"The Gloved Hand" by Burton Egbert Stevenson is a detective story written in the early 20th century. The book introduces the reader to a thrilling mystery that unfolds around a series of unusual events involving the reclusive Worthington Vaughan, his daughter, and a peculiar light that descends from the sky every midnight. The narrative follows Lester, a sympathetic character, who is drawn into the enigma through his friend and police reporter Jim Godfrey, as they attempt to uncover the secrets behind this strange phenomenon and the troubled family dynamics at play. The opening of the book meticulously establishes the setting and main characters, beginning with Lester's weariness from a demanding case in court, before being invited by Godfrey to a summer retreat where he hopes to uncover the truth behind the mysterious midnight occurrences. As the narrative progresses, we see their expedition lead them to a shocking discovery that intertwines the lives of the characters — particularly that of Miss Vaughan. The chapter culminates in a dramatic and unsettling scene where a scream pierces the night, suggesting that deep, dark secrets are about to emerge from behind the walls of Vaughan's estate, setting the stage for an intricate investigation that promises suspense and intrigue. (This is an automatically generated summary.)