Secret of the Yellow Room

Author: Gaston Leroux
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Scientist Sangerson and his daughter live in the Chateau de Glorid in the suburbs of Paris, France. One day, the professor's daughter is alone in her room when she discovers an astonishing scream for help. The professor and his assistant arrive to assist but cannot enter the locked room. They only hear gunshots from inside, while the servant who arrives to help finds the window also locked from the inside. When they break the door down together, the professor's daughter is found lying in a pool of blood, but there is no sign of the killer in the room.
Gaston Leroux (1868–1927) was a famous French journalist, playwright, and novelist in the early 20th century, renowned for his mystery, adventure, and detective novels. Leroux had extensive experience in reporting on crimes, having served as a war correspondent and a lawyer, which enriched his background for writing detective and adventure stories. Later, he gained popularity for creating the series of detective novels featuring the characters "Roulet" and "Babette." Leroux was passionate about life, a spendthrift in financial matters, yet possessed a serious mind and boundless imagination. His works blend elements of love and terror, often set in solemn locations such as opera houses, academies, and historic castles. His writing is accessible yet masterfully connects his French roots with narrative techniques, skillfully immersing readers in his fictional worlds. His unique "novel montage" made him a great master of detective literature. His works were frequently adapted into films during the silent era, and the globally renowned musical The Phantom of the Opera was based on his famous, eponymous work. The "secret room" created in this book is highly typical. Scientist Sangerson and his daughter live in the Chateau de Glorid in the suburbs of Paris, France. One day, the professor's daughter is alone in her room when she suddenly screams for help. The professor and his assistant arrive to assist but cannot enter the locked room. They only hear gunshots from inside, while the servant who arrives to help finds the window also locked from the inside. When they break the door down together, the professor's daughter is found lying in a pool of blood, but there is no sign of the killer in the room.