The Secret House

The Secret House by Edgar Wallace _____________________ A thriller from 1917, The Secret House marks the return of characters from Wallace's earlier novel The Nine Bears. The story centers on a mysterious residence and the web of intrigue surrounding it. The book follows several interlinked narratives that converge around suspicious activities and unexplained events connected to the titular house. Wallace employs his signature fast-paced style to build tension through a series of revelations and confrontations. By combining elements of mystery and psychological suspense, The Secret House exemplifies the early development of the British thriller genre during the post-Victorian era.

Limited reader reviews exist for this Edgar Wallace mystery novel online. The few available reviews note it as a lesser-known work in Wallace's catalog. Readers appreciated: - Fast-paced detective storyline - Atmosphere and descriptions of 1920s London - Clear writing style that holds up nearly 100 years later Common criticisms: - Some plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped - Secondary characters lack depth - Ending resolves too conveniently Available Ratings: Goodreads: 3.72/5 (32 ratings) No ratings found on Amazon or other major review sites One Goodreads reviewer noted: "A quick read that delivers standard Wallace crime fiction elements but doesn't stand out among his better works." Another commented on "dated dialogue that may put off modern readers." Note: Due to this book's age and relative obscurity, comprehensive review data is limited. Many existing reviews appear on non-English language sites or in vintage newspaper archives.

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The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield A biographer uncovers the truth about an aging novelist's past and the burned mansion that holds the key to family secrets.

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters A country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family whose declining mansion contains unexplained phenomena that lead to tragedy.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier The second wife of a wealthy widower arrives at his estate to find the house and its inhabitants haunted by the memory of her predecessor.

🏛️ The book's setting reflects a pivotal time in British history, as pre-war Britain was experiencing significant social changes and growing tensions that would eventually lead to WWI. 📚 Edgar Wallace wrote an astounding 175 novels, 24 plays, and countless short stories in his lifetime, making him one of the most prolific writers of the thriller genre. 🎬 Wallace was also the original screenwriter for the 1933 film "King Kong," though he passed away before its completion, marking his influence beyond the literary world. 🗞️ Before becoming a novelist, Wallace worked as a war correspondent and crime reporter, experiences that significantly influenced his writing style and attention to detail. 🏆 At the height of his career in the 1920s, it was estimated that one in four books being read in England was written by Edgar Wallace, showcasing his remarkable popularity.