting personalities. Jane is depicted as an optimistic, lively young woman who finds beauty in everyday life, while Baldwin struggles with the weight of depression and artistic ambition. Their interactions reveal a close sibling bond, marked by light-hearted banter and family responsibilities. The plot is further layered by the intrigue surrounding Edith Towne, a beautiful and society-connected figure whose sudden desertion at her wedding sets off a chain of events that captivates both Baldwin and Jane, highlighting their desires for connection and meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Natalie Sumner Lincoln
The Thirteenth Letter
"The Thirteenth Letter" by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a murder mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative opens with an ominous atmosphere surrounding Paul Abbott, a sick man who has just returned home to his family's country lodge near Washington, D.C. The story unfolds as the focus shifts to his nurse, Miriam Ward, whose fateful night shift becomes intertwined with the shocking events that follow Abbott's apparent murder. At the start of the story, Paul Abbott is gravely ill, and his new nurse, Miriam Ward, is tasked with his care amid a raging snowstorm. As events transpire, a mysterious girl named Betty Carter arrives with a clergyman, ultimately revealing a complex web of relationships. Tension builds when Abbott is discovered dead, leading to chaos and intrigue. As the characters grapple with confusion and suspicions, Miriam's night takes a dark turn when she finds herself chloroformed, complicating her role in the unfolding mystery. This opening effectively sets the stage for a gripping tale of deception, love, and the quest for justice.
Natalie Sumner Lincoln
The moving finger
"The Moving Finger" by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around tragic events at the Porter homestead, where a guest, Bruce Brainard, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. The main characters introduced are Vera Deane, the nurse attending to Craig Porter, and Hugh Wyndham, who becomes involved in the unfolding drama. The book sets the stage for a suspenseful exploration of intrigue, relationships, and the investigation into Brainard's death. At the start of the novel, Vera Deane is introduced as a dedicated nurse attending to patients at the Porter residence. After an illness during dinner, Brainard has been brought to the house, only to be discovered later with a tragic injury to his throat. The narrative unfolds through various characters—the nurse, the grieving family, and the coroner—each contributing to the chilling atmosphere as they confront the ramifications of Brainard's death. Rising tensions hint at deeper secrets and possible motives, creating an engaging setup for the mystery that is sure to captivate readers drawn to tales of suspense and conflicting loyalties.
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