The Daughter of the House (ePub)

Carolyn Wells' 'The Daughter of the House' weaves a compelling narrative set within the ornate confines of Langdene House, intriguingly combining the intricacies of glass collecting with the starkness of a crime thriller. The stark contrast between the refined passion of David Lang and the chaos unleashed on his daughter's wedding day provides a rich tapestry for Wells' exploration of familial duty and hidden secrets. Her prose is imbued with a sense of urgency and is a stylistic blend of methodical detail and swift, tense pacing, pertinent to the classic detective genre and reminiscent of the literary period's fascination with domestic mysteries.

Wells, well-known for her other detective novels featuring the brilliant Fleming Stone, showcases her mastery in drawing characters that are as complex as the puzzles they are entwined with. Her background and interest in puzzles and word games align with the intricate plotting necessary to craft the multifaceted layers of a murder mystery. The influences of her earlier works are evident, as they often deal with societal dynamics and the darkness that can lurk behind the veneer of wealth and respectability.

'The Daughter of the House' comes highly recommended for those aficionados of the Golden Age of detective fiction. Readers who revel in unraveling cryptic clues amidst the backdrop of a stately home will find themselves richly rewarded. The cunning narrative and Wells' ability to dissect the human condition make this book a notable addition to any mystery lover's collection. It is a work that promises to hold its audience in suspense from the somber onset to the final, arresting revelation.