The Mark of Cain by Carolyn Wells
In a tense narrative, a young woman named Avice anxiously awaits her uncle Rowland Trowbridge's return home. When he fails to arrive by the expected time, she expresses her fears to Judge Hoyt, her love interest. Despite reassurances, Avice's intuition proves correct when a police call reveals that her uncle has been found dead in Van Cortlandt Park, murdered. The news shatters Avice, who had been close to her uncle, viewing him as a father figure after being orphaned. As the investigation unfolds, the police discover Rowland's body, showing signs of a violent struggle. The detectives are puzzled by the lack of robbery, leading to speculation about the motives behind the murder. Avice, determined to uncover the truth, insists on taking action to find her uncle's killer. Meanwhile, Mrs. Black, Rowland's housekeeper and soon-to-be wife, maintains a calm demeanor, which contrasts sharply with Avice's emotional turmoil. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the quest for justice, as Avice's resolve to identify the murderer intensifies. The narrative builds suspense, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the impact of tragedy on those left behind.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1924 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller · 25 chapters · 91,936 words
First lines
Judge Hoyt's strong, keen face took on a kindlier aspect and his curt "Hello! " was followed by gentler tones, as he heard the voice of the girl he loved, over the telephone.
"What is it, Avice? " he said, for her speech showed anxiety.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mark of Cain is listed on Textopian as a novel by Carolyn Wells, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Carolyn Wells
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Detective fiction, Romantic suspense
- Length: 91,936 words
- Structure: 25 chapters, 2,609 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mark of Cain by Carolyn Wells
- 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 The Mark of Cain?
- How does this novel by Carolyn Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Piety by Carolyn Wells
- The Staying Guest by Carolyn Wells
- A Point Of Testimony by Carolyn Wells
- The Curved Blades by Carolyn Wells
- The Man Who Passed by Edgar Wallace
- Found Wanting by Carolyn Wells
Genres
- Mystery — The novel is primarily a detective story, involving the investigation of a suspicious death, much like other works by Carolyn Wells.
- Crime — The narrative revolves around a murder and its subsequent investigation, fitting within the boundaries of the crime genre.
- Thriller — The novel's mood is characterized by suspense and excitement, fitting within the thriller genre.
- Detective fiction — The novel involves a detective as the protagonist who solves a crime, much like traditional detective fiction.
Tags
mystery · suspense · crime · detective · murder · investigation · thriller · fiction · literature · plot twist · psychological · dark themes
Contents
- THROUGH THE GREEN CORD
- WHO COULD HAVE DONE IT?
- PINCKNEY, THE REPORTER
- THE INQUEST BEGINS
- THE SWEDE
- OUT OF THE WEST
- STEPHANOTIS
- THE MILK BOTTLE
- A CLAUSE IN THE WILL
- STRYKER'S HANDKERCHIEF
- DUANE THE DETECTIVE
- A NEW THEORY
- FIBSY FIBS
- TWO SUITORS
- THE TRAP THAT WAS SET
- A PROMISE
- MADAME ISIS
- ALL FOR LOVE
- TWO AT LUNCHEON
- FLEMING STONE
- STONE'S QUESTIONS
- JUDGE HOYT'S PLAN
- IN KITO'S CARE
- ESCAPE
- THE WHOLE TRUTH