I admire the literary style of this novella which poses a question of artistic creation. No bloody gore, but the ending is as frightening as some scenes from Cronenberg's films.
Mr. Vantine, a connoisseur of antique art objects, finds a stranger from France dead in his house. A few hours later, Mr. Vantine himself is found dead in the same place, in the same manner. Their deaths seem to have something to do with a Boule Cabinet that has been shipped to him by mistake from France.
This is a very well-written, old- fashioned thriller. The process of the mystery deepening and unravelling is charming.
Reading this book after "Gee's First Case" is like watching Tarantino's "From Dusk Till Dawn". But that is ok, because the story is well written anyway. Also this novel reminded me of "Undying Monster" by Jessie Douglas Kerruish. Fun read.
One character in this novel says certain places are bound up with certain men's destinies. Yes, you will find the principal character's destiny is inextricably bound up with the central tower of the minster. Very interesting to read.