The Secret of the Three Fates Summary, Characters and Themes
The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong is a supernatural suspense mystery.
Set in the eerie Manhurst Castle, the story follows Ruby Vaughn, an independent bookseller turned amateur investigator. Ruby’s search for rare manuscripts takes an unexpected turn when she becomes embroiled in a chilling séance, led by three mysterious mediums known as the Three Fates. As Ruby delves deeper into the castle’s dark history, she uncovers buried secrets, including the mysterious disappearance of a woman named Mariah. But with every step, she faces more danger, questioning her beliefs about fate, guilt, and the supernatural.
Summary
Ruby Vaughn, a determined bookseller, travels to Manhurst Castle in Scotland with her employer, Mr. Owen, under the guise of acquiring rare illuminated manuscripts. However, upon arrival, Ruby soon realizes that the books are long gone, sold to fund the castle’s renovations.
When Mr. Owen admits that they are actually there for a séance, Ruby reluctantly agrees to attend.
The séance, conducted by three mysterious mediums known as the Three Fates, takes a sinister turn when one of the mediums appears possessed and delivers a cryptic message about betrayal, revenge, and a long-forgotten crime.
During the séance, an elderly man named Malachi accuses Mr. Owen of murder, setting off a chain of events that will shake Ruby’s world.
Ruby chases after Mr. Owen, who flees, and meets Andrew Lennox, Mr. Owen’s nephew.
Andrew reveals that Mr. Owen’s past in Scotland is filled with scandal, secrets, and a dark connection to a missing woman named Mariah. Ruby begins to suspect that the séance’s cryptic message about betrayal is linked to Mariah’s mysterious disappearance.
Determined to uncover the truth, Ruby sneaks into the castle’s old wing in search of Lucy Campbell, the eldest of the Three Fates.
Lucy’s room is eerily empty, with signs of a hurried departure, and Ruby encounters the White Witch of Launceston, who warns her to leave before it’s too late. That night, Ruby receives a mysterious note asking her to meet at the bridge at midnight. When she arrives, she finds a broken salt circle, signs of a struggle, and the lifeless body of Lucy Campbell floating in the lake.
Ruby dives into the icy waters and retrieves Lucy’s body, realizing that the medium was murdered.
Ruby returns to the castle to investigate, finding strange markings on Lucy’s body that suggest ritualistic intent. As she questions the castle’s inhabitants, she learns more about Mr. Owen’s troubled past and his connection to Mariah, the missing woman. Rumors swirl that Mariah was either murdered or drowned in the lake, mirroring Lucy’s fate.
Ruby discovers a cryptic clue in Lucy’s belongings—an unfamiliar key—which she believes holds the key to solving the mystery. She enlists Andrew’s help, but he is hesitant to get involved.
Ruby’s investigation leads her to a hidden chamber beneath the castle, where she uncovers letters written by Mariah.
The letters reveal that Mariah was pregnant when she vanished and feared for her life. As Ruby reads the letters, she becomes convinced that Mariah’s disappearance is tied to a powerful figure in the castle. Ruby also learns that the Duke of Biddlesford, a guest at the séance, is linked to Mariah’s past.
During another séance, Mariah’s spirit is channeled, and the ghost names her killer before vanishing.
Mr. Owen confesses that he knew Mariah and tried to protect her but failed. Ruby’s search for answers intensifies, and she uncovers a shocking revelation: the Duke of Biddlesford was involved in Mariah’s disappearance, and his family is connected to dark secrets.
Ruby discovers a letter Mariah wrote before her death, begging someone to meet her at the bridge—the same location where Lucy was found drowned. Ruby sets a trap to catch Lucy’s murderer, luring the suspect to the bridge, but another attempt on her life is made.
With Andrew’s help, Ruby uncovers a hidden passage beneath the estate, leading them to a forgotten crypt where Mariah’s body was secretly buried decades ago.
The truth finally comes to light: the real killer is revealed to be Malachi Lennox, Mr. Owen’s estranged brother.
He had silenced Mariah years ago to protect the family’s secrets and murdered Lucy to keep them hidden. As Malachi attempts to flee, an unseen force, possibly Mariah’s spirit, causes him to fall from the bridge into the lake.
With Malachi’s death, the strange occurrences at Manhurst Castle cease, and Mr. Owen finds some peace. Ruby, however, is left with lingering questions and a sense of unease.
