The Hollow of Her Hand

"The Hollow of Her Hand" by George Barr McCutcheon is a novel set in the early 20th century. The story begins with a dramatic and mysterious scene where a veiled woman, Mrs. Wrandall, arrives at a remote inn during a violent storm, only to learn that her husband has been discovered dead in his room. The narrative introduces Mrs. Wrandall, who is defined by her anguish and determination to uncover the truth behind her husband's demise, amidst the confounding circumstances that surround the event. The opening of the book immerses readers in a claustrophobic atmosphere, highlighting Mrs. Wrandall's emotional turmoil as she faces the grim reality of her husband’s death. As she arrives at the inn, she quickly becomes entangled with various authorities—including a sheriff and a coroner—who provide details of the man’s murder, suggesting that he had been killed after a clandestine meeting with a woman who has since disappeared. The narrative hints at complexities of Mrs. Wrandall’s relationship with her husband and introduces themes of betrayal, identity, and moral ambiguity. As she confronts the aftermath of these events, the pages suggest her internal struggle and foreshadow deeper revelations about the mysterious woman connected to her husband’s murder.

The Hollow of Her Hand, by George Barr McCutcheon. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #6045.