The House by the River
by A.P. Herbert
$2.99$1.00
Digital Edition available in epub and pdf.
The House by the River by A. P. Herbert is a gripping psychological crime novel that combines suspense, moral conflict, and dark irony. Set in a close-knit riverside community along the Thames in post–World War I London, the story centers on Stephen Byrne, a celebrated young poet whose promising life is shattered by a moment of violence. When an attempted seduction of a housemaid ends in her accidental death, Stephen persuades his loyal friend John Egerton to help conceal the crime by disposing of the body in the river.
What follows is not a conventional detective story but a tense examination of guilt, deception, and the corrosive effects of secrecy. As suspicion gradually falls upon John rather than the true culprit, Stephen becomes increasingly trapped by his own lies, while the burden of the crime weighs heavily on those around him. The river itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel, reflecting both the concealment of truth and its inevitable return to the surface.
Blending crime fiction with sharp social observation, Herbert crafts a compelling tale of conscience, friendship, betrayal, and the inescapable consequences of wrongdoing.
Quote from the book—
“The river went on its way as though nothing had happened.”
—C. S. Forester, The House by the River
Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with 'The House by the River'. Written by A.P. Herbert, this enthralling digital novel transports readers to a dark, atmospheric riverside where secrets wait to be uncovered. Perfect for fans of suspense and literary fiction, this gripping story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
Also available in Paperback.
A. P. Herbert (1890–1971) was an English novelist, playwright, humorist, and independent Member of Parliament renowned for his wit and advocacy of legal reform. Born in Ashtead, he was educated at The Queen's College, Oxford and served as a naval officer during World War I. Herbert gained popularity through his humorous “Misleading Cases,” satirical stories that poked fun at legal absurdities. As an MP for Oxford University from 1935 to 1950, he successfully campaigned for reforms to marriage and divorce laws. He also wrote novels, including The House by the River, as well as plays, essays, and poetry. Combining literary talent with public service, Herbert became one of Britain's most beloved twentieth-century humorists and social reformers.
