The Grand Babylon Hotel is a fast-paced mystery and adventure novel by Arnold Bennett, set in a luxurious and exclusive London hotel catering to royalty and the elite. The story begins when American millionaire Theodore Racksole buys the Grand Babylon Hotel to satisfy his daughter’s whim. What starts as a light-hearted indulgence quickly spirals into a thrilling narrative involving secret passageways, international intrigue, kidnapping, and even murder. Bennett cleverly blends high society drama with a detective story, drawing readers into the hidden lives of the wealthy and powerful. Racksole, a practical and determined man, takes on the role of an amateur sleuth alongside his spirited daughter Nella, as they unravel the hotel’s dark secrets. The novel reflects themes of cultural contrasts between Americans and Europeans, and the divide between appearances and reality. Bennett’s style is both witty and suspenseful, making this a classic example of early 20th-century British fiction that straddles both romance and mystery genres with finesse.
