Author: Carolyn Wells
Published: 1916
Genre: Mystery
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The Curved Blades is a novel by Carolyn Wells, published in 1916 and part of the Fleming Stone mysteries.
1. The Curved Blades Synopsis
In the idyllic winter setting of Merivale Park, Long Island, the estate known as “Garden Steps” stands as a symbol of wealth and beauty. However, beneath its picturesque exterior lies a web of tension and intrigue. Miss Lucy Carrington, the wealthy yet embittered mistress of the house, is found dead in a scene as puzzling as it is chilling—dressed in her finest jewels and inexplicably adorned with a paper snake.
As the astute detective Fleming Stone takes on the case, he uncovers a tangle of secrets and lies among the estate’s inhabitants. Each chapter peels back another layer of deception, revealing the hidden motives and dark desires of those who were closest to Miss Carrington. From the enigmatic Count Charlier and the enigmatic Anita Frayne to the domineering Pauline and the assertive Gray Haviland, everyone has something to hide.
With every clue and each twist, the tension escalates, drawing readers deeper into a narrative where appearances deceive and the truth remains elusive. The Curved Blades promises a gripping and immersive journey through a labyrinth of suspicion and revelation, challenging readers to unravel the mystery before the final, breathtaking conclusion.
2. The Curved Blades Summary
Chapter 1: Miss Lucy Carrington
The story opens with a picturesque description of “Garden Steps,” the stunning estate of Miss Lucy Carrington located in Merivale Park, Long Island. In the winter, the estate, particularly known for its impressive array of gardens and marble steps, turns into a snowy wonderland. One evening, Gray Haviland and Anita Frayne admire the scenic beauty from a window, highlighting the striking contrast between the cold exterior and their warm, intimate interaction indoors. However, their moment is disrupted by Miss Carrington, who is described as wealthy, capable, but not beautiful, feeling her lack of beauty has led to her spinster status. The Count Charlier, a frequent visitor, appears to be courting Miss Carrington, who seems hopeful yet skeptical of his intentions. As they gather for a bridge game, Miss Carrington’s sharp temper surfaces, particularly when the cards don’t favor her, leading to tension among the players.
Chapter 2: A Clash of Tongues
Miss Carrington’s mood improves slightly with music, although her sharp temper over trivial matters concerning her preferences and jewelry continues to surface. She proudly shows off her valuable pearls to Count Charlier, emphasizing her wealth and the security of her estate. Despite her harsh demeanor, there’s a hint she might be softening towards the Count, planning a future engagement. Her controlling nature is evident as she dictates when and how the Count should visit next, overshadowing Gray’s casual invitation with her authoritative tone. The chapter closes with a glimpse of her vanity and insecurity, as she fishes for compliments and reassurances about her jewels and the arrangements she desires.
Chapter 3: The Tragedy
The next morning, Miss Carrington is found dead, seated at her dressing table, dressed in an elaborate gown with a mysterious paper snake wrapped around her neck—a significant detail given her known phobia of snakes. The scene is bizarre, with her still adorned in her jewelry, which no burglar seems to have stolen, pointing to a more complex motive behind her murder. Her last evening was fraught with outbursts and accusations towards her guests and family members, hinting at strained relationships. The police and a doctor arrive to investigate, noting the peculiar circumstances of her death, including the untouched bed and the arrangement of her body.
Chapter 4: A Paper Snake
The investigation deepens with the discovery of a man’s glove and various valuables on Miss Carrington’s body, which are collected by the coroner. Speculations arise about the presence of the snake and whether her death was due to natural causes, an accident, or murder. The police begin to suspect those within the household due to the oddities of the case, including the undisturbed jewelry and the paper snake, suggesting an inside job or a personal motive rather than a simple burglary gone wrong. The chapter ends with the authorities deciding to photograph the scene before further disturbing it, preserving the initial conditions of Miss Carrington’s mysterious death for further analysis.
Chapter 5: A Man’s Glove
Inspector Brunt and Detective Hardy faced challenges interviewing the household in the library. The tension among the members, particularly the young women, was palpable. Gray Haviland, asserting his role perhaps more assertively than appropriate, suggested bringing in a renowned detective, which did not sit well with Pauline, now the mistress of the house, who reminded everyone of her new authority. Amidst the discussion, they received news that Carrington Loria, a key heir currently in Egypt, had been notified of the tragedy. Plans for an upcoming trip to Egypt were now uncertain, especially for Pauline, who seemed detached from the rest of the household, including Anita and Gray.
Chapter 6: A Neighbor’s Call
Mrs. Frothingham, a neighbor draped in eagerness and sympathy, visited to offer condolences, focusing her attention on Pauline, who responded with cold brevity. Count Charlier, accompanying Mrs. Frothingham and clearly concerned, followed Pauline to learn more about the incident. Their conversation revealed Pauline’s suspicions about Charlier’s potential romantic intentions towards her late aunt, which he neither confirmed nor denied directly. Meanwhile, Anita found Mrs. Frothingham’s observations potentially crucial—she claimed to have seen a man leaving the house early in the morning, hinting at a burglar.
