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M-U-R-D-E-R. It began as an innocent parlor game intended to while away the hours on a bitter winter night. But the message that appeared before the amateur occultists at the snowbound Sittaford House was spelled out as loud and clear as a scream. Of course, the notion that they had foretold doom was pure bunk. Wasn't it? And the discovery of a corpse was pure coincidence. Wasn't it? If they're to discover the answer to this baffling murder, perhaps they should play again. But a journey into the spirit world could prove terribly dangerous-especially when the killer is lurking in this one.
A parlor game involving a séance at a snowbound house takes a dark turn when the spirits predict a murder that is soon discovered to be a reality. The protagonist, Emily Trefusis, must navigate a web of suspicion and local secrets to clear her fiancé's name after he is arrested for the crime. She faces the physical isolation of a winter storm and the logical challenge of untangling a series of deceptive testimonies from the house's guests. The narrative follows a traditional third-person perspective, focusing on the investigation as it shifts between the isolated house and the surrounding village.
This novel is widely regarded as a distinct entry in the author's bibliography due to its atmospheric focus on isolation and the occult. Readers often note the effective use of the snowbound setting to create a claustrophobic environment that heightens the mystery. The narrative structure is frequently praised for its ability to balance the supernatural premise with a grounded, logical investigation. It remains a staple for those interested in the evolution of the classic whodunit format.
Page Count:
192
Publication Date:
1931-09-01
Publisher:
Fontana
ISBN-10:
0006125506
ISBN-13:
9780006125501
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