A Study in Gray by Ambrose Bierce
"A Study in Gray" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1892. The story follows a detective named Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a murder that took place in a remote location. The victim is a wealthy man who was found dead with a small, gray patch on his forehead. The detective must use his skills of observation and deduction to uncover the identity of the killer and bring them to justice. Throughout the story, Bierce employs his signature wit and clever wordplay to create a suspenseful and intriguing tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1892 · Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense · 492 words
First lines
I step from the door with a shiver (This fog is uncommonly cold) And ask myself: What did I give her? -- The maiden a trifle gone-old, With the head of gray hair that was gold.
Ah, well, I suppose 'twas a dollar, And doubtless the change is correct, Though it's odd that it seems so much smaller Than what I'd a right to expect.
What this Textopian page supports
A Study in Gray is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Gothic Fiction, Detective Fiction
- Length: 492 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Study in Gray by Ambrose Bierce
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Study in Gray?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Case Of Mr Jacob Mason by Arthur Morrison
- The Sword Of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green
- Slander by Ambrose Bierce
- Indicted by Ambrose Bierce
- The Old Stone House by Anna Katharine Green
- Another Way by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Fiction — The story and its characters are all creations of the author's imagination.
- Mystery — The plot is focused on investigating an unknown identity, which characterizes it as a mystery novel.
- Suspense — The narrative builds tension and uncertainty about the outcome of events, making it suspenseful.
- Gothic Fiction — The atmosphere, setting and themes are closely aligned with the gothic fiction genre.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · crime · suspense · noir · gothic · horror · supernatural · fantasy · sci-fi · steampunk