The Saving Clause by H.C. McNeile

Name: The Saving Clause
Author: H.C. McNeile

The Saving Clause is a novel by Sapper, the pen name of British author Herman Cyril McNeile. It is set in the early 20th century and follows the story of a young man, John, who is sent to a remote village in the Scottish Highlands to investigate a mysterious death. John soon discovers that the village is under the control of a powerful and sinister figure known as the Laird. The Laird is a ruthless landowner who has been using his power to oppress the villagers and keep them in poverty. John soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Laird, as he attempts to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death and bring justice to the village. The Saving Clause is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that explores themes of power, justice, and morality. It is a gripping story of a man's struggle against a powerful and oppressive force, and his determination to bring justice to a small village.

By H.C. McNeile · First published 1927 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Legal Fiction · 22 chapters · 72,291 words

First lines

John Marwood stirred irritably in his chair, and pulled the shawl tighter round his shoulders. On his face was the peevish, complaining look which of late years had become chronic: his whole bearing suggested the man who has a grievance against everything and everybody: the man who has decided that life has not given him a square deal. It makes no difference to such a man that in the game it is often he who deals the cards: and that it is up to him to make the best of the bad hands when they come. Far from not meeting trouble half-way, the particular breed to which John Marwood belonged anticipate it before it starts. They seize it, they canter back with it, and they then exclaim triumphantly, "I told you so." In fact, the only thing which seems to annoy them, and make them really aggrieved, is when they can find nothing to complain about. It is a very rare occurrence, and mercifully for John Marwood things were not as bad as that. One of those wretched pinpricks with which life delighted to buffet him had occurred: no one had come to give him his medicine.

What this Textopian page supports

The Saving Clause is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.C. McNeile, dated 1927 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: H.C. McNeile
Date: 1927 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Legal Fiction, Crime Fiction
Length: 72,291 words
Structure: 22 chapters, 1,890 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Saving Clause by H.C. McNeile
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 Saving Clause?
How does this novel by H.C. McNeile fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The title suggests a mystery, as the 'saving clause' could be a legal term that needs to be solved or uncovered.
Thriller — The title also suggests a thrilling story, as the 'saving clause' could be a dangerous situation that needs to be resolved.
Legal Fiction — Given the author's name, Sapper, it is likely that the book is a legal fiction, as the author may have legal expertise.
Crime Fiction — The title could also suggest a crime fiction, as the 'saving clause' could be a criminal act that needs to be solved.