The Vanishing of Betty Varian

"The Vanishing of Betty Varian" by Carolyn Wells is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in an isolated area of Maine, focused around the summer colony of Headland Harbor, where the Varian family has recently taken residence. The narrative centers on the sudden disappearance of Betty Varian and the subsequent unraveling of events, particularly following the shocking murder of her father, Frederick Varian. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the picturesque Headland Harbor, populated by artists and summer residents. Tension exists within the Varian family, highlighted by a heated argument between Betty and her father regarding her romantic pursuits, particularly involving a young man named Rodney Granniss. Following their argument, Betty runs back to the house to retrieve her camera while the family heads to a picnic, but her return is met with horror when her father's body is discovered, leading to speculation about her fate. The opening sets up a gripping mystery with looming questions about family dynamics, secrets, and the potential involvement of outside forces. (This is an automatically generated summary.)