Mary Roberts Rinehart's name is synonomous with well-crafted mystery, and this novel, which combines both mystery and adventure, shows Rinehart's tremendously vivid powers as a storyteller.

In this book, Mrs. Pittman, a boardinghouse keeper, is convinced that a murder has been committed in her house after discovering a series of suspicious clues. Mrs. Pittman, unsupported by the police, begins an informal investigation. Grisly discoveries and strange happenings soon follow.