The Opal Serpent by Fergus Hume

Name: The Opal Serpent
Author: Fergus Hume

The story revolves around a mysterious opal serpent brooch that is stolen from a wealthy businessman, prompting a series of events involving murder, blackmail, and deceit. The protagonist, a young lawyer, becomes entangled in the mystery and works to uncover the truth behind the theft and the subsequent crimes. Along the way, he encounters a cast of suspicious characters, including a beautiful woman with a questionable past and a rival lawyer who seems determined to thwart his efforts. As the plot unfolds, the protagonist faces numerous challenges and obstacles as he strives to unravel the complex web of secrets and lies surrounding the opal serpent brooch.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1912 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Coming-of-Age · 26 chapters · 113,293 words

First lines

Simon Beecot was a country gentleman with a small income, a small estate and a mind considerably smaller than either. He dwelt at Wargrove in Essex and spent his idle hours -- of which he possessed a daily and nightly twenty-four -- in snarling at his faded wife and in snapping between whiles at his son. Mrs. Beecot, having been bullied into old age long before her time, accepted sour looks and hard words as necessary to God's providence, but Paul, a fiery youth, resented useless nagging. He owned more brain-power than his progenitor, and to this favoring of Nature paterfamilias naturally objected. Paul also desired fame, which was likewise a crime in the fire-side tyrant's eyes.

What this Textopian page supports

The Opal Serpent is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Coming-of-Age, Social Commentary, Romance
Length: 113,293 words
Structure: 26 chapters, 2,368 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Opal Serpent by Fergus Hume
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Opal Serpent?
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

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex characters and their emotional struggles, focusing on themes of ambition, familial conflict, and societal expectations.
Drama — The narrative contains significant dramatic elements, including intense family dynamics and personal conflicts that drive the plot.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Paul Beecot, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth as he leaves home to pursue his dreams.
Social Commentary — The story critiques social class structures and the struggles of aspiring artists in a capitalist society.