The Jade God
Jack Derrick, a writer of a delicate constitution, and his sister Edith stumble upon a countryside manor at an unbelievably low price. Their good fortune, however, soon reveals its sinister underbelly: the study was the site of an unsolved murder two years prior. Jack, acutely sensitive to the house's oppressive atmosphere, feels an unsettling connection to the deceased former owner, a presence that seems to whisper secrets and demands, pulling him deeper into the chilling mystery of the manor's past. Sullivan masterfully weaves together the threads of classic mystery with a potent strain of the supernatural, crafting a narrative that is both genuinely chilling and surprisingly uplifting. This early 20th-century gem transcends its genre, exploring the destructive power of obsession and the human capacity for resilience amidst the ethereal. It's a gripping tale that lingers, a testament to the enduring allure of a well-told ghost story with a heart.
About The Jade God
Chapter Summaries
- I
- Inventory clerks Jarrad and Dawkins catalog Beech Lodge's contents. They discuss the house's history and the mysterious death of its former owner, Henry Millicent, who was found murdered at his desk two years prior.
- II
- Derrick settles into Beech Lodge with his sister Edith. He becomes fascinated by the study and begins sensing supernatural presences. The mysterious maid Perkins reveals her deep connection to the house.
- III
- Martin, the former gardener, returns from Burma seeking his old job. Derrick hires him despite learning of his connection to the murder case. A face appears at the window during the evening.
Key Themes
- The Power of the Occult
- The jade god exerts malevolent influence over characters, driving them to obsession, madness, and murder. The supernatural forces are presented as real and dangerous.
- Love Transcending Death
- Henry Millicent's spirit guides the investigation to achieve justice, while romantic love between John and Jean provides hope and redemption amid the darkness.
- Devotion and Sacrifice
- Martin's unwavering love for his wife leads him to protect her even at the cost of suspicion falling on himself, while Perkins' obsessive devotion to Millicent drives her to murder.
Characters
- John Derrick(protagonist)
- A young writer who rents Beech Lodge to work on his novel. He becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of Henry Millicent's murder and falls in love with Jean Millicent.
- Edith Derrick(major)
- John's practical sister who keeps house for him. She doesn't believe in the occult but supports her brother's investigation and romance.
- Jean Millicent(major)
- The murdered man's daughter, a sensitive young woman who shares Derrick's belief in supernatural influences. She feels cursed by her father's death until the mystery is solved.
- Perkins(major)
- The mysterious housemaid who found Millicent's body. She is revealed to be Martin's wife who killed Millicent while sleepwalking under the jade god's influence.
- Martin (John Martin)(major)
- The gardener who followed his wife from Burma to England. Initially suspected of murder, he's revealed to be protecting his wife who committed the crime while under supernatural influence.
- Blunt(major)
- A mysterious peddler from the Mong Hills who comes to reclaim the jade god. He can feign death and has occult knowledge.
