The White Maniac - A Doctor's Tale

by Mary Fortune

A country doctor discovers the spacious house of a Baron. The curious thing is, everything inside and outside of the house, down to the very clothing of the noble residents, is all of the same color – white.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Gothic, Audiobook, Classics

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2013

About the author

Born Mary Helena Wilson in Belfast, Ireland, the daughter of Scots-Irish Protestant parents, civil engineer George Wilson and his wife Eleanor (nee Atkinson). Mary Fortune was an Australian writer who wrote under the pseudonyms Waif Wander, W.W. and her initials, ‘M. H. F.’, in newspapers and popular magazines. She contributed work in a variety of genres: poetry; memoirs; journalism; serialized novels, ranging from tales of Australian life to the gothic historical romance ‘Clyzia the Dwarf; and, most importantly, over 500 crime stories.

Her only book publication during her lifetime was The Detective’s Album by ‘W. W.’ (1871), a collection of her crime writing. It is now a rare item, with only one copy known to exist, held at the Mitchell Library. She was one of the earliest female detective writers in the world, one of the earliest women to write detective fiction, and probably the first to write from the viewpoint of the detective.

Reviews

[Wolverina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd little horror short. Earlier Vampires? Sort of. I feel like this should be put in discussions and comparisons with Carmilla or Dracula or something, though it doesn't really have the depth. Wouldn't mind reading more of Fortunes work though, even if the writing is a bit iffy style wise.

Weird going to an Australian writer from this time period from Orczy though.

[Carol-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Fortune was one of the earliest female detective writers. This a a suspenseful short story written in 1912 and typical of this time.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a surprise. I accidentally came across Mary Fortune recently- a 19th century Australian writer, one of the earliest female detective writers. So I borrowed this stand alone audio short story based on the title alone.

A doctor comes across a mysterious house while visiting a patient. He sees an elderly man visiting who changes into all white clothing. Of course he is intrigued. Which leads to a bit of low level 19th century stalking.

Things take a dark turn from there. More gothic than detective fiction, although there is the mystery of what is happening at the house.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1867, this is an interesting and original take on the vampire tale. It is told from the perspective of a young doctor who is easily swayed by an attractive woman. Which one of the inhabitants of the white house is actually mad? Fortune was one of the first female crime writers in the world. Though born in Northern Ireland, her writing career took place in Australia. Audible edition narrated by Gildart Jackson.

[Rebecca Heywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the story. Sufficiently creepy, but still odd. The only thing that bothered me was the use of the phrase “he ejaculated”. Made in reference to when he spoke, but she used it too often and brought me out if the story at that point. For goodness sake, find a different turn of phrase!

[Schierke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protagonist was too naive. Otherwise a good audio play.

[Maan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love, LOVE, LOVE this incredible short story!! A truly bewitching one! A must-read for all you lovers of the macabre!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully gruesome little gothic horror story. Worth the read

[Abi Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big fan of calling cannibals 'anthropophagi'

[Yibbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

What could induce a man to create an entirely white estate? Not a splash of color is allowed on any surface. What affect would it have on the inhabitants, or inmates, of such a world? How can you tell who is sane and who mad?
It's a strange little horror story, but it's not to terrifying. Free e-book.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing has times where it slips, but overall a well told story.

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

A horror type story from the 1800s. Listened to this on Classic Tales podcast.

[Rochelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a pretty ridiculous story, but if you're in for a campy short read, it's a fun little romp

[Matthew Sterner · Rating 3 out of 5]

While, because of its age, it makes use of devices that have at least since become cliche in modern times, it did manage to creep me out pretty good, and for that I can give it my recommendation.

[Peter Robins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very silly story. Fortunately, it's very short, so you don't waste a lot of time reading it.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook narrated by B.J. Harrison on The Classic Tales Podcast