Marie Belloc Lowndes 
THE LODGER (Murder Mystery) 
A Murder Mystery

Marie Belloc Lowndes’ gripping novel ‘The Lodger’ is a classic murder mystery set in the dark and gloomy streets of London. The story follows the Bunting family, who take in a mysterious lodger with a strange and secretive past. As the family begins to suspect their lodger may be the elusive Jack the Ripper, tension and suspense build to a thrilling climax. Lowndes’ writing style is immersive and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This novel is a prime example of early 20th-century crime fiction, with a focus on psychological suspense and moral ambiguity. ‘The Lodger’ is a must-read for fans of the genre, as it presents a compelling tale of suspicion, fear, and betrayal.

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Marie Belloc Lowndes (1868–1947) was a prolific British author best known for her psychological thriller ‘The Lodger’ (1913), which offered a chilling fictional account of the Jack the Ripper mystery. Born Marie Adelaide Elizabeth Rayner Belloc in Marylebone, London, she was the sister of noted writer Hilaire Belloc and daughter of French advocate Louis Belloc. Lowndes began her career in journalism, contributing to periodicals before turning her talents to full-length novels and short stories. Her writing is characterized by insightful explorations into the complexities of the human psyche and the societal factors influencing behaviour. Her narrative techniques were ahead of her time, often incorporating elements of suspense and vivid characterizations that would later influence the murder mystery genre. ‘The Lodger, ‘ her most famous work, was adapted into numerous stage and film versions, including Alfred Hitchcock’s silent movie ‘The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog’ (1927). In her lifetime, Lowndes penned over forty novels and numerous short stories and articles, leaving an indelible mark on the early twentieth-century literary landscape. Her contributions to the murder mystery genre, particularly through ‘The Lodger, ‘ have cemented her reputation as a noteworthy author whose work continues to be analyzed and appreciated by both scholars and general audiences.