The House of a Thousand Candles


Read by J. M. Smallheer

(4.5 stars; 263 reviews)

A top ten bestseller of 1906, The House of a Thousand Candles is part adventure/mystery and part romance. The book begins with young Jack Glenarm returning from various exploits in Europe and Africa for the reading of his grandfather’s will. In it, he stands to inherit his grandfather’s estate, but only if he can remain for one year in residence at the old man’s unfinished “House of a Thousand Candles” in Annandale, Indiana, with only his grandfather’s mysterious valet for company. If he violates the terms of the will, the house will go to a young woman, heretofore unknown to him, whom the will also forbids Jack to marry if he wants to retain his inheritance. This all sounds very mundane to Jack and he fully expects to be quite bored in very short order. Soon after Jack’s arrival at Glenarm House, however, various strange occurrences ensue, and he soon finds himself absorbed in the most lively adventure of his life! (summary by J. M. Smallheer) (7 hr 28 min)

Chapters

The Will of John Marshall Glenarm 25:47 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Face at Sherry's 18:19 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The House of a Thousand Candles 12:51 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Voice From the Lake 18:47 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Red Tam-O'-Shanter 20:13 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Girl and the Canoe 10:30 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Man on the Wall 15:44 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A String of Gold Beads 12:04 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Girl and the Rabbit 19:13 Read by J. M. Smallheer
An Affair with the Caretaker 15:59 Read by J. M. Smallheer
I Receive a Caller 12:24 Read by J. M. Smallheer
I Explore a Passage 14:50 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Pair of Eavesdroppers 13:20 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Girl in Gray 16:16 Read by J. M. Smallheer
I Make an Engagement 11:01 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Passing of Olivia 14:32 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Sister Theresa 13:35 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Golden Butterflies 16:17 Read by J. M. Smallheer
I Meet an Old Friend 18:15 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Triple Alliance 14:14 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Pickering Serves Notice 11:38 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Return of Marian Devereux 11:35 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Door of Bewilderment 19:05 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Prowler of the Night 14:14 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Beseiged 14:39 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Fight in the Library 25:03 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Changes and Chances 14:22 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Shorter Vistas 8:19 Read by J. M. Smallheer
And So the Light Led Me 15:06 Read by J. M. Smallheer

Reviews

One of the best Librivox mysteries


(5 stars)

I've listened to quite a few Librivox mysteries, and as a general class, they are fun, with their twists and turns and surprise endings. But this one rises to the top as one of the best. It is grounded, surprising but not unbelievable, and when you reach the end and look back, the pieces along the way have fit together very nicely. Jack Glenarm is so well drawn that you rejoice in his triumphs and groan at his failures as he struggles to remain true to his commitment to honor the last wishes of his grandfather. And it does a splendid job showing the beauty of Indiana -- the lakes and fields and woods which make the Midwest such a wonderful part of America. J. M. Smallheer (notyouraveragejo) is an excellent reader and one of my favorites. She is clear and uses voicing effectively to cast and enliven her characters. I would recommend any book that she reads - its sure to be well done.

My first audio book, an excellent introduction


(5 stars)

I found this mystery compelling and well read. I'm now hooked on audio books. Much of the book is dialog and the reader presented each character appropriately.

Very Good, but easy to predict now days.


(4 stars)

This story was good except that it was probably the basis for a lot of other books and movies and so it is easy to see what generally will happen. It is still very good though, especially if you have an interest in old houses with hidden secrets and lost treasures. Also the reader is very good, for a woman to read the roles of several male characters as well as she did deserves an award.

a cute little mystery & romance


(4 stars)

the reader did a good job. at points when many characters were talking at once i could not tell who was saying what. but in general she did a good job with voices and accents and wonderful volume pausing and proper emphasis. the story is as described, a mystery and romance caused by an eccentric millionaires death and the will with some odd requirements. the hunt for treasure and murderous attemps keep things rolling. nothing in the story is remotely believable, but its just a story - relax and enjoy it. okay content for young and old, enjoyable by males & females!


(5 stars)

First, a nonpareil reader. I seek and listen to any book she reads. This is a charming romantic mystery with a big-hearted, endearing blockhead of a hero and a self-possessed, multifaceted heroine. The story contains more mysteries and surprises than it needs, but not more than the tale can support. I enjoyed it immensely and was sad to have it end.

a charming and engaging tale of its era, bringing a smile to my face at it’s lo…


(4 stars)

a charming and engaging tale of its era, bringing a smile to my face. the language rekindles love of the natural world and the serenity we contemplate when we feel at peace. we remember our lives with grateful hearts.

Fun, light and lively


(5 stars)

An entertaining, light mystery. The main character is often pig headed and a bit unlikable due to his unwarranted high opinion of himself but quite tolerable. The supporting characters are much more charming and make up for his many flaws. The reader was quite good- ignore some old, obviously sexist reviews.

I liked this book!


(5 stars)

I love these old books with their unique quality that is impossible to find in modern books. I even like that it is a little overlong. The reader is very good & she made it a joy to listen.