A. E. W. Mason Libri

Madame Dauvray, ricca ed eccentrica vedova appassionata di spiritismo, viene trovata brutalmente strangolata nel salone di Villa Rose, ad Aix-les-Bains. Per risolvere in fretta il caso, viene chiamato in campo il famoso ispettore Hanaud, della Sûreté, che si trova sul luogo per una vacanza. Ma presto c'è una seconda vittima: una donna che, forse, conosceva l'identità dell'assassino. Districandosi abilmente tra falsi indizi, dichiarazioni reticenti e misteriose sedute spiritiche, l'ispettore Hanaud darà prova del suo fiuto proverbiale e scoprirà il nome dell'autore degli spietati delitti.

The story revolves around Harry Feversham, a British Guards officer who grapples with his fear of failing in battle. When he resigns before a mission to Sudan, he faces betrayal from his peers and fiancée, Ethne, who views his resignation as cowardice. Each of his three fellow-officers sends him a white feather, symbolizing shame, while Ethne chooses to marry Durrance, a friend who has been injured in combat. This tale explores themes of honor, courage, and the complexities of love amidst the backdrop of war.

The Four Feathers is a significant literary work that has held importance throughout history. This modern edition has been carefully reformatted and retyped to ensure clarity and readability, preserving the original text for current and future generations. The effort to republish this book highlights its lasting impact and relevance.

Set in a captivating French backdrop, this detective novel introduces Inspector Hanaud, a compelling fictional investigator. The narrative weaves a complex mystery that has not only intrigued readers but also inspired film adaptations in both French and English. The story promises an engaging blend of suspense and clever deduction, showcasing Hanaud's unique investigative style.

In this thrilling novel, A.E.W. Mason explores the human experience of war and espionage. Set against the backdrop of World War I, this novel provides a gripping and suspenseful account of the lives of spies and soldiers during this tumultuous time. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural impact of World War I or the history of espionage.

The story explores the complex relationship between Mrs. Thresk and her son, Henry, highlighting themes of dependence and authority. Mrs. Thresk's habitual speech serves to assert her control and remind Henry of his reliance on her and his father. Her practical demeanor contrasts with the emotional impact of her words, revealing the underlying tension in their dynamic. As she emphasizes her self-sufficiency and the precariousness of Henry's situation, the narrative delves into the struggles of familial expectations and the quest for independence.

Alfred Edward Woodley Mason, an English author and politician, is renowned for his exploration of courage and cowardice in wartime through his 1902 novel, The Four Feathers. He also created Inspector Hanaud, a French detective who influenced Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot. Mason's extensive body of work, including short stories and novels, inspired numerous film adaptations during his lifetime, with notable films like Fire Over England and The Four Feathers remaining iconic in British cinema.