She realizes that uncovering the truth often comes at a cost and that mysteries will continue to follow her.
As she prepares to leave Scotland, she receives a chilling letter suggesting that her involvement in supernatural investigations is far from over. With the promise of more mysteries to solve, Ruby embarks on her next adventure, ready to face whatever comes next.
Characters
Ruby Vaughn
Ruby Vaughn is the heart of The Secret of the Three Fates. At the beginning of the story, she is portrayed as a deeply skeptical and independent woman who works as a bookseller. Her tragic past—losing her family and being ostracized by society—has shaped her distrust of others and her cynical view of the world.
Ruby is reluctant to engage with the supernatural, making her a rational, grounded character in stark contrast to the eerie happenings at Manhurst Castle. However, as the mystery of Lucy’s murder and Mariah’s disappearance unfolds, Ruby begins to grapple with the existence of forces beyond her understanding.
This internal conflict forces her to reevaluate her beliefs in fate, trust, and justice. Over time, Ruby sharpens her investigative instincts and her ability to discern the truth in a world that often blurs the lines between the supernatural and reality.
By the end of the story, Ruby recognizes that she can never escape the pull of mystery and danger. While she solves the murder and uncovers the truth, she is left forever changed, knowing that the cost of truth is often high.
Mr. Owen
Mr. Owen plays a pivotal role in shaping the plot and Ruby’s journey. Initially, he is a wise, secretive antiquarian with a somber, almost fatherly demeanor toward Ruby. Beneath this calm exterior, however, lies a man burdened by guilt and regret over past actions, particularly his involvement in Mariah’s disappearance and the tragic loss of his son, Ben.
As the mystery at Manhurst Castle intensifies, Mr. Owen’s past resurfaces, forcing him to confront the demons he’s long buried. Throughout the story, he shifts from being a mentor figure to a man desperately trying to redeem himself.
He ultimately reveals the truth about Mariah’s death, but the cost of this revelation affects his relationship with Ruby, leaving him at peace but forever marked by the secrets he had kept. Mr. Owen’s role as a mentor to Ruby becomes complicated as their journey together unfolds, but his efforts at redemption play a crucial role in the resolution of the story.
Andrew Lennox
Andrew Lennox is introduced as a reserved and skeptical war veteran, reluctant to get involved in the intrigue surrounding Manhurst Castle. At the outset of the story, he comes across as a secondary character with little interest in the supernatural events unfolding.
His initial reluctance stems from his own complicated family dynamics, particularly his strained relationship with his uncle (Mr. Owen). Andrew is also a man of principle, reluctant to allow family loyalty to cloud his judgment as the investigation deepens.
Over time, however, Andrew’s character arc evolves as he is drawn into the mystery by Ruby’s persistence and his own sense of justice. He wrestles with his loyalty to his family, ultimately deciding to support Ruby in uncovering the truth about Mariah’s death.
As the story progresses, there are hints of a budding romance between Ruby and Andrew, but his true emotional transformation comes in his decision to confront his own family’s dark secrets.
In the end, Andrew offers to travel with Ruby, suggesting a new beginning for both of them, but his future role remains uncertain, leaving an element of mystery surrounding his character.
Malachi Lennox
Malachi Lennox serves as the antagonist of the story, embodying the bitterness and resentment of a man who has been wronged and consumed by his past. He is Mr. Owen’s estranged brother and is introduced as a reclusive, hostile figure who publicly accuses Mr. Owen of murder during the séance.
Malachi’s bitterness toward his family and his role in the castle’s history are slowly unraveled as Ruby investigates. It is revealed that Malachi is responsible for Mariah’s death, having killed her to protect dark family secrets.
Throughout the story, Malachi is portrayed as a man trying to hide his guilt behind a veneer of anger and resentment, unwilling to let go of his past. His eventual downfall comes when he is chased by Ruby and Andrew, leading to his dramatic fall from the bridge, which could be seen as the result of a supernatural intervention, possibly Mariah’s vengeful spirit.
Malachi’s tragic arc highlights the destructive power of secrets, guilt, and revenge, as well as the consequences of trying to bury the past.
Mariah McTavish
Mariah McTavish’s character is defined by mystery and tragedy. Although she is not physically present for most of the novel, her absence shapes much of the plot.
Mariah was a beautiful and intelligent woman whose disappearance years ago remains a haunting mystery. Through letters and visions, Ruby learns that Mariah was pregnant at the time of her death, and her fate is tied to a web of betrayal and family secrets.
