The Mystery of Mary


Read by Lee Ann Howlett

(4.5 stars; 1110 reviews)

Handsome young Tryon Dunham has just returned home on the train from a business trip one evening when he's accosted by a beautiful young woman at the station. She's terrified that she's being followed and asks Dunham if she may walk with him away from the station. Her manner and appearance are those of a well-dressed and well-bred lady. However, she refuses to tell Tryon her real name or why she is running away. He feels a responsibility for her and arranges for her to accompany him to a dinner party where she delights everyone there with her exceptional musical talent at the piano. Tryon then assists her in leaving the city on a later train that same night. Captivated by her beauty and talent, he is determined to solve the mystery of her identity. What frightened her so badly that she would leave wearing only the clothes on her back and no money? Is she an adventuress or thief masquerading as a lady in distress? A beautiful lunatic who has escaped an asylum? An heiress who has been declared missing? Tryon will not stop searching until he knows the answer. (Introduction by Lee Ann Howlett.) (3 hr 49 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 20:46 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 2 24:51 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 3 21:23 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 4 22:59 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 5 14:53 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 6 16:19 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 7 19:13 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 8 3:54 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 9 14:32 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 10 17:16 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 11 24:25 Read by Lee Ann Howlett
Chapter 12 29:24 Read by Lee Ann Howlett

Reviews

Sugar Is Certainly Sweet


(5 stars)

When I think of "sugary sweet" I see my mother's beautiful, big , brown eyes, or see my father's intelligent green Irish eyes smiling as he quoted his beloved English, Irish and Canadian poetry. Good writing, poetry, drama or most any genre is part of my life and heritage. That is why Librivox is so precious to me and I am sure it is to many others. And, I do not mean to cast aspersions on any other review because we all have the right and freedom to speak and write in this country (USA) as we so choose. Grace Livingston Hill could never write anything but good literature (but I am sure I could never criticize it if she did). That is possibly because she is the niece of that wonderful woman ("Pansy"), who has inspired so many with her beautiful works. God bless you, Lee Ann, for your wonderful and talented reading of this little story. You were the person who first inspired me to listen, more and more, to this and other wonderful readers and literary works. And, God bless Librivox.

Don't judge by appearance


(5 stars)

It is said to "not judge a book by its cover" yet in this case it's a girl by her clothes. Grace Livingston Hill is creative with her touch of mystery and drama as well at including the Romance. If you are in the mood for a simple yet suspenseful tell this is it.

but money answers all things.


(5 stars)

I missed the Divine Romance in all of Pansy and much of GLH. It was also a stark reminder that a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. The words of the Preacher are true, but I flinched at the way money is lavished.

Excellent narration


(5 stars)

Nice, light romantic story. Best thing about it is the reader. I love that she does not try to come up with different voices for each character. I always find that very distracting. It is better to let the listener’s own imagination determine the character’s voice.

Short, Simple and Beautiful


(4 stars)

Wow, loved this short novella by Grace Livingston Hill. Great job done by the reader. The love story of Mary and Dunham progresses with tinge of mystery until the last line. Each time some romantic lines came in, I thought Mary would harm him the next. That was the binding of the story. You can't leave it midway until you know what happens at the end. The character of Dunham is a pure gentleman in every way, a dying breed with time. Mary's character seems interesting, beautiful and mysterious at the same time. Thank God, I discovered GLH. Gonna read more of her. :)

Truly romantic story.


(5 stars)

No wonder I loved reading Grace Livingston Hill’s books when I was a very young woman, she is a most gifted writer of romance. Not in the style of the romance novels of today, as in falling into bed at first sight, but a more innocent approach that invariably ends in marriage. It is true that similarity exists of the man being handsome, rich, and accomplished, while the girl is wholesome and intelligent, but instead of focusing just on physical attraction, G.L. Hill brings thoughtfulness, charm, and commitment to the unlikely plot. Ah, sweet romance!

Escaped Lunatic?


(4 stars)

First of all, this reader is great. The way she reads allows one to make their own surmises as to what the real story is. I find it funny that in the time this was written, one of the worst things a lady could do was go out without a hat. The class differences come out clearly in so many ways in this story. If I'd thought about it, I could have figured out the entire plot after 3-4 chapters. No matter, it's still a good story and I enjoyed it.

a happy tale of true love ❤️


(4.5 stars)

I downloaded this (amongst many other free titles) during an extended period of repeated surgery and hospitalisation when pain and worries was causing insomnia. It achieved the desired effect with me drifting off into dream filled restoration sleep so many times, that I had to replay chapters to ensure I missed none of the adventure. A pleasant change to read a book where right wins and a happy ending results. The truth does always surface eventually despite how many lies it has been hidden behind.