Time Crime by H. Beam Piper (1955)

Name: Time Crime
Author: H. Beam Piper

The story takes place in a future where time travel has been invented and used for various purposes, including crime prevention. The protagonist is a detective who specializes in solving crimes that involve time travel. A wealthy man hires the detective to investigate a murder that occurred in the past, but was only recently discovered through a time machine. The detective must navigate the complexities of time travel to uncover the truth behind the murder and bring the perpetrator to justice. As the investigation unfolds, the detective encounters various obstacles and challenges, including paradoxes and changes to the timeline. He must use his knowledge of history and his understanding of how time travel works to piece together the events surrounding the murder and prevent further disruptions to the timeline. The story explores themes of causality, free will, and the consequences of altering the past. It also raises questions about the nature of reality and the impact of human actions on the course of history.

By H. Beam Piper · First published 1955 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Crime · 2 chapters · 44,947 words

First lines

Kiro Soran, the guard captain, stood in the shadow of the veranda roof, his white cloak thrown back to display the scarlet lining. He rubbed his palm reflectively on the checkered butt of his revolver and watched the four men at the table.

"And ten tens are a hundred," one of the clerks in blue jackets said, adding another stack to the pile of gold coins.

What this Textopian page supports

Time Crime is listed on Textopian as a novel by H. Beam Piper, dated 1955 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: H. Beam Piper
Date: 1955 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Crime, Thriller
Length: 44,947 words
Structure: 2 chapters, 842 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The book is set in a futuristic universe with advanced technology and explores themes of time travel and parallel universes.
Adventure — The narrative involves action-packed sequences and the protagonists' quest to solve a complex crime across different timelines.
Crime — Central to the plot is the investigation of a crime, involving elements of mystery and detective work.
Thriller — The story maintains a high level of suspense and tension as the characters navigate dangerous situations.