Manalive details the story of Mr. Innocent Smith, a new tenant at a London boarding house, who uses a great wind that follows him to breathe life into the residents at Beacon House. Mr. Innocent Smith uses his comedic nature and eccentric antics to charm the other tenants easily, transforming the bleak atmosphere of the boarding house into one full of childlike joy. However, despite the happiness that Smith brings, when he is accused of a whole slew of crimes, everyone turns on him without a second thought. While Manalive is a book about searching for the truth, it is also about faith, with or without doubt. G. K. Chesterton delivers his message through incredible descriptions, colorful characters, and a storyline that will keep you on your toes.

Light-hearted and funny, Manalive is a mystery novel that blends philosophy and theology, a style English author G. K. Chesterton is revered for. It is for good reason he is known as the "prince of paradox."