What Was It? A Mystery
A Mystery, by Fitz-James O'Brien, is a classic mystery novel set in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of a young man named John, who is sent to investigate a mysterious disappearance in a small town. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a sinister plot involving a secret society, a powerful family, and a mysterious figure known only as the "Master". With the help of his friends, John must unravel the mystery and save the town from the clutches of the Master. Along the way, he discovers secrets about his own past and the true nature of the Master.
By Fitz-James O'Brien · First published 1859 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller · 4,798 words
First lines
It is, I confess, with considerable diffidence that I approach the
strange narrative which I am about to relate. The events which I purpose detailing are of so extraordinary and unheard-of a character that I am quite prepared to meet with an unusual amount of incredulity and scorn. I accept all such beforehand. I have, I trust, the literary courage to face unbelief. I have, after mature consideration, resolved to narrate, in as simple and straightforward a manner as I can compass, some facts that passed under my observation in the month of July last, and which, in the annals of the mysteries of physical science, are wholly unparalleled.
What this Textopian page supports
What Was It? A Mystery is listed on Textopian as a short story by Fitz-James O'Brien, dated 1859 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Fitz-James O'Brien
- Date: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller, Horror
- Length: 4,798 words
- Structure: 1 section, 143 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What Was It? A Mystery by Fitz-James O'Brien
- 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 What Was It? A Mystery?
- How does this short story by Fitz-James O'Brien fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Thing In The Upper Room by Arthur Morrison
- The Green Shiver by Perley Poore Sheehan
- The Beetle Hunter by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Thurnley Abbey by Perceval Landon
- Ghosts by Arthur Gask
- The Noser And The Note by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Mystery — The title of the book is 'What Was It? A Mystery', indicating that the primary genre of the book is mystery.
- Detective Fiction — The book is a mystery, and detective fiction is a subgenre of mystery.
- Thriller — Mystery and detective fiction often contain elements of thrillers, such as suspense and unexpected plot twists.
- Horror — Mystery and detective fiction can sometimes contain elements of horror, such as suspenseful scenes and unexpected plot twists.
Tags
mystery · suspense · supernatural · horror · Victorian · short story · psychological · narrative · literary fiction · paranormal · intrigue · exploration