The House of Strange Secrets A Detective Story   By: A. Eric Bayly

The House of Strange Secrets A Detective Story by A. Eric Bayly is a captivating mystery novel that grips readers from the first page until the very end. Set in a small, secluded town shrouded in history, the book follows detective Jane Simmons as she delves into the enigmatic case of a missing person.

Right from the beginning, Bayly establishes a haunting and eerie atmosphere that seeps through every page. The House of Strange Secrets is seemingly alive, with its dark corridors, creaking floorboards, and mysterious whisperings. As Simmons unravels the layers of this peculiar case, readers will find themselves getting caught up in the chilling atmosphere of this haunting mansion.

What sets this detective story apart is its well-crafted and complex characters. Simmons is a refreshing departure from the stereotypical hard-boiled detective. She brings a refreshing mix of intelligence, vulnerability, and determination to her pursuit of the truth. As readers dive deeper into the investigation, they will become invested in her journey, rooting for her success while also experiencing her moments of doubt and frustration.

Bayly's writing style is fluid and engaging, keeping readers engaged with its detailed descriptions and clever plot twists. The pacing of the novel is excellent, with a perfect blend of suspense, action, and quieter moments of reflection. The author skillfully keeps the readers on their toes, revealing just enough information to keep them hooked, but still leaving ample room for surprises.

The House of Strange Secrets is more than just a mystery novel; it also explores themes of loss, redemption, and human nature. Through the intricately woven plot and well-developed characters, Bayly delves into the darker corners of the human psyche, forcing readers to question how well they truly know the people around them.

However, the book does have a few minor shortcomings. The resolution of the mystery feels a bit rushed, leaving some loose ends that could have been tied up more neatly. Additionally, certain secondary characters could have been more fleshed out, as they occasionally felt one-dimensional.

Overall, The House of Strange Secrets A Detective Story is a gripping and atmospheric page-turner that will keep readers guessing until the very end. A. Eric Bayly's ability to create a mysterious ambiance and craft complex characters is commendable. Despite a few minor flaws, this novel is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts who crave a perfect blend of spine-tingling suspense, captivating storytelling, and thought-provoking themes.

First Page:

CHAPTER PAGE I. THE STRANGE AFFAIR ON THE LONELY MOOR 1 II. THE MAN THAT DISAPPEARED 9 III. THE MYSTERY OF THE PADDED FOOTPRINTS 17 IV. GOOD NEWS AND BAD 28 V. SELENE'S STORY 33 VI. THE FIRST ENCOUNTER 39 VII. THE HAUNTED BARN AND ITS STRANGE INHABITANT 52 VIII. THE SILENT HOUSE AND THE FOLKS THAT DWELT THERE 58 IX. THE MAJOR'S MESSAGE AND HOW IT WAS DELIVERED 66 X. THE AFFAIR OF THE BICYCLE 75 XI. IN THE LION'S DEN 80 XII. THE MAJOR REVEALS HIS SECRET 86 XIII. THE HORRORS OF DURLEY DENE 95 XIV. THE FIGURE IN THE MOONLIGHT 99 XV... Continue reading book >>