The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel

"The Affair at the Semiramis Hotel" by A. E. W. Mason is a crime fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around a mysterious affair involving a young woman named Joan Carew, who becomes embroiled in a series of events triggered by her attendance at a fancy-dress ball at the Semiramis Hotel in London. The narrative captures the intrigue of a bygone era, filled with class and social dynamics, while interweaving themes of deception, desire, and the search for truth. The story centers on the reemergence of Joan Carew, who seeks assistance from Mr. Ricardo and the astute French detective Hanaud after she becomes involved in an incident following her chance encounter with a man named Calladine at the ball. Joan's life takes a dramatic turn when she is haunted by dreams of a masked assailant, ultimately leading to the revelation of a murder at the Semiramis Hotel. As Ricardo and Hanaud work through the complexities of the case, a web of stolen jewels, mistaken identities, and hidden motivations is uncovered. The narrative unfolds in a suspenseful manner, culminating in a gripping conclusion that ties together the various threads of betrayal and romantic entanglements, providing a satisfying resolution to the mystery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alfred Edward Woodley Mason was an English author and Liberal Party Member of Parliament. He is best remembered for his 1902 novel of courage and cowardice in wartime, The Four Feathers, and is also known as the creator of Inspector Hanaud, a French detective who was an early template for Agatha Christie's famous Hercule Poirot.