Here's a summary of what happens in the book:
The Setup:
* The Setting: The story takes place in a secluded house on the Gulf Coast, where a family gathers for a vacation.
* The Characters: The central characters are:
* The Family: Mr. and Mrs. North, their daughter Nancy, and her friend, the young and wealthy Helen.
* The Visitors: A group of strangers, including the mysterious Mr. Fenton, arrive at the house for a variety of reasons.
* The Mystery: The family is unaware of the secrets and hidden motives that surround them. A series of suspicious incidents begin to occur, creating a sense of foreboding and danger.
The Plot:
* The Arrival of Fenton: The arrival of Mr. Fenton, a charming but secretive individual, adds a layer of intrigue to the atmosphere. His intentions are unclear, and his presence stirs suspicion among the others.
* The Mysterious Fires: A series of unexplained fires breaks out on the property, raising fears of arson and foul play.
* The Missing Items: Valuables begin to disappear from the house, adding to the growing paranoia and mistrust amongst the guests.
* The Clues: The characters begin to piece together clues and uncover hidden connections between the guests and the surrounding area.
* The Suspects: A web of suspicion emerges, with each character becoming a potential suspect, including Mr. Fenton, the servants, and even the family members themselves.
* The Climax: The story reaches a climax with a dramatic confrontation that reveals the true culprit and the motivations behind their actions.
The Resolution:
* The Truth: The identity of the perpetrator is unveiled, and the reasons for their crimes are exposed.
* The Consequences: The events of the story have a lasting impact on the characters, leaving them with new perspectives and insights into human nature.
Themes:
* Mystery and Suspense: The novel keeps the reader guessing with its twisty plot and unpredictable characters.
* Intrigue and Deception: The story explores the power of secrets and how they can manipulate relationships and influence events.
* Human Nature: The characters' motivations and actions shed light on the complexities of human nature, revealing the potential for both good and evil within us all.
Overall: "House on the Gulf" is a classic mystery novel that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's a fast-paced and suspenseful read with intriguing characters and a thrilling climax.