A House to Let

Rating:
Summary: Minor work by major authors
Review: This short, quick read is a collaborative effort led by Charles Dickens with contributions by Wilkie Collins, Elizabeth Gaskell and the poet Adelaide Anne Procter. The premise is that an elderly woman moves to London and, after seeing an eye peeking out from the window of a supposedly empty house across the street, becomes obsessed with the place. Her long-time suitor and her servant both set to work trying to outdo each other in discovering the mystery of this house to let. They uncover the stories of several former occupants, all of which are enjoyable; Gaskell's contribution, "A Manchester Marriage," is outstanding. Overall, however, "A House to Let" amounts to a collection of short stories loosely strung together. They are very well-written and are certainly worth the time if you like these authors, but this book isn't quite in the same league as the major works of these authors.