A Dangerous Friend by Emma Leslie
The story revolves around Tom, a young boy from a village whose family is eager for him to pursue a better life in London, away from the blacksmith trade of his father. Tom's uncle secures him a position in a City warehouse, and he moves to London with high hopes. However, Tom quickly falls under the influence of a boy named Jack, who introduces him to the world of betting and gambling. Despite initial reluctance, Tom is tempted by the prospect of easy money and ends up embezzling ten shillings from his employer to place a bet on a horse race. Tom's life spirals into a series of lies and deceit as he tries to cover up his theft. His relationship with Jack deteriorates, and he becomes increasingly isolated and anxious about being discovered. The situation worsens when marked money is traced back to him, leading to a confrontation with his uncle and the police. Despite his attempts to hide the truth, Tom's actions are eventually uncovered, and he is forced to return to his village in disgrace. Back home, Tom faces the disappointment of his family and the judgment of his community. However, he finds solace in the quiet support of his brother Dick, who becomes a source of inspiration for him. Determined to make amends, Tom dedicates himself to working at his father's forge and supporting Dick's education. Over time, Tom's hard work and sincerity help him regain the trust of his community, and he learns the value of honest labor and integrity. The story highlights themes of temptation, the consequences of poor choices, and the redemptive power of hard work and family support. Tom's journey from a naive boy to a responsible young man serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking quick success and the importance of staying true to one's values.
By Emma Leslie · First published 2012 · Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Fiction · 8 chapters · 33,599 words
First lines
"A LETTER from Uncle George," and the speaker, a boy about fourteen, ran up the garden path, shouting the news as he came.
A brother and sister met him at the door of the cottage, each eager to see the letter, but he held it high above their heads, and as he was taller than either of them, it was quite out of their reach.
What this Textopian page supports
A Dangerous Friend is listed on Textopian as a novella by Emma Leslie, dated 2012 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Emma Leslie
- Date: 2012 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Fiction, Drama
- Length: 33,599 words
- Structure: 8 chapters, 696 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Dangerous Friend by Emma Leslie
- 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
Genres
- Thriller — The narrative is driven by high stakes, tension, and unpredictable twists that align with the dangerous premise.
- Mystery — The plot likely revolves around secrets and hidden motives, inviting readers to piece together clues throughout the story.
- Psychological Fiction — The book examines complex human relationships and internal conflicts that emphasize the psychological impact of betrayal and trust.
- Drama — Emotional conflicts and interpersonal dynamics are central, adding depth to the narrative through realistic character development.
Tags
thriller · suspense · mystery · psychological · crime · betrayal · manipulation · deception · friendship · duality · danger · tension
Contents
- Tom's Home
- Beguiled
- Was he a Thief?
- An Escape for Bob
- Apples of Sodom
- A Fright for Tom
- The Way of Transgressors is Hard
- Conclusion