A Chain of Evidence by Carolyn Wells

Name: A Chain of Evidence
Author: Carolyn Wells

The narrative follows a bachelor and his sister, Laura, as they navigate the challenges of relocating to a new apartment in New York City. The protagonist, who prefers a quiet life, reluctantly agrees to Laura's desire for a change after her husband's death. Laura's relentless search for the perfect apartment becomes a daily routine, filled with debates over location, amenities, and the significance of a prestigious address. As they settle into their new home, the protagonist becomes intrigued by their neighbor, Miss Janet Pembroke, who lives with her miserly great-uncle. Observing her interactions, he notes her beauty and the emotional turmoil she seems to endure under her uncle's harsh treatment. Despite his sister's warnings about Miss Pembroke's character, he feels a growing sympathy for her plight. The story explores themes of familial duty, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly through the lens of the protagonist's evolving feelings toward Miss Pembroke. As he grapples with his emotions and the dynamics of his household, the narrative sets the stage for deeper connections and potential conflicts that may arise from their intertwined lives.

By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction · 24 chapters · 78,987 words

First lines

I do hate changes, but when my sister Laura, who keeps house for me, determined to move further uptown, I really had no choice in the matter but to acquiesce. I am a bachelor of long standing, and it's my opinion that the way to manage women is simply to humor their whims, and since Laura's husband died I've been rather more indulgent to her than before. Any way, the chief thing to have in one's household is peace, and I found I secured that easily enough by letting Laura do just as she liked; and as in return she kept my home comfortable and pleasant for me, I considered that honors were even. Therefore, when she decided we would move, I made no serious objection.

What this Textopian page supports

A Chain of Evidence is listed on Textopian as a novel by Carolyn Wells, dated 1920 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Carolyn Wells
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction, Suspense
Length: 78,987 words
Structure: 24 chapters, 1,841 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The novel involves a complex plot revolving around a crime that must be solved, a key characteristic of the mystery genre.
Crime — The story is centered around a murder investigation, which is a defining element of the crime genre.
Detective Fiction — The protagonist is a detective who uses logic and clues to solve a murder case, highlighting the detective fiction genre.
Suspense — The book contains high levels of tension, uncertainty, and anticipation about the outcome of certain actions, typical in suspense genre.