Witching Hill

"Witching Hill" by E. W. Hornung is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set in a seemingly ordinary suburban estate, the story unfolds mysteries associated with the Witching Hill Estate and its inhabitants, particularly through the eyes of young clerk Gillon and Uvo Delavoye—an enigmatic figure with a fascination for the macabre and historical intrigue. The narrative hints at supernatural influences and buried secrets shaping the lives of the characters. At the start of the book, Gillon, the new clerk at the Witching Hill Estate Office, finds himself in a monotonous job overseeing the tenants of the recently constructed estate. His boredom is interrupted by the arrival of Delavoye, a neighbor whose curiosity leads them to discover an unusual depression in the lawn, which resembles a sunken grave. Their exploration reveals a hidden tunnel beneath the estate, sparking a partnership that intertwines their lives with the dark history of the area connected to the notorious Lord Mulcaster. The opening sets the stage for a tale filled with suspense, historical intrigue, and the supernatural, as Gillon and Delavoye venture deeper into the estate's mysteries. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ernest William Hornung was an English author and poet known for writing the A. J. Raffles series of stories about a gentleman thief in late 19th-century London. Hornung was educated at Uppingham School; as a result of poor health he left the school in December 1883 to travel to Sydney, where he stayed for two years. He drew on his Australian experiences as a background when he began writing, initially short stories and later novels.