The Harlequin Opal, Volume 1

The story revolves around the mysterious Harlequin Opal, a valuable gemstone with a dark history. The opal is said to be cursed, bringing misfortune and tragedy to its owners. The narrative follows multiple characters connected to the gemstone, including a wealthy businessman, a young woman, and a detective. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the characters' lives become intertwined in unexpected ways.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1893 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure · 12 chapters · 64,042 words

First lines

Long years have passed since last we met, And left their marks of teen and fret; No longer faces plump and smooth, Proclaim the halcyon days of youth. But haggard looks and tresses white Betray the ardour of the fight; The same old friends: we meet once more -- But not the merry boys of yore.

"It is a great mistake," said Sir Philip Cassim, looking doubtfully at the piece of paper lying on his desk; "then we were foolish boys, now we are -- I trust sensible men. Certainly it is a great mistake."

What this Textopian page supports

The Harlequin Opal, Volume 1 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1893 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Fergus Hume
• Date: 1893 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Adventure, Mystery, Romance
• Length: 64,042 words
• Structure: 12 chapters, 1,520 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Harlequin Opal, Volume 1 by Fergus Hume
• 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 Harlequin Opal, Volume 1?
• How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• The Fever Of Life by Fergus Hume
• Tracked By A Tattoo by Fergus Hume
• The Opal Serpent by Fergus Hume
• A Traitor In London by Fergus Hume
• The Spider by Fergus Hume
• The Black Patch by Fergus Hume

Genres

• Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the passage of time, focusing on character development and introspection.
• Drama — The narrative centers around the reunion of old friends, highlighting emotional conflicts and personal growth.
• Adventure — The protagonist's past travels and explorations suggest elements of adventure, particularly in the context of his nomadic lifestyle.
• Mystery — The anticipation of the friends' reunion and the unknown changes in their lives create a subtle sense of mystery.

Tags

Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Crime Fiction · Detective Novel · Victorian Era · London Setting · Gothic Atmosphere · Murder Mystery · Jewel Theft · Family Secrets · Wealthy Elite

Contents

• Chums
• The Devil Stone
• "the Bohemian."
• In the Track of Columbus
• Don Miguel is Communicative
• Chalchuih Tlatonac
• Dolores
• Viva El Republica
• The Call to Arms
• Padre Ignatius
• The Drama of Little Things
• A Strange Disappearance

More by Fergus Hume

• The Mystery Queen (1912)
• The Caravan Crime (1924)
• The Crowned Skull (1908)
• The Green Mummy (1908)
• The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886)
• The Secret Passage (1905)
• Madame Midas (1888)
• Red Money (1892)
• All works by Fergus Hume