3 Review(s)

The story is set in London, and it revolves around the Bunting family, Ellen and Robert Bunting, who are struggling to make ends meet. They decide to take in a lodger to help with their financial difficulties. A man named Mr. Sleuth answers their advertisement and takes up residence in their home. Mr. Sleuth is a quiet, reclusive, and eccentric individual who exhibits some strange behaviors.As time goes on, Ellen Bunting becomes increasingly suspicious of Mr. Sleuth's odd habits and is troubled by his nocturnal comings and goings. Her growing unease is exacerbated by a series of gruesome murders occurring in London, which are reminiscent of the Jack the Ripper killings. Ellen begins to suspect that her lodger may be involved in these crimes."The Lodger" explores themes of suspicion, paranoia, and the fear of the unknown. Marie Belloc Lowndes skillfully builds tension and keeps readers guessing about Mr. Sleuth's true identity and motives throughout the novel. The story delves into the psychological aspects of crime and the impact of living in fear, especially in a densely populated urban environment.The novel has been adapted into various films and stage productions over the years, and it remains a notable work in the realm of psychological suspense and crime fiction. It's considered a classic of early 20th-century thriller literature and is still read and studied by those interested in the development of the mystery and suspense genres.