The Woman in Black

"The Woman in Black" by E. C. Bentley is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the mysterious murder of Sigsbee Manderson, a powerful financier whose death causes a panic in the markets. As the narrative unfolds, several characters, including journalist Sir James Molloy, are drawn into the investigation to unveil the truth behind Manderson's demise, leading readers through an intricate web of motives and suspects. The opening of the novel introduces the aftermath of Manderson's murder, detailing his influence on the financial world and the chaos triggered by his death. The story begins with Sir James Molloy receiving urgent news of the incident, prompting him to mobilize his team for a swift investigation. We meet various key characters, such as Mr. Bunner, another secretary, and Mr. Marlowe, who shed light on Manderson's final hours, revealing tensions in his personal life, particularly with his wife. The narrative sets an intriguing tone, suggesting deep emotional undercurrents that may relate to the circumstances of the murder while establishing a sense of impending mystery.