Suicide Chapel (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

Suicide Chapel is a non-supernatural, but still wildly bizarre, case for Seabury Quinn's celebrated occult detective, Dr. Jules de Grandin, and his friend, Dr. Trowbridge.

The story begins with a series of baffling and brutal attacks on young women in Harrisonville, New Jersey. The cases, which at first appear to be murders or kidnappings, bear a distinct and horrifying clue: traces of gorilla hair at the scene.

De Grandin's investigation into the unusual assaults and disappearances uncovers a dark and violent backstory involving a former member of a safari named Everton. Years ago, Everton was betrayed and left to the mercies of a hostile African tribe by his avaricious companions. Though presumed dead, Everton survived and returned--not just to seek revenge, but to do so with the help of a perfectly trained, full-grown gorilla.

The climax of the story takes place at the titular location, an abandoned, dilapidated chapel outside of town, a spot known to the locals as "Suicide Chapel" for its grim history. Here, De Grandin and Trowbridge must confront the vengeance-crazed man and his savage, simian accomplice to rescue the latest captive. This tale is a pulp classic, trading in the supernatural for a thrilling and unconventional combination of exotic crime, revenge, and creature horror.