The Wheel Spins. Illustrated

The Wheel Spins (1936) is the most celebrated novel by British mystery writer Ethel Lina White and the inspiration behind Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1938 film The Lady Vanishes. This gripping psychological thriller combines suspense, travel intrigue, and a mounting sense of paranoia, showcasing White's talent for tension and atmosphere. The story follows Iris Carr, a wealthy and somewhat spoiled young Englishwoman traveling alone through Europe. While on a train journey returning to England, Iris befriends a charming middle-aged governess named Miss Froy. After a brief conversation, Iris takes a nap — only to awaken and find that Miss Froy has mysteriously vanished. Even more disturbingly, none of the other passengers seem to remember Miss Froy at all, insisting that Iris was alone the entire time. As Iris begins to question her sanity, she becomes determined to uncover the truth, navigating a train full of evasive passengers, subtle threats, and layers of deception. With the help of a fellow traveler, she starts a dangerous quest to prove that Miss Froy existed — and that something sinister has occurred. Tightly plotted and psychologically rich, The Wheel Spins explores themes of isolation, truth, and disbelief in a foreign and uncaring world. White masterfully builds a chilling atmosphere where reality seems unstable, making the novel a standout in early 20th-century crime fiction. It remains a landmark in the “woman in jeopardy” genre and a testament to White’s skill as a writer of intelligent, character-driven suspense.