The Saving Clause by 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

I guess I don't hold with missionaries. I've been in most corners of this globe, and I reckon that the harm they do easily outweighs the good. Stands to reason, don't it, that we can't all have the same religion, same as we can't all have the same shaped nose? So what in thunder is the good of trying to put my nose on to your face, where it won't fit? And it sort of riles me to see these good earnest people labouring and sweating to do to others what they would only describe as damned impertinence if those others tried to do it to them. Yet, as I see it, there's no reason why the others shouldn't. 'Tisn't as if any particular bunch had a complete corner in truth, is it?

• Open reader

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
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Similar titles

• Hard Pressed by Fred M. White
• Targets by Gouverneur Morris
• Picnic by Stephen Marlowe
• Mr Justice Maxell by Edgar Wallace
• In The Onyx Lobby by Carolyn Wells
• The Gunner by Edgar Wallace

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.

Tags

mystery · thriller · suspense · crime · detective · investigation · plot twist · adventure · secrets · betrayal · intrigue · justice

Contents

• Chapter 1
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 11

More by H.C. McNeile

• Jim Maitland (1923)
• No Man's Land (1919)
• Mufti (1915)
• Men, Women and Guns (1916)
• The Man in Ratcatcher (1922)
• An Arrow at a Venture (1922)
• The House by the Headland (1919)
• The Man who Would not Play Cards (1925)
• All works by H.C. McNeile