At the Villa Rose

Published in 1910, 'At the Villa Rose' by A. E. W. Mason is a mystery novel featuring Inspector Hanaud, a detective vacationing in Aix-les-Bains. The plot follows Harry Wethermill, a young scientist who falls in love with Celia Harland, a companion to an elderly woman who is later murdered. As suspicion falls on Celia, Wethermill enlists Hanaud's help to uncover the truth. The book is notable for its influence on later detective fiction, particularly Agatha Christie's creation of Hercule Poirot.