The House on the Cliff overlooks a lake.

Years ago, an excursion boat sank in a storm and it's said the lake is haunted. The house's occupants include a young, lovely heiress, Ellen Clayton, currently confined to a wheelchair; her coolly beautiful stepmother; and a strict housekeeper. Then Nurse Pepper arrives, a cheerful, curious person eager to put things in order. And there's the substitute doctor who believes Ellen can walk again - and soon.

It all begins with a sudden violent murder and ends with a chilling, surprising climax.