"The House by the Lock" by Mrs. C. N. Williamson, readers are transported to the eerie atmosphere of a Victorian-era haunted house, where dark secrets lurk behind every corner. This gothic fiction masterpiece combines elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue to keep readers on the edge of their seats. As the story unfolds, the discovery of secret passages adds to the sense of foreboding, while the intricate web of family secrets and hidden motives heightens the suspense. Against this backdrop, a captivating romance blossoms amidst the shadows, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Williamson masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems and plot twists abound. The atmospheric setting further enhances the tension, drawing readers deeper into the mysteries of the house and its occupants. Filled with twists and turns, "The House by the Lock" is a gripping crime fiction novel that will keep readers guessing until the very end. With its richly drawn characters and atmospheric setting, it stands as a timeless classic in the realm of gothic mystery.
MRS. C. N. Williamson first traveled to Korea in 1886 with two other professors, Delzell A. Bunker and George W. Gilmore, to teach English at the Royal English School. There, he instructed the children of Korean monarchy and nobles. In 1901, he launched The Korea Review. Emperor Gwangmu then assigned him the task of establishing a middle school in the Western tradition. He authored a history book on Korea that became a standard source in the United States for nearly 50 years. Prior to 1905, he had a positive attitude toward Japanese engagement in Korea, seeing the Japanese as reformers as opposed to Russia, which he saw as reactionary. Her early success as a novelist was due to Alfred Harmsworth, who recognized her potential and pushed her pieces, particularly sensational serials, in the Daily Mail and other newspapers. Her first serial, "Confessions of a Stage-Struck Girl," appeared in Forget-Me-Not (August 11-November 17, 1894), and was inspired in part by her earlier career as an actress in America. Her first novel, The Barnstormers (1897), was written at the suggestion of S. R. Crockett after hearing her describe some of her theatrical experiences at a dinner party.