Rediscovering a Queen of Crime: Ethel Lina White, «The Lady Vanishes» & «The Spiral Staircase»

She published around 100 short stories and 17 novels: Ethel Lina White (1876-1944) was a bestselling crime writer of her time, ranking alongside the greats of the Golden Age such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. She knew how to create suspense, and so she inspired the Master of Suspense: Alfred Hitchcock's iconic adaptation of «The Lady Vanishes», his last British-made film and a huge success, helped launch his career in Hollywood. Another one of her thrillers was later adapted for the big screen as «The Spiral Staircase». Not prepared to play the «fame game» like other writers, White's popularity faded. However, current efforts by scholars and publishers are reviving her legacy as an outstanding author of atmospheric psychological thrillers, often with strong female protagonists. We shall read and discuss her two most popular works and watch the film adaptations. Level C1 required.