Ethel Lina White

Put Out the Light (1931), also known in the U. S. as Sinister Light, is a haunting and elegantly written mystery novel by Ethel Lina White, a master of psychological suspense. Set in a remote country house in rural England, the novel explores the dark undercurrents of power, control, and the struggle for freedom within a seemingly idyllic domestic setting. The story centers on the formidable Miss Rowe, a wealthy, aging spinster who exerts tyrannical control over the lives of those around her - from her young, dependent relatives to her long-suffering servants.
Her country estate, Jamaica Court, becomes a psychological prison, where her manipulations and emotional dominance gradually unravel the minds and spirits of its inhabitants. When a series of unsettling events begins to disturb the delicate balance of control in the household, tensions rise. Beneath the surface of polite conversation and family obligation, secrets simmer and a sense of menace grows.
As resentment builds, Miss Rowe's oppressive hold weakens - and someone decides that the only escape lies in murder. White's atmospheric storytelling and nuanced characters elevate Put Out the Light beyond the conventional country house mystery. Her exploration of isolation, dependency, and emotional manipulation is both chilling and deeply human. With its slow-burning suspense and gothic undertones, the novel showcases White's ability to evoke dread without overt violence, making it a standout work in the golden age of British crime fiction.