Wax (Ethel Lina White novel)

Wax is a 1921 detective novel by British author Ethel Lina White. It is a standalone novel, not part of any series. The story revolves around a mysterious waxworks museum and its unsettling owner, Mr. Salter, and the disappearance of a young woman who was last seen in the vicinity of the museum.

The plot centers on the protagonist, a young woman (whose name may vary depending on the edition/republication as some reprints have altered details), who investigates the unsettling atmosphere and strange happenings surrounding the waxworks. The wax figures themselves play a crucial role, becoming clues and red herrings in the unfolding mystery. The novel blends elements of suspense, psychological thriller, and detective fiction.

Wax is considered a lesser-known work within White's bibliography, overshadowed by her more famous novels like Some Must Watch (adapted as the film The Spiral Staircase). However, it still demonstrates her skill in creating suspenseful and atmospheric narratives with strong female characters. The novel explores themes of identity, deception, and the macabre.

Although not as widely adapted as some of her other books, Wax remains a valuable example of Golden Age detective fiction. Its focus on a unique and unsettling setting, combined with its intricate plot and well-developed characters, continues to appeal to readers interested in classic mystery novels.