Mariah’s story becomes central to Ruby’s investigation, as the pieces of her life and death slowly fall into place. It is revealed that Mariah’s death was not an accident or a suicide, as many believed, but a deliberate murder orchestrated by Malachi to protect the family’s dark secrets.
Mariah’s spirit plays a key role in Ruby’s investigation, providing cryptic messages and guiding Ruby toward the truth. Though her death is avenged, Mariah’s arc remains incomplete, leaving an air of mystery around her character.
Despite her death, Mariah’s legacy endures, as her quest for justice is finally realized through Ruby’s actions.
Lucy Campbell
Lucy Campbell, one of the Three Fates, is initially presented as the leader of the trio of mediums, who are supposed to be able to channel spirits and provide guidance. Her role in the story is to act as a key figure in the séance and to provide cryptic messages, though her true nature and abilities are shrouded in mystery.
Lucy is portrayed as enigmatic, with a deep knowledge of the supernatural and a willingness to confront the darkness surrounding Manhurst Castle. She tries to warn Ruby and the others about the dangers of the séance, but her warnings are cut short when she is murdered.
Lucy’s death mirrors Mariah’s fate, suggesting a deeper connection between the two women. Despite her death, Lucy’s actions are crucial in unraveling the mystery.
Her key to the hidden chamber becomes a turning point for Ruby, and her role in the séance acts as a catalyst for the unfolding events. Lucy’s tragic death, though silencing her, contributes significantly to the eventual revelation of the truth.
Mr. Sharpe
Mr. Sharpe, the enigmatic owner of Manhurst Castle, initially comes across as a wealthy and evasive figure who seems to have little interest in the supernatural events that unfold. He is introduced as a man with a hidden agenda, as he is involved in the séance but appears to know little about the castle’s history.
Over the course of the novel, it is revealed that Mr. Sharpe is, in fact, Mariah’s brother, and his involvement in the investigation becomes a crucial turning point. He has spent years searching for his sister’s killer, and his connection to the past is integral to solving the mystery.
His actions, while initially suspicious, reveal him to be an ally to Ruby as she digs deeper into the castle’s dark history. Mr. Sharpe’s role in the story is to provide Ruby with access to hidden chambers and information that ultimately help her uncover the truth.
The White Witch of Launceston
The White Witch of Launceston serves as a mysterious and cryptic figure who appears sporadically throughout the story. She seems to have a deep understanding of fate and prophecy, offering Ruby fragmented guidance about the dangers she faces.
Her warnings suggest that Ruby is destined for a larger role in the world of the supernatural, though the witch’s true intentions remain unclear. The White Witch’s guidance is often veiled in mystery, hinting that Ruby’s journey is not over and that the events at Manhurst Castle are just the beginning of a much larger, more dangerous path.
Her enigmatic presence and cryptic words contribute to the novel’s exploration of fate versus free will, leaving Ruby to confront the possibility that she is caught in a larger, uncontrollable scheme. The White Witch’s departure, leaving Ruby with more questions than answers, adds to the sense that Ruby is not in control of her destiny.
Themes
Fate and Free Will
Throughout The Secret of the Three Fates, one of the most prominent themes explored is the tension between fate and free will. The very presence of the Three Fates, figures who are believed to hold dominion over the destiny of others, highlights the idea that lives may be bound by a predetermined course.
Ruby Vaughn, the protagonist, begins the story with a strong skepticism about the supernatural, rejecting the notion that fate plays any role in her life. However, as the mystery unfolds, she begins to question whether the events surrounding the deaths of Lucy and Mariah are mere coincidences or part of a larger, inevitable pattern.
The unsettling supernatural elements of the story, coupled with the cryptic messages from the Fates, force Ruby to confront the possibility that her actions, even her decision to get involved in the case, may not be entirely of her own volition. This theme is further explored through the spirits of the past, who seem trapped in an unbreakable cycle of revenge and justice, suggesting that past wrongs dictate present realities.
Ruby, despite her attempts to maintain control, becomes part of this eternal struggle between fate and free will, realizing that some forces are beyond her understanding or influence.
The Thin Line Between the Supernatural and the Tangible
Another deeply layered theme in The Secret of the Three Fates is the blurring of boundaries between the supernatural and the real world. Ruby’s initial skepticism about the existence of ghosts and mediums is a key part of her character arc.
