Circumstantial Evidence by John Lang
The novel revolves around a young woman who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after her fiancé is accused of the crime. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a complex web of relationships and motives that challenge her perceptions of truth and justice. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception, raising questions about the reliability of appearances and the nature of guilt. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the novel creates a sense of tension and suspense that propels the reader towards a surprising conclusion. Ultimately, the novel is a commentary on the social conventions and class structures of Victorian England, highlighting the limitations and biases of the justice system during this period.
By John Lang · First published 1867 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Drama · 2,559 words
First lines
When the skipper of some small coastal trading craft is able to retire from leading a sea-faring life, it is usually within close range of the briny, tarry whiffs that with every breeze come puffing from the harbour of some little port out of which he has formerly traded that he sets up his shore-going abode. There, when he has paid off for the last time, and everything, so to speak, is coiled down and made ship-shape, he settles within easy hail of old cronies like himself; and if he should chance to be one of those who have lived all their days with only their ship for wife, then he not unnaturally falls easily into the habit of dropping, of an evening, into the snug, well-lit bar-parlour of the "Goat and Compasses" or the "Mariner's Friend," or some such house of entertainment, with its glowing fire and warm, seductive, tobacco-and grog-scented atmosphere, there to wile away the time swopping yarns with old friends. Sometimes, if opportunity offer, he is not averse from a mild game of cards for moderate points; and usually he takes, or at least in old days he used to take, his liquor hot -- and strong.
What this Textopian page supports
Circumstantial Evidence is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Lang, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Lang
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Drama, Mystery, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,559 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Circumstantial Evidence by John Lang
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, exploring events and societal attitudes of the time.
- Crime Fiction — The plot revolves around a crime, wrongful conviction, and the exploration of justice and evidence.
- Drama — The story contains intense emotional and moral conflicts, focusing on the characters' struggles and societal implications.
- Mystery — The unfolding of events involves uncovering the truth behind the crime and the circumstances leading to the wrongful conviction.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Courtroom Drama · Legal Thriller · Suspenseful · Gripping · Plot Twist · Unreliable Narrator · Red Herring · False Clue