The Dark House By: I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie (1885-1959)
The Dark House by I. A. R. Wylie is a captivating novel that takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the murky depths of human nature. Set in the English countryside, this psychological thriller is both haunting and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on its readers. Wylie's mastery of character development shines through in this novel. The diverse cast of characters each possesses their own secrets and motivations, making them deeply complex and intriguing. From the enigmatic protagonist, who seems to be simultaneously a victim and a potential perpetrator, to the eccentric inhabitants of the dark house itself, every character adds layers of suspense and uncertainty to the narrative. The author's vivid and atmospheric descriptions paint a chilling portrait of the secluded setting. The dark house, with its labyrinthine corridors and hidden chambers, becomes its own character, embodying the sinister atmosphere that permeates the entire story. Wylie skillfully uses imagery to create an unsettling sense of foreboding, making it almost impossible for readers not to hold their breath in anticipation of the next twist. The pacing of the novel is another triumph. Wylie expertly keeps readers on the edge of their seats, gradually building tension with each passing chapter. The constant oscillation between past and present adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, ensuring that readers are constantly questioning the truth and the intentions of the characters. One of the standout aspects of The Dark House is its exploration of human psychology. Wylie delves into the depths of the human psyche, confronting readers with the darker side of human nature. Themes of guilt, obsession, and manipulation thread throughout the story, forcing readers to confront their own moral compass and question what they would do under similar circumstances. However, The Dark House is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the ending to be somewhat abrupt, leaving loose ends that may leave them yearning for more closure. Additionally, the complexity of the narrative may be overwhelming for some readers, requiring careful attention to fully grasp the intricacies of the story. Overall, The Dark House is a gripping psychological thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. With its compelling characters, chilling atmosphere, and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, it is sure to leave readers pondering long after they turn the final page. Wylie's remarkable storytelling abilities shine through in this haunting tale that will keep readers guessing until the very end. First Page: E text prepared by Al Haines THE DARK HOUSE by I. A. R. WYLIE Author of "The Daughter of Brahma," "The Shining Heights," etc. 1922 PART I I 1 The cigar was a large one and Robert Stonehouse was small. At the precise moment, in fact, when he leant out of the upstairs bedroom window, instinctively seeking fresh air, he became eight years old. He did not know this, though he did know that it was his birthday and that a birthday was a great and presumably auspicious occasion. His conception of what a birthday ought to be was based primarily on one particular event when he had danced on his mother's bed, shouting, "I'm five I'm five!" in unreasonable triumph. His mother had greeted him gravely, one might say respectfully, and his father, who when he did anything at all did it in style, had given him a toy fort fully garrisoned with resplendent Highland soldiers. And there had been a party of children whom, as a single child, he disliked and despised and whom he had ordered about unreproved. From start to finish the day had been his very own. Soon afterwards his mother disappeared. They said she was dead. He knew that people died, but death conveyed nothing to him, and when his father and Christine went down to Kensal Green to choose the grave, he picked flowers from the other graves and sent them to his mother with Robert's love... Continue reading book >>

The Dark House By: I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie (1885-1959)

The Dark House by I. A. R. Wylie is a captivating novel that takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the murky depths of human nature. Set in the English countryside, this psychological thriller is both haunting and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.

Wylie's mastery of character development shines through in this novel. The diverse cast of characters each possesses their own secrets and motivations, making them deeply complex and intriguing. From the enigmatic protagonist, who seems to be simultaneously a victim and a potential perpetrator, to the eccentric inhabitants of the dark house itself, every character adds layers of suspense and uncertainty to the narrative.

The author's vivid and atmospheric descriptions paint a chilling portrait of the secluded setting. The dark house, with its labyrinthine corridors and hidden chambers, becomes its own character, embodying the sinister atmosphere that permeates the entire story. Wylie skillfully uses imagery to create an unsettling sense of foreboding, making it almost impossible for readers not to hold their breath in anticipation of the next twist.

The pacing of the novel is another triumph. Wylie expertly keeps readers on the edge of their seats, gradually building tension with each passing chapter. The constant oscillation between past and present adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, ensuring that readers are constantly questioning the truth and the intentions of the characters.

One of the standout aspects of The Dark House is its exploration of human psychology. Wylie delves into the depths of the human psyche, confronting readers with the darker side of human nature. Themes of guilt, obsession, and manipulation thread throughout the story, forcing readers to confront their own moral compass and question what they would do under similar circumstances.

However, The Dark House is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the ending to be somewhat abrupt, leaving loose ends that may leave them yearning for more closure. Additionally, the complexity of the narrative may be overwhelming for some readers, requiring careful attention to fully grasp the intricacies of the story.

Overall, The Dark House is a gripping psychological thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. With its compelling characters, chilling atmosphere, and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, it is sure to leave readers pondering long after they turn the final page. Wylie's remarkable storytelling abilities shine through in this haunting tale that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

First Page:

E text prepared by Al Haines

THE DARK HOUSE

I. A. R. WYLIE

Author of "The Daughter of Brahma," "The Shining Heights," etc.

1922

PART I

The cigar was a large one and Robert Stonehouse was small. At the precise moment, in fact, when he leant out of the upstairs bedroom window, instinctively seeking fresh air, he became eight years old. He did not know this, though he did know that it was his birthday and that a birthday was a great and presumably auspicious occasion. His conception of what a birthday ought to be was based primarily on one particular event when he had danced on his mother's bed, shouting, "I'm five I'm five!" in unreasonable triumph. His mother had greeted him gravely, one might say respectfully, and his father, who when he did anything at all did it in style, had given him a toy fort fully garrisoned with resplendent Highland soldiers. And there had been a party of children whom, as a single child, he disliked and despised and whom he had ordered about unreproved. From start to finish the day had been his very own.

Soon afterwards his mother disappeared. They said she was dead. He knew that people died, but death conveyed nothing to him, and when his father and Christine went down to Kensal Green to choose the grave, he picked flowers from the other graves and sent them to his mother with Robert's love... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – I. A. R. (Ida Alexa Ross) Wylie
Wikipedia – The Dark House

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac