The Haunting Hand

Margot Anstruther has traded the prospect of laboratory work for a promising start in motion pictures. At twenty-five, she is preparing to entertain colleagues in her New York lodging, where her friend Gene Valery has helped her create a roof garden. Her new career brings a difficult director, Frederick Stoner, and the wary attention of the established star Corinne Delamar. Friendship, professional influence and jealousy are already closely entangled.

An alarming hand reaching from beneath Margot’s bed introduces the mystery into this studio setting. As reports of her strange experience reach the papers, Corinne suspects a publicity scheme, while Margot wants to continue investigating. Walter Adolphe Roberts places suspense amid dressing rooms, film work and conversations in which an apparent rival may become a listener. The novel offers a blend of unsettling incidents and workplace tensions, with a scientifically trained young actress trying to make sense of what has happened.