The Shadow of the Rope: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Shadow of the Rope: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Shadow of the Rope is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William) (1866–1921).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Shadow of the Rope" by E. W. Hornung is a fictional novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Rachel Minchin, a young Australian woman caught in a tumultuous marriage who faces dire circumstances and ultimately becomes embroiled in a murder trial after her husband's unexpected death. The story explores themes of desperation, societal judgment, and the complexities of personal relationships as she struggles for autonomy and self-respect amidst her turbulent life. The opening of the book captures a pivotal moment in Rachel's life as she resolves to leave her husband, Alexander Minchin, after enduring his gambling and alcoholism. Her determination is palpable as she prepares to return to Australia, but the unexpected turn of events leads her to discover her husband dead in their home, a victim of a violent crime. The scene is charged with tension as the police arrive, and the narrative hints at the impending trial that will follow. Rachel’s conflicting emotions are evident as she grapples with both loss and the stigma of potential guilt, setting the stage for the courtroom drama and her quest for redemption that follows.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Shadow of the Rope
- Author credits: Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William) (1866–1921)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Detective and mystery stories, English
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Crime, Thrillers and Mystery
- Category: Novels
- Crime Fiction
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.