Chapter 7: The Inquest
The inquest brought forward all individuals connected to the estate to piece together the events leading to Miss Carrington’s death. Testimonies varied, with the maid Estelle facing tough questions about her actions and the contents of a night luncheon she prepared for Miss Carrington. Amidst conflicting statements, suspicions arose about potential motives tied to the will and the peculiar circumstances found at the crime scene, including Miss Carrington’s unexpected adornment with jewels and the presence of a paper snake.
Chapter 8: Anita’s Story
Anita’s detailed testimony at the inquest described a mysterious late-night conversation she overheard from Miss Carrington’s room, suggesting the presence of another person. Anita speculated on the identity of the other party and the strange content of their dialogue, which included cryptic references to changes in the will and personal reflections on beauty and legacy. The revelations led to heated exchanges between Pauline and Anita, with each casting doubts on the other’s recount of that night’s events, adding layers of intrigue and mistrust among the household members.
Chapter 9: Further Testimony
During the inquest, Count Henri Charlier faces intense questioning about his relationship with the late Miss Carrington and his whereabouts on the night of her demise. Initially poised, Charlier grows uneasy under scrutiny, especially when directly asked about a potential marriage proposal to Miss Carrington and his exact movements that fateful night. He denies any romantic engagement but admits to actions that could be interpreted as courtship. Charlier emphatically denies returning to the estate after midnight, refuting claims that Miss Carrington addressed him in her boudoir. The discussion turns heated when Gray Haviland, suspicious of Charlier’s intentions and dubious about his nobility, suggests the possibility of Charlier lurking on the balcony outside the boudoir to speak with Miss Carrington. This theory is dismissed as absurd by the Coroner, though Haviland persists, proposing that Charlier might have a more sinister connection to the night’s events.
Chapter 10: Bizarre Clues
Mrs. Frothingham recounts seeing a supposed burglar leaving the estate early in the morning, describing him as stocky and furtive—distinctly not matching Charlier’s slender physique. She firmly denies that Charlier could be involved in such suspicious activities, reinforcing the narrative of an outsider’s involvement. The Coroner speculates about a possible burglary gone wrong, where Miss Carrington might have been attacked unexpectedly at her dressing table. Despite efforts to tie the mysterious circumstances to known facts, the investigation stalls with many unanswered questions, leading Haviland to suggest employing a renowned detective, much to the chagrin of some at the inquest.
Chapter 11: Fleming Stone
A vigorous debate ensues about employing an expert detective to assist with the increasingly complicated case. Gray Haviland, acting as the temporary manager of the estate, insists on the need for professional help, citing the complexity of the crime. Pauline, now in charge and an equal heir to Miss Carrington, expresses her desire to manage the situation without external help, highlighting the tension between her and Haviland over control and direction of the investigation. The discussion touches upon Charlier’s peculiar behavior and his possible motivations, with suspicions about his character and intentions continuing to circulate among the key players involved.
Chapter 12: Estelle’s Story
The mystery deepens with conflicting testimonies and elusive clues, challenging the investigators and family members alike. The ongoing inquest brings out the complexities of personal relationships and hidden agendas, adding layers of intrigue to the already convoluted affair. As the authorities and family struggle to piece together the truth, the chapter closes on a note of unresolved tension and growing despair over the likelihood of solving Miss Carrington’s mysterious death, leaving everyone questioning the next steps and the real motives of those involved.
Chapter 13: Bates, the Burglar
Bates, a burglar, confesses his attempt to rob Miss Carrington’s estate. Estelle, the maid and his lover, had informed him about the jewels in the house and planned to let him in through a window. However, upon entering Miss Carrington’s boudoir and mistaking her for alive because she was smiling in the mirror, he inadvertently killed her while trying to knock her out to prevent her from screaming. Shocked to realize she was already dead, he fled without stealing anything, driven by fear and superstition against robbing a corpse.
Chapter 14: Who Gave the Poison
Fleming Stone explores the intricate details of the case, starting with the mysterious circumstances in the boudoir. He questions how Miss Carrington could have voluntarily put on a paper snake given her phobia and why she dressed up in jewels that night. Stone speculates that someone familiar, perhaps the Count, might have poisoned her sandwich, allowing them to enter the boudoir without causing alarm. He continues to unravel the layers of the case, focusing on the Count’s possible motives and actions on the night of the murder.
Chapter 15: Pauline’s Purchase
Stone and Pauline discuss the complexities surrounding the paper snake, which Pauline admits to purchasing at Miss Carrington’s request, claiming ignorance of her aunt’s intent. This revelation casts a shadow of suspicion on Pauline, although she defends her actions by suggesting her aunt might have been trying to overcome her phobia. Their conversation reveals tension between Pauline and Anita, hinting at underlying conflicts and possible motives for the crime rooted in jealousy and inheritance issues.
