The Inquisitor by Hugh Walpole

Name: The Inquisitor
Author: Hugh Walpole

The novel follows the story of a young man, John Darrow, who is sent to a remote island in the Mediterranean to investigate the mysterious death of a priest. He soon discovers that the island is home to a secret society of religious fanatics, led by a mysterious figure known as the Inquisitor. John soon finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Inquisitor, as he attempts to uncover the truth behind the priest's death. Along the way, he discovers a dark and sinister plot that threatens to destroy the island and its inhabitants. The novel is a thrilling and suspenseful story of mystery and intrigue, as John races against time to uncover the truth and save the island from destruction.

By Hugh Walpole · First published 1935 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction · 27 chapters · 166,881 words

First lines

The thin papery sky of the early autumn afternoon was torn, and the eye of the sun, pale but piercing, looked through and down. The eye's gaze travelled on a shaft of light to the very centre of the town. A little scornful, very arrogant, it surveyed the scene. The Cathedral had chimed at three, and at once the bells began with their accustomed melody to ring for Evensong. The town, bathed in a smoky haze, clustered about and around the Cathedral, Cathedral Green and Arden Gate, dropping through the High Street, then lower to the Market-place, then sharply over the Rock to Seatown that bordered the river. Slowly up, beyond the river, sloped the quiet autumn fields to the hills that spread, like dun cloths, to the sea. For the moment, while the sun's eye gazed its last on that afternoon, the huddled town, the long fields, the wide band of sea caught a pale glow of light, looking up to the sun with the timidity of a girl reassured by her lover's unexpected attentions.

What this Textopian page supports

The Inquisitor is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hugh Walpole, dated 1935 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Hugh Walpole
Date: 1935 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 166,881 words
Structure: 27 chapters, 3,451 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Mystery — The book follows the story of a mysterious figure, the Inquisitor, who is investigating a murder and the secrets of a small town.
Thriller — The book is full of suspense and tension as the Inquisitor attempts to uncover the truth and solve the mystery.
Historical Fiction — The book is set in the early 20th century and includes references to historical events and figures.
Literary Fiction — The book is written in a sophisticated and complex style, with a focus on character development and psychological themes.