The House of the Arrow

"The House of the Arrow" by A. E. W. Mason is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the suspicious death of Madame Harlowe, which leads to accusations of murder against her niece, Betty Harlowe. The plot thins as characters like the anxious solicitor Haslitt and the enigmatic detective Hanaud get involved in unraveling the truth, exploring themes of familial loyalty, intrigue, and the consequences of hidden secrets. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the solicitors of Messrs. Frobisher & Haslitt, specifically Mr. Haslitt, who receives troubling correspondence from Boris Waberski regarding a deceased client, Madame Harlowe. Following Madame Harlowe's death, Waberski accuses Betty of murder, claiming financial grievances. The opening establishes an atmosphere of tension as Haslitt contemplates how best to protect Betty, who is depicted as young and somewhat vulnerable. The dynamics of the story are heightened with the introduction of Hanaud, who is called in to investigate, suggesting a layered plot where character relationships and motivations will play critical roles in solving the mystery.