The Clue

"The Clue" by Carolyn Wells is a mystery that takes place in Mapleton, within a grand mansion, and focuses on Madeleine Van Norman, a rich heiress about to marry Schuyler Carleton. The story explores themes of love, jealousy, and what society expects, all building to the question surrounding Madeleine's death. The narrative begins by introducing Madeleine, who is portrayed as a proud and private woman, engaged to Schuyler, who seems perfect. Her cousin, Tom Willard, loves her and questions if Schuyler really loves her. As the wedding gets closer and tensions build, a desperate cry in the night leads to the discovery of Madeleine's body, causing suspicion and a quest to find the truth about whether she died by suicide or if there was a more sinister cause.