The Hundredth Door

John Harland #2

by Rae Foley

Bad Blood

Lovely young Meredith McGrath was returning to her famil home--the isolated mansion she had not seen since chilhood. At her side was the handsome cousin who had overcome her reluctance with his love. Waiting were the rest of the family, their hatred and distrust barely masked. -- Meredith was heiress to the McGrath estate---but her legacy did not stop there. Years ago her mother had fallen prey to the evil of the McGraths, and died as a convicted murderess. Now, in this house of horror, the echoes of her mother's protests of innocence seemed to mock Meredith's own, as violent death like a noose of guilt closed around her...

Genres: Gothic, Mystery

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

A pseudonym used by Elinore Denniston

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one gets mis-categorized online as a Gothic Romance or a Cozy Mystery, but this is really a country house mystery. A family, including a long separated young woman who is set to inherit everything, is reunited for Christmas in a secluded country house, which becomes even more secluded as a blizzard prevents them from leaving. Luckily, one of the guests has brought along lawyer and master amateur detective John Harland. This is the second of three mysteries by Foley featuring Harland. He is somewhat austere and characterless, but is also a contrast to the emotions and characters in this family. The reveal happens somewhat suddenly, as a character panics, and without any master detection by Harland. The writing, setting and characters are competent, so it is a shame to be let down by this anti-climactic ending.

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The real mystery is who is John Harland - he appears in the opening chapter more like a supporting character and does not do much until late in the book when he solves the case. But when asked by other characters what he does for a living, where he is from, he does not reveal anything except that he likes to investigate and solve crimes. Perhaps there was more about his background in the first book in the series but I did not read it, and I do not plan to read any more. The plot line is nothing special with stereotypical cast of characters, and cousins who think nothing of getting married.

[Kasey]

mystery set in a secluded house during a blizzard