The Abominable History of the Man with Copper Fi

Name: The Abominable History of the Man with Copper Fingers
Author: Dorothy L Sayers

In a London club known for its genial atmosphere, a group of men share curious and eerie stories. Among them is a guest, Varden, a former athlete turned actor, who recounts a strange encounter from his past involving a sculptor named Eric P. Loder. Varden had visited Loder in New York, where he was captivated by the sculptor's talent and his beautiful mistress, Maria Morano. Loder, however, was possessive and eccentric, often fixating on his art and the women in his life. During Varden's stay, he becomes increasingly uncomfortable with Loder's behavior, particularly his obsession with Maria and his unsettling artistic practices. One night, Varden encounters a mysterious young man who warns him that Loder harbors a grudge against him, believing Varden was involved with Maria. The young man reveals that Loder has created a life-sized silver figure of Maria, but with a sinister twist: it contains a hollow arm with a human bone inside. Frightened, Varden escapes Loder's house, leaving behind his belongings. He later learns that Loder died under mysterious circumstances, with reports suggesting he fell into a vat of cyanide and copper while working on his electroplating. The story unfolds further as Lord Peter Wimsey, a member of the club, reveals his own investigation into Loder's death. He had suspected foul play and discovered that Loder intended to replace Varden with a counterfeit version of himself to escape to Australia. Wimsey's investigation leads him to uncover Loder's dark intentions, including the use of Varden's identity for his own escape. In a dramatic confrontation, Loder dies in his workshop, electrocuted while attempting to destroy evidence of his crimes. Wimsey and his assistant Bunter cover up the incident, ensuring that Loder's death appears accidental. The narrative explores themes of obsession, identity, and the macabre intersection of art and death, culminating in a chilling revelation about the lengths to which Loder would go to preserve his twisted vision of beauty. The story concludes with Wimsey's decision to bury the silver figure, symbolizing the end of Loder's dark legacy.

By Dorothy L Sayers · First published 1937 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 9,326 words

First lines

The Egotists' Club is one of the most genial places in London. It is a place to which you may go when you want to tell that odd dream you had last night, or to announce what a good dentist you have discovered. You can write letters there if you like, and have the temperament of a Jane Austen, for there is no silence room, and it would be a breach of club manners to appear busy or absorbed when another member addresses you. You must not mention golf or fish, however, and, if the Hon. Freddy Arbuthnot's motion is carried at the next committee meeting (and opinion so far appears very favourable), you will not be allowed to mention wireless either. As Lord Peter Wimsey said when the matter was mooted the other day in the smoking-room, those are things you can talk about anywhere. Otherwise the club is not specially exclusive. Nobody is ineligible per se, except strong, silent men. Nominees are, however, required to pass certain tests, whose nature is sufficiently indicated by the fact that a certain distinguished explorer came to grief through accepting, and smoking, a powerful Trichinopoly cigar as an accompaniment to a '63 port. On the other hand, dear old Sir Roger Bunt (the coster millionaire who won the £20,000 ballot offered by the Sunday Shriek, and used it to found his immense catering business in the Midlands) was highly commended and unanimously elected after declaring frankly that beer and a pipe were all he really cared for in that way. As Lord Peter said again: "Nobody minds coarseness but one must draw the line at cruelty."

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The Abominable History of the Man with Copper Fingers is listed on Textopian as a novel by Dorothy L Sayers, dated 1937 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Dorothy L Sayers
Date: 1937 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Literary Fiction, Drama
Length: 9,326 words
Structure: 1 section, 144 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a mysterious death and the investigation of strange occurrences, typical of the mystery genre.
Thriller — The narrative includes suspenseful elements and a sense of danger, particularly surrounding the character of Loder and the protagonist's experiences.
Crime — The story involves criminal activities, including murder and deception, which are central to the plot.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is sophisticated and character-driven, focusing on themes of art, morality, and human nature.