Father Brown: The Doom of the Darnaways by G. K. Chesterton

ovithanos

May 29

An early Father Brown mysteries. The detective-priest is on the scene, and others look to him for comments on the events. They generally assume that his religion is akin to superstition and that he will readily accept the curse as the cause of the troubles.

Two painters, one local, one visiting, are thrust into the mystery of an historic family curse which visits every seventh generation with a murder. A painting of the first man to be the victim of the curse has been discovered by the local artist. Around the edge of the frame is lettered a rhyme which sets out the conditions of the fateful events. Indeed, the descendant seventh in line is recorded to have died by those conditions. Now, a young relative, the 14th in the family line has arrived from Australia. He is to marry his distant cousin, the lady of the house, which is a family contract. When he is found dead before he has a chance to marry the beautiful woman, it is assumed the fates have once again come into play.

Father Brown on his 9th adventure.

First published 1924
May 2023