Textual identity is not textual authority. “Catalogue primary/default” selects the default catalogue representation; it does not mean that this wording is automatically Howard’s most authoritative text.
Characters in this exact text
Edward StarkEdward Stark — murder defendant whose true family identity as Edward Storley is revealed at the endMentionedfirst: Opening investigation and discussion of Stanton's testimony.Edward Stark's fiancéeEdward Stark's murdered fiancée — unnamed woman whose murder is the charge for which Edward Stark faces trialMentionedfirst: Harrison reflects on why Stanton's testimony matters.Ellen JacksonEllen Jackson — Rachel's friend on the Crescentville road in The House of SuspicionMentioned1 source-counted occurrence(s) · first: Steve Harrison's Casebook UE p. 136JoabJoab — large household worker at Storley Manor who attacks HarrisonOn Pagefirst: Dinner at Storley Manor.John StorleyJohn Storley — master of Storley Manor who lures Harrison into a trap to protect his brother EdwardOn Pagefirst: Harrison reaches Storley Manor.RachelRachel — household woman at Storley Manor who warns Harrison and saves Richard StantonOn Pagefirst: Harrison is received and served at Storley Manor.Richard StantonRichard Stanton — missing state witness whose testimony is needed to convict Edward StarkOn Pagefirst: Opening message and investigation; later physically appears near the ending.Steve HarrisonSteve Harrison — private detective and central protagonist of Lord of the DeadOn Pagefirst: Opening paragraph.William BlaineWilliam Blaine — elderly blind man at Storley Manor whom John Storley falsely presents as the hidden dangerOn Pagefirst: Dinner at Storley Manor.
Surviving manuscript evidence
The records below describe surviving physical typescripts, carbons, manuscript material and documentary catalogue evidence for this exact textual state. TSS numbers identify physical catalogue units; they are not story or draft IDs.
Draft 3 — surviving titled faint carbonOther physical witness
Extent31 pagesCompletenessComplete
Physical extent: Complete 31-page titled typescript; faint carbon copy; 9,700-word count
TSS: 61964–61975, 61977, 61997–61986, 61976, 61985–61984, 61978–61980
Complete titled Howard typescript surviving as a faint carbon copy. The manuscript carries the title The House of Suspicion and a 9,700-word count.
Manuscript details
Word countThe typescript records a word count of 9,700 words.witness heading
Additional documentary notes
- Titled Witness: Draft 3 bears the title The House of Suspicion. (witness level)
- Carbon Copy: The surviving Draft 3 witness is a faint carbon copy. (witness level)
- Cross Text Same Sheet: The same physical sheet also carries an unfinished, unrelated The Devil in Iron false start corresponding to page 13 and identifiable by Ghaznavi. (TSS 61977 / House of Suspicion manuscript page 28)
Source: Hardboiled Manuscripts, Volume 1 v0.75, The House of Suspicion Editorial Notes p. 361; Draft 3 pp. 409–437; TSS order verified 2026-08-14