The Mysterious Occurrence in Piccadilly
The Mysterious Occurrence in Piccadilly is a short story by Grant Allen that was first published in 1897. The story follows the investigation of a mysterious death in London's Piccadilly Circus, and features elements of detective fiction and science fiction.
By Grant Allen · First published 1897 · Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Humor · 2 chapters · 5,909 words
First lines
I really never felt so profoundly ashamed of myself in my whole life as when my father-in-law, Professor W. Bryce Murray, of Oriel College, Oxford, sent me the last number of the Proceedings of the Society for the Investigation of Supernatural Phenomena. As I opened the pamphlet, a horrible foreboding seized me that I should find in it, detailed at full length, with my name and address in plain printing (not even asterisks), that extraordinary story of his about the mysterious occurrence in Piccadilly. I turned anxiously to page 14, which I saw was neatly folded over at the corner; and there, sure enough, I came upon the Professor's remarkable narrative, which I shall simply extract here, by way of introduction, in his own admirable and perspicuous language.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mysterious Occurrence in Piccadilly is listed on Textopian as a short story by Grant Allen, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Grant Allen
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Supernatural, Humor, Romance, Victorian
- Length: 5,909 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 49 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mysterious Occurrence in Piccadilly by Grant Allen
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Mysterious Occurrence in Piccadilly?
- How does this short story by Grant Allen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a mysterious supernatural occurrence involving apparitions and doubles, which is central to the narrative.
- Supernatural — The story features elements of the supernatural, such as wraiths and unexplained phenomena, which are key to the plot.
- Humor — The narrative includes humorous elements, particularly in the protagonist's attempts to deceive and the satirical portrayal of academic and social situations.
- Romance — A romantic subplot is present, focusing on the protagonist's relationship with Nora and the obstacles they face.
Tags
mystery · detective · suspense · crime · London · 19th century · investigation · thriller · plot twist · suspenseful · fiction · literature
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II