First published 1968
Charlie Waterman arrives at the imposing Valentine mansion to claim his unexpected inheritance. The sprawling estate comes with more than antique furniture and overgrown gardens. The previous owner's death raises questions that the local police prefer to leave unanswered. Charlie discovers that the Valentine family accumulated their wealth through methods that would horrify their respectable neighbors. As he explores the house's hidden rooms and examines cryptic documents, Charlie realizes someone wants him gone before he learns too much. The servants watch his every move with suspicious eyes. His phone calls go unanswered. Strange accidents begin to occur with increasing frequency. Charlie must decide whether the inheritance is worth the price the Valentine family demands from anyone who bears their name.
Genres: 20th-century, mystery, adult-fiction, thriller
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Valentine Mansion
Period: 20th Century
279 pages · Hardcover · Macdonald & Co