Detected by Ambrose Bierce (1891)
"Detected" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows a man named Smith, who has been hired to investigate a series of strange occurrences at a remote mansion. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he begins to uncover clues that suggest the presence of a supernatural force. Despite his initial skepticism, Smith becomes increasingly convinced of the existence of ghosts and the malevolent power they possess. The story builds towards a chilling climax as Smith confronts the source of the haunting and uncovers a dark secret from the mansion's past.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1891 · Genre: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction · 63 words
First lines
In Congress once great Mowther shone, Debating weighty matters; Now into an asylum thrown, He vacuously chatters.
If in that legislative hall His wisdom still he 'd vented, It never had been known at all That Mowther was demented.
What this Textopian page supports
Detected is listed on Textopian as a short story by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction, Anthology, Supernatural
- Length: 63 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Detected 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 Detected?
- How does this short story by Ambrose Bierce fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- An Arrest by Ambrose Bierce
- A Black List by Ambrose Bierce
- One Morning by Ambrose Bierce
- The Bosss Choice by Ambrose Bierce
- The Penitent Thief by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Horror — The book's eerie and frightening themes, originating from the short stories of Ambrose Bierce, is representative of the Horror genre.
- Short Stories — The book consists of various short stories characterized by their self-contained narratives.
- Fiction — Bierce's works in this collection are imaginative and invented, typical of the Fiction genre.
- Anthology — DETECTED is a collection of various works by Ambrose Bierce, hence it fits into the Anthology genre.
Tags
mystery · thriller · detective · crime · suspense · fiction · literature · classic · american · gothic · horror · supernatural