If you think a night watchman's job is dull, think again. Night Watches is a collection of stories centered on Sam, a man paid to guard an empty office. With nothing but time and his own thoughts, Sam starts to explore. He reads correspondence, studies ledgers, and pieces together the company's inner workings from the clues left on desks overnight.

The Story

It's not one big crime thriller. Instead, it's a series of small, connected discoveries. Sam learns about office politics, shady business deals, and personal dramas just by observing. The real tension comes from his growing paranoia. Is he imagining things, or is someone aware of his snooping? The building at night, with its strange noises and shadows, becomes a character itself. The plot unfolds through Sam's lonely observations, making you feel like you're right there with him, wondering what each creak in the floorboards really means.

Why You Should Read It

W.W. Jacobs is famous for 'The Monkey's Paw,' but here he shows a different skill. He builds atmosphere masterfully. You can almost feel the chill of the empty office and the weight of the silence. Sam is a fantastic character—not a hero, just an ordinary, curious man. His journey from boredom to unease is completely believable. The book is a sharp, often witty look at human nature and what people get up to when they think no one is watching.

Final Verdict

This is a book for readers who love a slow, atmospheric burn. It's perfect if you enjoy character studies and psychological tension more than action. Think of it as a classic, low-key mystery where the puzzle isn't a murder, but the truth of everyday life. If you've ever worked a boring job and let your imagination run wild, you'll understand Sam perfectly.