The haunting hand

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78094

Title

The haunting hand

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this atmospheric 1926 mystery, Margot Anstruther, a budding actress at a New York studio, investigates a haunting hand that appears in her room. As supernatural fears collide with studio politics and romantic jealousy, she uncovers a web of deceit involving her director and co-stars, proving that the true terror lies in human motives rather than ghosts.

Summary up to 500 words

In Walter Adolphe Roberts' *The Haunting Hand*, ambitious actress Margot Anstruther moves into a New York lodging house, only to be terrorized by a small, thin hand emerging from beneath her bed. Initially dismissing the phenomenon as a publicity stunt orchestrated by her jealous director, Frederick Stoner, Margot decides to investigate the claims of a mysterious girl named Stella Ball. The narrative weaves together genuine supernatural suspense with the gritty realities of the early motion picture industry, exploring themes of professional ambition, jealousy, and the blurred line between reality and illusion. Margot navigates complex relationships within the Superfilm Company cast, including her boyfriend Gene Valery, the volatile star Corinne Delamar, and the beautiful Lulu Leinster. Tensions escalate as Stoner attempts to silence Margot's investigation to protect his reputation, fueling rumors of a 'spook' stalking the cast. Margot's scientific background proves invaluable as she applies logic to the eerie occurrences, distinguishing fact from fabrication. The plot thickens with revelations about hidden motives, romantic misunderstandings, and the malicious intentions of those seeking to manipulate the narrative for personal gain. Through a series of confrontations and the arrival of a witness from the dead, the truth about the 'haunting hand' is unveiled. The supernatural element serves as a catalyst to expose the darker secrets within the studio, particularly regarding Stoner's attempts to control the story and the romantic entanglements complicating the group dynamic. Ultimately, Margot clears her name, resolves her romantic relationship with Gene, and exposes the manipulators behind the scenes. The novel concludes with a satisfying resolution that balances the eerie occurrences with a human-centric affirmation that love and understanding triumph over fear and manipulation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Local file path

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Categories

• Romance
• Fiction
• Mystery
• Thrillers