The Devil's Mountain

Originally published in serial form from 1922—1923 in Planter’s Punch, The Devil’s Mountain is a novel by Jamaican journalist, H.G. de Lisser.

When an American moving picture company comes to stay at the Myrtle Bank Hotel, Lawrence Beaman, a humble local man, is captivated by the beautiful leading actress, Marian Braeme. Also taking a liking to Marian is the widowed Lady Rosedale, who aims to take the girl under her wing and teach her in the ways of proper society. Not one to be deterred and at the encouragement of another hotel patron, Mr. Phipps, Lawrence continues in his pursuit of Marian, until one night, when he can no longer hold back his feelings, declares that he is in love.

“I know it,” she replies at last, “but I wish you hadn’t said it. It’s no use…it is impossible, you have no idea how impossible it is.”

When the conversation is over and the two go their separate ways, they awake the next morning to the news of a robbery at the Myrtle Bank Hotel, with Lady Rosedale’s jewels the thief’s prize. All at once, the patrons are thrown into chaos with Lawrence at the center of Lady Rosedale’s suspicions and a mystery unraveling before their very eyes.