"The Strange Case of Mortimer Fenley" by Louis Tracy is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around John Trenholme, a young artist, who inadvertently finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery when Mortimer Fenley, a prominent banker, is shot dead outside his estate. The novel explores themes of crime and the supernatural, leaving readers to ponder the connections between apparent coincidences and the truths lurking beneath the surface. At the start of the tale, we meet Trenholme as he enjoys an idyllic morning in the village of Roxton. His day takes an unexpected turn when he witnesses a young woman swimming in a lake, only to be jolted by a gunshot that disrupts the tranquil scenery. As tensions rise, police and local authorities begin an investigation into the murder of Mortimer Fenley, with Trenholme's earlier presence in the area coming under scrutiny. Intriguingly, the dynamics of the Fenley family and their relationships are unveiled, hinting at deeper conflicts that may hold the key to the mystery. The opening sets the stage for an engaging blend of character-driven drama and suspenseful intrigue, inviting the reader to unravel the entwined fates of those involved. (This is an automatically generated summary.)