The novel follows the story of a young man, John Mallow, who is sent to stay with his uncle, Sir Robert Mallow, at his estate in the English countryside. John is immediately taken with the beauty of the estate, and the mysterious tarn that lies at its center. John soon discovers that the tarn is home to a strange and powerful creature, a creature that has been living in the tarn for centuries. As John learns more about the creature, he discovers that it is connected to a dark and ancient secret that has been kept hidden for generations. John must confront the creature and the secrets it holds in order to save his family and the estate. Along the way, he discovers the power of friendship, loyalty, and courage, and learns that the truth can sometimes be more powerful than fear.
By Hugh Walpole · First published 1919 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Romance · 8 chapters