Dangerous Quarry by Jim Harmon
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a series of murders and disappearances at an abandoned quarry on the outskirts of town. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a dark conspiracy that threatens to destroy her own life. The protagonist's search for truth is hindered by her own troubled past and the corrupt forces that seek to silence her. The novel explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the struggle for justice in a world where the powerful will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power. Throughout the narrative, the author masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, mystery, and psychological insight, creating a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
By Jim Harmon · First published 1964 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 2 chapters · 6,643 words
First lines
One little village couldn't have a monopoly on all the bad breaks in the world. They did, though!
They say automation makes jobs, especially if "they" are trying to keep their own job of selling automation machines. I know the Actuarvac made one purple passion of a job for me, the unpleasantly fatal results of which are still lingering with me.
What this Textopian page supports
Dangerous Quarry is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jim Harmon, dated 1964 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Jim Harmon
- Date: 1964 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Satire, Adventure
- Length: 6,643 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 199 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dangerous Quarry by Jim Harmon
- 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 Dangerous Quarry?
- How does this short story by Jim Harmon fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores themes of psionic abilities and the impact of a specific environment on human capabilities, characteristic of speculative fiction.
- Mystery — The protagonist investigates suspicious insurance claims linked to a town, creating a central mystery that drives the plot.
- Thriller — The tension escalates as the protagonist uncovers a conspiracy, leading to dangerous confrontations.
- Satire — The story critiques societal norms and corporate practices, using humor and exaggeration to highlight absurdities.
Tags
Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Police Procedural · Gritty Realism · Dark Atmosphere · Small Town Secrets · Corruption · Betrayal · Revenge