The Uninhabited House

"The Uninhabited House" by J. H. Riddell is a story set in Victorian times, dealing with a house that seems to be followed by trouble. Miss Blake and her niece, Miss Helena Elmsdale, are at the heart of the story, struggling with issues linked to their puzzling property, surrounded by hints of the supernatural, money problems, and family connections. The story starts by introducing the eerie Uninhabited House, making a strong impact on Mr. Craven's law office, where the story is told. A clerk tells us about Miss Blake's strange character, her money struggles, and what her niece is going through. As different people rent the house, they report strange happenings, causing Mr. Craven's company to try to fix these issues while dealing with Miss Blake's hopes. The early parts of the novel takes a look at the relationships that connect the characters and digs into themes of compassion, money responsibilities, and the never-ending hold of what's happened before, setting a dramatic scene for the secrets of the house to come out.