The Haunted Bell by Jacques Futrelle
The story follows the adventures of Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, better known as "The Thinking Machine," and his assistant Hutchinson Hatch. The two are called upon to investigate a mysterious case involving a haunted bell that is said to toll at midnight in a small New England town. The Thinking Machine and Hatch soon discover that the bell is connected to a long-forgotten tragedy that occurred in the town many years ago. As they investigate further, they uncover a sinister plot involving a secret society and a powerful family. The Thinking Machine and Hatch must use their wits and ingenuity to unravel the mystery and save the town from a terrible fate. Along the way, they must confront a host of strange characters, including a mysterious figure known only as "The Shadow." The Haunted Bell is a classic mystery novel that is sure to keep readers guessing until the very end.
By Jacques Futrelle · First published 1912 · Genre: Mystery, Horror, Thriller · 2 chapters · 12,628 words
First lines
It was a thing, trivial enough, yet so strangely mystifying in its happening that the mind hesitated to accept it as an actual occurrence despite the indisputable evidence of the sense of hearing. As the seconds ticked on, Franklin Phillips was not at all certain that it had happened, and gradually the doubt began to assume the proportions of a conviction. Then, because his keenly-attuned brain did not readily explain it, the matter was dismissed as an impossibility. Certainly it had not happened. Mr. Phillips smiled a little. Of course, it was--it must be--a trick of his nerves.
What this Textopian page supports
The Haunted Bell is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jacques Futrelle, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Jacques Futrelle
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Horror, Thriller, Fiction
- Length: 12,628 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 482 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Haunted Bell by Jacques Futrelle
- 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Haunted Bell?
- How does this novel by Jacques Futrelle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ghosts by Arthur Gask
- The Apparition Of Burling Court by R. Austin Freeman
- The Silent Dead by Arthur Gask
- The Shadow Of The Dead Hand by Fred M. White
- The Hangmans Knot by Arthur Gask
- Room 13 by Edgar Wallace
Genres
- Mystery — The Haunted Bell is a mystery novel by Jacques Futrelle, which follows the story of a mysterious bell that is said to be haunted.
- Horror — The Haunted Bell contains elements of horror, as it follows the story of a mysterious bell that is said to be haunted and the characters must uncover the truth behind it.
- Thriller — The Haunted Bell is a thrilling novel as the characters must uncover the truth behind the mysterious bell and the suspense builds as the story progresses.
- Fiction — The Haunted Bell is a work of fiction, as it is a novel written by Jacques Futrelle.
Tags
mystery · supernatural · ghosts · haunting · suspense · detective · thriller · paranormal · investigation · historical · fiction · murder
Contents
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2