Faulkner's Folly

"Faulkner's Folly" by Carolyn Wells is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a grand home known as Faulkner's Folly, where the life of renowned artist Eric Stannard takes a tragic turn when he is found murdered. The primary characters include Beatrice Faulkner, who is a guest in the house, and the women closely associated with the victim, namely his wife Joyce and a model named Natalie Vernon, who are both quickly embroiled in the subsequent investigation. The opening of the novel introduces the dramatic scene in the studio of Faulkner's Folly, where Stannard is discovered dead with an etching needle protruding from his chest. The narrative sets an eerie atmosphere as the characters, particularly Beatrice and the footman Blake, respond to the horrifying situation. As they enter the studio, we learn that Stannard's last words implicate one of the women present, casting suspicion over both Joyce and Natalie. The initial confusion leads to a storm of emotions and conflicting testimonies as a police investigation begins, focusing on the relationships and motives surrounding the characters involved. The rich detail in the opening hints at a complex web of intrigue that will unravel as the mystery deepens. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Carolyn Wells was an American mystery author.