Fear for Miss Betony

Synopsis

Former governess Emma Betony is living in quiet and boring retirement when two unexpected letters arrive.  The first is a lonely hearts magazine, with an entry
("Lonely Batchelor, age 49, good health, comfortable income, seeks friendship of unattached lady with view to matrimony") highlighted by the anonymous sender.   The second is an appeal for help from a former student.   Grace Aram is running Makeways, a struggling boarding school for girls, newly relocated to a site of former nursing home in Dorset.  Grace isn't interested in Miss Betony's teaching skills-she wants a trusted friend to help identify the culprit behind a series of troubling events.  Two nursing patients have remained at Makeways and one appears to be the victim of a poisoner.  It is not clear who could be responsible for the ongoing trickle of arsenic found in Miss Thurloe's drinks- the new abrasive doctor, the pragmatic nurse, the nervous teaching staff or the high-strung students.  During her investigations, Miss Betony uncovers an overwhelming sense of fear on the part of Makeways' inhabitants, and clues that lead to the Great Ambrosio, a charismatic fortune-teller, who seems to have an undue influence on various teachers, students -  and Miss Thurloe.

First published in 1941, Fear and Miss Betony marks the final appearance of Chief Inspector Dan Pardoe-but it is Miss Betony herself who fights through fear and solves the case. Contemporary critics proclaimed the book an instant classic, with an ingenious plot.

Summary

Chapter 1: Miss Betony's Request

Miss Betony, an elderly woman in a quaint English village, approaches Dr. Thomas Griffith, the village doctor, with a peculiar request. She confesses to being afraid of something unknown but persistent and asks for his help. Dr. Griffith dismisses her concerns as delusions.

Chapter 2: The Unseen Visitation

As darkness falls, Miss Betony's fears intensify. She experiences a chill in the air, flickering lights, and faint whispers. Dr. Griffith returns to her house but finds nothing amiss. However, upon his departure, a heavy object crashes downstairs, leaving Miss Betony terrified and convinced that she is not alone.

Chapter 3: The Phantom Footsteps

Miss Betony hears footsteps in the house late at night. She believes it is the ghost of her late sister, Judith, who died tragically many years ago. Dr. Griffith and the village constable investigate but find no evidence of an intruder.

Chapter 4: The Cold Hand

Miss Betony feels an icy hand touch her on the shoulder. She becomes convinced that Judith's spirit is haunting her and seeking revenge. Dr. Griffith attributes it to her imagination and her fragile mental state.

Chapter 5: The Unfamiliar Voice

Miss Betony hears a strange voice whispering her name. She believes it is Judith's voice calling her to join her in death. Dr. Griffith insists that it is only her mind playing tricks on her.

Chapter 6: The Shadowy Figure

Miss Betony sees a shadowy figure lurking in her hallway. She is convinced that it is Judith's malevolent spirit seeking retribution. Dr. Griffith attempts to reassure her, but she remains unwavering in her belief.

Chapter 7: The Mysterious Key

Dr. Griffith discovers a small, antique key hidden in Miss Betony's belongings. He realizes that it unlocks a secret room in the house. Inside, they find a diary that sheds light on Judith's tragic death and the haunting presence.

Chapter 8: The Unveiling of Truth

The diary reveals that Judith was murdered by her abusive husband, who later committed suicide. His spirit has been tormenting Miss Betony, seeking revenge for his own death. Dr. Griffith confronts the ghost and helps it find peace.

Chapter 9: Miss Betony's Redemption

With the ghost's presence dispelled, Miss Betony's fears subside. She confronts her own grief and comes to terms with the events of the past. Dr. Griffith provides her with support and guidance as she embarks on a new chapter in her life, free from fear.