In the Dark by Edith Nesbit (1924)
In the Dark is a classic children's novel by Edith Nesbit, first published in 1895. It tells the story of two children, Mabel and Tom, who are sent to stay with their aunt in the countryside. While exploring the area, they stumble upon a mysterious old house, and soon find themselves in the middle of a thrilling adventure. The house is inhabited by a strange old man, who tells them of a secret treasure hidden in the house. With the help of their new friend, the children set out to find the treasure, but soon discover that the house is full of secrets and dangers. Along the way, they must face a variety of obstacles, from a mysterious ghost to a dangerous criminal. Will the children be able to find the treasure and make it out of the house alive? Read In the Dark to find out!
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1924 · Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy · 4 chapters · 4,752 words
First lines
It may have been a form of madness. Or it may be that he really was what is called haunted. Or it may-though I don't pretend to understand how-have been the development, through intense suffering, of a sixth sense in a very nervous, highly strung nature. Something certainly led him where They were. And to him They were all one.
He told me the first part of the story, and the last part of it I saw with my own eyes.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Dark is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,752 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 156 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Dark by Edith Nesbit
- 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 In the Dark?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Mystery — The title 'In the Dark' implies a sense of mystery and suspense, as the reader is left to wonder what is hidden in the dark.
- Adventure — The book follows the protagonist's journey as they explore the dark and uncover its secrets, making it an adventure story.
- Fantasy — The book contains elements of fantasy, such as magical creatures and mysterious powers, which add to the sense of adventure and mystery.
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in a historical period, which adds an extra layer of realism to the story.
Tags
mystery · suspense · supernatural · children's literature · friendship · adventure · imagination · family · darkness · fantasy · Edith Nesbit · Victorian