The Three Strings

by Natalie Sumner Lincoln, Jennifer Lanham (Narrator)

When Evelyn Preston returns to her quiet home after a long journey, she expects tranquility—not the body of a dead man sprawled in her library. The Three Strings by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a gripping early 20th-century mystery that blends elegant domestic drama with psychological suspense. As Evelyn becomes entangled in a murder investigation that draws in her stepfather, a mysterious doctor, and a childhood friend with secrets of his own, the truth tightens like the strings of a violin.

This sophisticated whodunit pulses with veiled motives, sharp dialogue, and atmospheric twists—inviting listeners to explore the intricate web of clues, relationships, and lies that bind them all together.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Golden Age mystery fiction.

Narrated with nuance and clarity by Jennifer Lanham.

Audible Audio

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Natalie Sumner Lincoln (4 october 1881 - 31 august 1935) was an American writer. She was born in Washington and spent her whole career in this town. She was editor of the D.A.R. Magazine (Daughters of American R) from to .

She wrote 10 crime mystery novels with Inspector Mitchell from the Washington Police Department (1916-1927), and 2 novels with Detective Ferguson in the same town (1920-1921).

In 1922, The Washington Times mentioned her as The Conan Doyle of Washington.

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downloaded this audiobook as it seemed different then my run of British Victorian adventures, set in 1917 Washington. Hooked right away when the main character stumbles across a corpse in her deserted family home, from a buzzer in that room going off!

As mentioned in the blurbs, there's a German spy angle involved, though that doesn't really come into play until late in the story. Mostly, it's about the (unidentified) corpse with an attempted murder as well. The plotting kept my attention well, biggest minus being that the romantic angle started to overshadow the criminal activity eventually.

Often, three stars from me represents 2.5 rounded up, but here it 's a solid three, glad I checked this one out. I'd be willing to read another by the author.

[Darlene Dziomba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written and crafted mystery that kept me guessing until the final chapter. The author captures the blush of new love, parental objections to a marriage all twisted around a complicated German spy ring.