THE CLUE (Murder Mystery Classic) (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Detective Fleming Stone SeriesBy Carolyn Wells
Length8h 4m
About this audiobook
In The Clue, Carolyn Wells constructs an early American puzzle mystery around the murder of Madeleine Van Norman, a wealthy young woman whose death on the eve of marriage throws an elegant household into suspicion. The novel's chief pleasure lies in its careful arrangement of physical evidence, social misdirection, and drawing-room interrogation. Written in a lucid, genteel style, it belongs to the pre–Golden Age tradition of detective fiction, anticipating later formal mysteries while retaining the manners, sentiment, and moral clarity of Edwardian popular literature. Wells, born in 1862, was a remarkably prolific American writer, producing verse, humor, children's books, anthologies, and more than eighty mysteries. Her background as a librarian and literary compiler sharpened her taste for order, classification, and verbal play—qualities central to her detective fiction. The Clue is especially significant as the debut of Fleming Stone, her gentleman detective, whose rational method reflects Wells's fascination with intellect as a civilizing force. This classic is recommended for readers interested in the evolution of the murder mystery, especially those who enjoy refined settings, intricate clues, and the historical roots of American detective fiction.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreMystery and Thriller, Literary Classics
Length8 hrs 4 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 27, 2016
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1THE MAN WHO FELL THROUGH THE EARTH (Murder Mystery Classic) (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Chapter I. The Van Normans
Show all chaptersShow less
6Chapter II. Miss Morton Arrives
7Chapter III. A Cry in the Night
8Chapter IV. Suicide Or—?
9Chapter V. A Case for the Coroner
10Chapter VI. Fessenden Comes
11Chapter VII. Mr. Benson's Questions
12Chapter VIII. A Soft Lead Pencil
13Chapter IX. The Will
14Chapter X. Some Testimony
15Chapter XI. “I Decline to Say”
16Chapter XII. Dorothy Burt
17Chapter XIII. An Interview With Cicely
18Chapter XIV. The Carleton Household
19Chapter XV. Fessenden's Detective Work
20Chapter XVI. Searching for Clues
21Chapter XVII. Miss Morton's Statements
22Chapter XVIII. Carleton Is Frank
23Chapter XIX. The Truth About Miss Burt
24Chapter XX. Cicely's Flight
25Chapter XXI. A Successful Pursuit
26Chapter XXII. A Talk With Miss Morton
27Chapter XXIII. Fleming Stone
28Chapter XXIV. A Confession
29Analysis
30Reflection
31Memorable Quotes
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