Guy Boothby 
The Mystery of the Clasped Hands 
A Novel

Guy Boothby’s novel, ‘The Mystery of the Clasped Hands, ‘ is a gripping Victorian-era mystery filled with intrigue and suspense. Set in the atmospheric backdrop of London, the story follows the protagonist as he delves into a puzzling case involving a mysterious death and a pair of hands found tightly clasped together. Boothby’s writing style draws readers in with its vivid descriptions and clever plot twists, reminiscent of other popular mystery novels of the time. The novel explores themes of betrayal, deception, and the complexities of human nature, making it a compelling read for fans of classic detective fiction. Guy Boothby’s own background as a prolific author of adventure and mystery novels lends authenticity to his portrayal of the era and adds depth to the narrative. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, ‘The Mystery of the Clasped Hands’ is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating Victorian mystery that will keep them guessing until the very end.

About the author

Guy Newell Boothby (1867–1905) was a prolific Australian novelist and writer, noted for sensational fiction in variety magazines around the end of the nineteenth century. He was best known for a series of novels about Doctor Nikola, an occultist anti-hero seeking immortality and world domination. Boothby’s diverse fictional universe often intertwined elements of the gothic, adventure, crime, and the supernatural. His writing style has been described as brisk and has successfully maintained readers’ intrigue across his ample literary output. ‘The Mystery of the Clasped Hands’ is merely one specimen in Boothby’s varied collection of work, wherein he weaves a tale of mystery reminiscent of his keen edge for dramatic and thrilling narratives. Throughout his career, Boothby remained dedicated to crafting stories that captured the imaginations of his readers, continuously experimenting with different genres and themes. Although his demise at the relatively young age of 37 curtailed what could have been an even more illustrious career, Guy Boothby’s contribution to turn-of-the-century fiction remains influential, with many of his novels, including ‘Dr. Nikola’, continuing to be of interest to enthusiasts of classic literature and Victorian sensationalism to this day.