The Sundial

"The Sundial" by Fred M. White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around John Charlock, a troubled portrait painter who faces personal tragedy with the impending death of his young son, which sets off a cascade of emotional turmoil and marital strife with his wife, Kate. John grapples with feelings of betrayal and rage as he uncovers Kate's secretive behavior, suggesting deeper issues within their marriage. The opening of the novel introduces readers to John Charlock in a moment of profound grief as he watches his dying son, reflecting on his life choices and strained relationship with Kate. Meanwhile, Kate is depicted as being neglectful, choosing to entertain herself at a card party instead of supporting her husband during their child's final moments. This volatility escalates, showcasing the couple's contrasting responses to tragic circumstances. As John navigates through this heart-wrenching ordeal, he is also confronted by chilling signs of deceit and emerging threats tied to the household, marked by the mysterious death of their maid, Hortense. The blend of personal strife and looming danger sets the stage for a gripping narrative filled with tension. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Fred Merrick White (1859–1935) wrote a number of novels and short stories under the name "Fred M. White" including the six "Doom of London" science-fiction stories, in which various catastrophes beset London. These include The Four Days' Night (1903), in which London is beset by a massive killer smog; The Dust of Death (1903), in which diphtheria infects the city, spreading from refuse tips and sewers; and The Four White Days (1903), in which a sudden and deep winter paralyses the city under snow and ice. These six stories all first appeared in Pearson's Magazine, and were illustrated by Warwick Goble. He was also a pioneer of the spy story, and in 2003, his series The Romance of the Secret Service Fund was edited by Douglas G. Greene and published by Battered Silicon Dispatch Box.