In "The House by the Lock" by Alice Muriel Williamson, the author weaves a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. The story follows a young man who inherits a house by a mysterious lock, only to discover that the house holds dark secrets from the past.

Williamson's writing is detailed and atmospheric, drawing the reader into the eerie setting of the old house and its surrounding countryside. The characters are well-developed and each plays a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of the house.

The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing as to what will happen next. The pacing is just right, with enough suspense to keep the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Overall, "The House by the Lock" is a gripping mystery novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Williamson's skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this a book worth reading.

Book Description:

What secrets lay within the walls of the house by the lock? What secrets, if any, are held by the man who owns that mysterious house?

A body is found in a backwater creek not far from the house by the lock, but what leads Noel Stanton on a quest to determine who the killer might be is more than merely the disappearance of his American friend Harvey Farnham. He has reason to believe that the wealthy and influential owner of the house, Carson Wildred, might somehow be implicated in the coincidental disappearance and murder. But as Stanton’s search progresses, he learns that his friend is safe and sound back in the U.S. and he therefore must learn more about the house itself with its peculiar construction, it’s hidden passageways, and the peculiar smoke occasionally seen rising from its inaccessible areas. But everything is accounted for by the police, the servants, and Mr. Wildred during his investigation, leaving a most strange mystery left for Stanton to unravel. (Introduction by Roger Melin)