Simon

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26306

Title

Simon

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A shrewd, solitary lawyer named Simon Rattar investigates a murder at Keldale House, only to discover a shocking twist involving his own identity and a crime he committed to protect a friend. Clued by a private investigator, the narrative unfolds with atmospheric tension, exploring themes of deception, loyalty, and the thin line between respectability and hidden darkness.

Summary up to 500 words

In J. Storer Clouston's *Simon*, a gripping tale of deception and identity, the story begins with the arrival of a mysterious, solitary traveler in a northern town. This man, later revealed to be George Rattar, infiltrates the life of Simon Rattar, a highly respected procurator fiscal and lawyer known for his rigid, smoke-free routine and taciturn nature. The narrative is disrupted by the murder of Sir Reginald at Keldale House, a crime that initially casts suspicion on the household. Enter Mr. Carrington, a private enquiry agent hired to investigate the case. Initially baffled by the lack of physical evidence and the apparent guilt of the family, Carrington begins to suspect the local authority, Simon Rattar. Through a series of sharp deductions, Carrington uncovers that Simon Rattar is not who he claims to be. The truth reveals that Rattar is actually George, an ex-convict and twin brother of the deceased Simon, who had faked his own death. George committed the murder to protect his friend, Sir Reginald, but in doing so, he created a web of lies that nearly ensnared him. The novel blends mystery with psychological depth, highlighting the dangers of assumptions and the complexity of human nature. Carrington's investigation relies on observing minute details that contradict Rattar's persona. He notes that the supposedly non-smoking Simon is found smoking two pipes nightly in his garden, a habit of his ex-convict brother. He discovers that doors to unused rooms are locked and keys removed to hide old papers, and that a ring belonging to the victim was mysteriously lost. These clues, combined with the testimony of the housemaid regarding a strange visitor at dead of night, lead Carrington to the conclusion that the respectable lawyer is a fraud. The narrative culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Carrington exposes George's deception, revealing the brother's true identity and the motive behind the crime. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of reputation and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets, ultimately exposing the dark underbelly beneath a facade of respectability.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Mystery