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Cover of Death in the dusk

Death in the dusk

Written by Virgil Markham

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Detective and mystery storiesWalesAntiquarians

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About this book

"Death in the Dusk" by Virgil Markham is a fictional novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around Alfred Bannerlee, who recounts a series of unsettling events that transpired during a wedding celebration in Wales at Highglen House, an old estate surrounded by dark legends and peculiar occurrences. As the narrative unfolds, themes of mystery, supernatural phenomena, and human folly emerge, along with a diverse cast of intriguing characters, including a mad parson and a veil of ominous secrets. At the start of the novel, we find Alfred Bannerlee in Highglen House, filled with anxiety and a sense of impending dread as he navigates the chaotic atmosphere of a wedding party. Amidst the festivities, he becomes aware of various tensions among the guests, particularly revolving around the mysterious absence of Sir Brooke Mortimer. As the night progresses, strange occurrences begin to unfold, including disconcerting cries from outside that draw the attention of all present, further heightening the suspense. As Bannerlee attempts to make sense of the chaos around him, the looming figure of Parson Lolly, a character shrouded in enigma, sets a tone of foreboding that suggests perilous adventures yet to come.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Death in the dusk, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • dark
  • suspenseful

Virgil Markham's "Death in the Dusk," a late 1920s fictional novel, plunges readers into a chilling mystery set during a wedding celebration at the legend-haunted Highglen House in Wales. Narrated by Alfred Bannerlee, the story unravels a series of unsettling events, beginning with his palpable anxiety amidst the chaotic festivities and growing tensions among the guests. The disappearance of Sir Brooke Mortimer, coupled with strange, disconcerting cries and the ominous presence of Parson Lolly, quickly transforms the joyous occasion into a crucible of dread. As Bannerlee navigates the unfolding chaos, themes of mystery, the supernatural, and human folly intertwine, promising a perilous adventure shrouded in dark secrets.

“"A dread, cold and insistent, had taken root in my soul the moment I stepped across the threshold of Highglen House."”

Key themes

Mystery and the Unexplained
This is the core theme of the novel, encompassing the disappearance of Sir Brooke Mortimer, the strange cries, and the general unsettling events at Highglen House. The narrative constantly challenges characters (and readers) to distinguish between logical explanations, human deception, and potentially supernatural phenomena, exploring the limits of human understanding.
Supernatural vs. Rational Explanation
Closely tied to mystery, this theme explores the tension between belief in the supernatural and the search for rational, logical explanations for strange occurrences. The novel likely plays with this ambiguity, suggesting that some events might have earthly causes while others hint at forces beyond human understanding, creating a pervasive sense of dread and doubt.
Human Folly and Deception
Despite the presence of supernatural elements, the novel highlights how human weaknesses, secrets, lies, and poor judgment contribute significantly to the unfolding chaos and danger. The 'diverse cast of intriguing characters' and their 'various tensions' suggest a web of personal failings and hidden agendas that complicate the central mystery.

Worth discussing

How does the setting of Highglen House contribute to the overall atmosphere and the unfolding mystery? Could the story have been as effective elsewhere?

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