The Black Box

Name: The Black Box
Author: E. Phillips Oppenheim

A young man from the west arrives in New York, eager to explore the city with his cousin. They dine at a renowned roof-garden restaurant, where the cousin points out various celebrities, including a famous actress and a millionaire. The newcomer is captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the city's skyline. His attention is drawn to a solitary man, Sanford Quest, who commands respect from the waitstaff and other patrons. The cousin reveals that Quest is a master criminologist, likening him to a magician and a scientist. Quest operates with a unique blend of law and criminality, choosing only the cases that interest him. As he leaves the restaurant, the crowd's reaction to him is one of awe and fear, indicating his powerful presence. Quest returns to his home in a quiet neighborhood, where he manages a sophisticated operation involving telegraph and telephone operators. Inside his tastefully decorated apartment, he reviews correspondence with a young woman named Laura, who assists him. Quest sorts through the papers, deciding which matters require police attention and which do not. He remains focused on his work, immersed in a scientific book, while the city's nightlife unfolds outside his window, filled with both allure and danger. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Quest's character and the complexities of his profession.

By E. Phillips Oppenheim · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure · 16 chapters · 119,600 words

First lines

The young man from the west had arrived in New York only that afternoon, and his cousin, town born and bred, had already embarked upon the task of showing him the great city. They occupied a table in a somewhat insignificant corner of one of New York's most famous roof-garden restaurants. The place was crowded with diners. There were many notabilities to be pointed out. The town young man was very busy.

What this Textopian page supports

The Black Box is listed on Textopian as a novel by E. Phillips Oppenheim, dated 1920 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: E. Phillips Oppenheim
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure, Historical Fiction
Length: 119,600 words
Structure: 16 chapters, 3,418 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The narrative revolves around a mysterious object and its implications, creating suspense and intrigue.
Thriller — The plot involves espionage, political intrigue, and high stakes, characteristic of thrillers.
Adventure — The story involves a quest and various challenges, typical of adventure narratives.
Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period and incorporates historical events and figures.