The Unbidden Guest by Ernest William Hornung is a gripping mystery novel set in the early 20th-century Edwardian era. As part of the Raffles series, this crime fiction work continues the adventures of Hornung's amateur detective, blending suspense and intrigue with classic whodunit elements. The story revolves around a secretive guest whose unexpected arrival triggers a series of suspenseful events, leading to a compelling narrative full of plot twists. Hornung's adept storytelling and keen understanding of British society add depth to the suspense, making the novel a standout example of early mystery literature. With its intricate plot and engaging characters, The Unbidden Guest exemplifies the genre's appeal, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into crime fiction's development during the Edwardian era. The novel remains a notable contribution to the detective story genre, showcasing Hornung's skillful craftsmanship and narrative ingenuity.
Ernest William Hornung, who lived from June 7, 1866, to March 22, 1921, was an English poet and writer best known for the A. J. Raffles series of tales set in late 19th-century London and featuring a gentleman thief. After completing his education at Uppingham School, Hornung left the school in December 1883 to spend two years in Sydney due to ill health. When he started writing, he used his experiences growing up in Australia as a backdrop for his short stories and later novels. He wrote "In the Chains of Crime" in 1898, introducing Raffles and his sidekick, Bunny Manders. The characters were loosely based on his brother-in-law Arthur Conan Doyle's creations of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, as well as on his friends Oscar Wilde and his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. In 1899, the collection of Raffles short stories was published as a book. Two further collections of Raffles short stories and a poorly received novel followed. A prolific fiction writer, Hornung published a number of works between 1890 and 1914, ranging from his novel The Crime Doctor to A Bride from the Bush, one of his Raffles stories.