Chapter 16: The Two Girls
The interrogation turns towards Pauline as Stone presses for honesty about her involvement in the case. Pauline’s narrative about buying the snake at her aunt’s behest paints a picture of Miss Carrington’s capricious and demanding nature. The tension escalates when Anita accuses Pauline of murder, leading to a heated confrontation. Stone, puzzled by the conflicting stories and elusive motives, continues to probe into the relationships and events surrounding Miss Carrington’s death, highlighting the complexity of family dynamics and the struggle for inheritance.
Chapter 17: The Overheard Conversation
While awaiting Anita Frayne’s arrival, Fleming Stone, a detective on the case, contemplates his thoughts and beliefs about Pauline Stuart. He acknowledges that while Pauline bought a paper snake and lied about it, these actions alone don’t necessarily incriminate her. Stone doubts the involvement of Pauline’s cousin, Carrington Loria, who seems engrossed in his archaeological pursuits rather than the estate’s financial matters. During Anita’s interview, Stone probes her about the murder, suggesting that Miss Carrington was poisoned by someone within the household, possibly a family member rather than a servant. Anita asserts her honesty, and Stone scrutinizes her response to a specific question about Miss Carrington talking to herself, which Anita denies.
Chapter 18: Fled!
Anita insists that Miss Carrington was talking directly to someone during the overheard conversation, a claim Stone finds curious but plausible given the clarity and directness of the speech. The discussion touches on whether Miss Carrington was addressing a photograph as part of a vivid imagination scenario, but Anita dismisses this, noting the absence of personal photographs in Miss Carrington’s room. Stone considers various possibilities, including the presence of a living person, but the conversation leaves this unresolved. Anita expresses frustration over the scrutiny, while Stone remains focused on uncovering the truth, however complex the family dynamics might be.
Chapter 19: Letters from the Fugitive
Stone discusses the case with Gray Haviland, suspecting that emotional motivations tied to familial conflicts might have driven the murder. Haviland reveals the tension between Anita and Pauline, suggesting that jealousy and inheritance issues might have influenced the crime. Stone’s insistence on investigating all angles shows his commitment to solving the case, despite the personal and emotional complexities involved. The chapter highlights the deep-seated issues within the family that could have led to murder, setting the stage for further revelations.
Chapter 20: In the Boudoir
The discussion between Stone and Haviland continues, delving deeper into the family’s dynamics and the possible motives for murder. Stone is determined to explore every possible angle, including the contentious relationships and financial motives that might have driven one of the family members to commit the crime. The chapter underscores the detective’s thorough approach to the case, considering both emotional and practical motives, and sets up a complex puzzle that Stone is determined to solve.
Chapter 21: Fleming Stone’s Theory
Fleming Stone shares a theory with Detective Hardy in the library, suggesting that Miss Lucy Carrington believed a powder she took would make her beautiful, influenced by a fraudulent charm from a clairvoyant or beauty doctor. They theorize that someone added poison to the harmless powder. Stone speculates that Miss Carrington, after taking the powder, waited in front of her mirror, expecting her features to transform. He connects her actions and comments to a picture of Cleopatra on her wall, hypothesizing that she followed specific, delusional instructions from the clairvoyant tied to Cleopatra’s imagery.
Chapter 22: Pauline in Cairo
Pauline arrives in Cairo, excited by the exotic locale. She is met by Carrington Loria who dismisses the pushy locals and warmly welcomes her. They discuss her journey and her reasons for fleeing, hinting at her distress over being suspected of murder. Loria introduces Pauline to her chaperon, Mrs. MacDonald, at the hotel where they are staying. Loria’s conversation reveals a mysterious project involving a buried treasure in the Nile, which he believes will bring him fame and fortune, suggesting a possible motive for needing money quickly.
Chapter 23: Two Wills
Loria and Pauline discuss making wills, where they would inherit each other’s assets. This is done under the pretext of simple precaution but is strategically suggested by Loria. Their wills are prepared by a lawyer, signed, and stored. The casual nature of their conversation about the wills masks the deeper implications of their actions, particularly given Loria’s ongoing mysterious and possibly dangerous project in the Nile.
Chapter 24: Confession
Pauline finds herself in a dangerous situation orchestrated by Loria, hinting at his darker intentions. After being deceived and abandoned in the desert, she collapses from exhaustion and despair. This climactic event is juxtaposed with Loria’s earlier actions, where he manipulated Pauline into making a will favoring him, revealing his plan to potentially eliminate her and claim her inheritance under the guise of a tragic accident or unforeseen circumstance.
| Carolyn Wells Bibliography | |
| Fleming Stone | The Clue | The Gold Bag | A Chain of Evidence | The Maxwell Mystery | Anybody But Anne | The White Alley | The Curved Blades | The Mark of Cain | Vicky Van | The Diamond Pin | Raspberry Jam | The Mystery of the Sycamore | The Mystery Girl | Feathers Left Around | Spooky Hollow | The Furthest Fury | Prillilgirl | The Daughter of the House | The Bronze Hand | Where’s Emily | The Crime in the Crypt | The Tapestry Room Murder | The Broken O | The Beautiful Derelict | The Huddle | Murder in the Bookshop | Crime Tears On | Murder Will In | Who Killed Caldwell? |
