The Strange Case of Mortimer Fenley

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26447

Title

The Strange Case of Mortimer Fenley

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In 1912 Hertfordshire, artist John Trenholme sketches the estate of banker Mortimer Fenley, inadvertently witnessing a murder. As he investigates the strange death of the wealthy patriarch and the suspicious behavior of his family, Trenholme uncovers a web of secrets involving rival suitors, a reclusive detective, and a tragic end at sea. A gripping tale of suspense, romance, and social intrigue set against the backdrop of Edwardian England.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the picturesque Hertfordshire village of Roxton in 1912, Louis Tracy's *The Strange Case of Mortimer Fenley* weaves a tale of atmospheric mystery, romantic tension, and social critique. The story follows John Trenholme, a spirited Bohemian artist commissioned to sketch the historic Towers estate before a railway development threatens to destroy it. Upon arriving at the White Horse Inn, Trenholme learns of the recent death of the estate's owner, Mortimer Fenley, a morose banker whose family is fracturing over his ward, Sylvia Manning. Trenholme is initially rebuffed by the stern Fenley family but, with the help of the village cook Eliza and local gossip, gains access to the grounds. There he meets Sylvia, a spirited young woman who dreams of travel and freedom, standing in stark contrast to her uncle's rigid expectations and the dull, drug-induced existence of her mother. Sylvia is engaged to Robert Fenley, the deceased's son, but the match is driven by duty rather than love, while her cousin Hilton Fenley harbors secret ambitions. The narrative takes a dark turn when Trenholme discovers that Sylvia has been seen leaving the house with him, sparking suspicion among the local police. The plot culminates in a dramatic climax aboard a ship. Hilton Fenley, revealed to be a desperate man driven by his mother's influence and a desire to escape the law, jumps from the gangway into the sea to avoid arrest. The tragedy resolves with the sale of the estate, the recovery of Sylvia's fortune, and the beginning of a happy union between Sylvia and John Trenholme. The novel blends atmospheric mystery with romantic elements, exploring themes of class, duty, and the corruption of wealth, all while maintaining a light, readable tone typical of early 20th-century detective fiction.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg26447.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Mystery