She enters Manhurst Castle with the belief that the supernatural is nothing more than trickery, a product of human imagination and deceit. However, as the events at the castle unfold—starting with the eerie séance and continuing through her encounters with restless spirits, cryptic messages, and visions—Ruby is forced to reconsider her stance.
The novel deftly plays with the idea that the supernatural world is not merely a figment of the imagination but a force that can influence the physical realm in tangible, sometimes terrifying ways. The séance, which appears to summon real ghosts and reveal hidden truths, serves as a key turning point in Ruby’s evolution from a skeptic to someone who acknowledges that reality may be more complex than it seems.
The presence of the Three Fates, the mysterious White Witch, and the lingering spirits of Mariah and Lucy create an atmosphere of uncertainty, where the boundaries between what is real and what is beyond understanding become increasingly fluid. This theme speaks to the human desire to control and categorize experiences, while challenging the notion that all knowledge and power lie in the tangible world.
The Psychological Weight of Buried Secrets
The Secret of the Three Fates also delves into the devastating effects of long-hidden secrets and the guilt that accompanies them. Each character at Manhurst Castle seems to be harboring a deep secret—whether it is Mr. Owen’s involvement in Mariah’s disappearance, the mysterious past of Mr. Sharpe, or the troubling history of Malachi.
These buried truths shape the present and influence the actions of those involved, creating a tangled web of betrayal and regret that ultimately leads to violence and tragedy. The novel demonstrates how the refusal to confront or confess these secrets can cause them to fester, gaining strength over time and eventually driving individuals to destructive actions.
For example, Malachi’s years of guilt over his role in Mariah’s death propel him to murder Lucy in order to prevent the past from resurfacing. His inability to deal with the truth ultimately leads to his downfall, highlighting the corrosive nature of unresolved guilt.
Similarly, Mr. Owen’s failure to confront his past with Mariah causes him immense personal suffering, even though he is not directly responsible for her death. The theme of secrecy also manifests through the hidden chamber beneath the castle, where letters from Mariah reveal the dangerous extent to which people will go to protect their reputations or family legacies.
The novel underscores that while secrets may be buried for a time, their consequences are inevitable, as the truth always finds a way to surface.
The Consequences of Seeking the Truth
A recurring theme in the book is the cost of seeking the truth and the personal toll it takes on those involved. Ruby’s pursuit of the answers to the murders at Manhurst Castle brings her face-to-face with uncomfortable realities—both about the world around her and about herself.
The more she uncovers about Mariah’s death and the dark forces at play, the more Ruby finds her own life entangled with the consequences of revealing the truth. This theme is encapsulated in the dangers Ruby faces as she delves deeper into the mystery, including the constant threat to her own safety.
The deaths of Lucy and Mariah, while tragic, represent the price of knowledge and justice. Ruby ultimately learns that solving the mystery comes with great personal cost—she is forced to confront her own past and deal with the ramifications of the knowledge she gains.
Even after Malachi’s death and the resolution of the mystery, Ruby is left with the realization that her search for the truth has changed her forever. The final letter she receives, suggesting that more mysteries await her, underscores the fact that the pursuit of knowledge is an endless journey with its own set of risks.
This theme suggests that while uncovering the truth is important, it often requires sacrifices—sometimes more than one is willing to give.
The Influence of Family Legacy and Ancestral Ties
Family and legacy play a crucial role in The Secret of the Three Fates, particularly in how the characters’ pasts are defined by their ancestors and the choices made by previous generations. Mr. Owen’s troubled past is tied to a deep family history of guilt and scandal, one that has shaped his relationship with his son, Ben, and his nephew, Andrew.
This theme is also explored through the character of Mr. Sharpe, whose dark family legacy becomes a driving force behind his investigation into Mariah’s disappearance. Mariah’s connection to her brother, Mr. Sharpe, and her tragic fate reflect how family dynamics can sometimes lead to destructive outcomes.
The novel also examines how these legacies, especially the weight of family secrets, can create a sense of inevitability in characters’ lives. Andrew’s struggle with his family’s history, particularly his connection to his uncle and the murder investigation, underscores how deeply ingrained family ties can influence personal decisions and relationships.
In this context, family is both a source of strength and a burden, dictating the course of one’s life in ways that can feel unavoidable. The tension between familial duty and personal desire, as seen in Andrew’s internal conflict, is a key aspect of the novel’s exploration of identity and destiny.