A Master of Mysteries

"A Master of Mysteries" by L. T. Meade and Robert Eustace is a detective novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, a professional exposer of ghosts, who is enlisted to solve the perplexing death of a young artist named Archibald Wentworth, whose demise is surrounded by the eerie reputation of a haunted inn. The tale promises a blend of mystery and supernatural elements as the protagonist endeavors to uncover the truth behind the death while grappling with clues of foul play. The opening portion of the novel introduces the main character, who receives a confidential letter from his lawyer about the haunting and unexplained death of Wentworth. As the protagonist prepares to investigate, he learns that Wentworth's death occurred under peculiar circumstances at a remote inn infamous for its ghostly reputation. The narrative sets a suspenseful tone, describing the protagonist's resolve to delve into the enigma by posing as an amateur photographer. This leads him to the inn, where whispers of supernatural occurrences and potential foul play create an atmosphere ripe for an unfolding mystery, captivating the reader's curiosity about the truth behind Wentworth's death. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith (1844–1914), writing under the pseudonym L. T. Meade, was a prolific writer of girls' stories. She was born in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, daughter of Rev. R. T. Meade, of Nohoval, County Cork. She later moved to London, where she married Alfred Toulmin Smith in September 1879.