A Double Barrelled Detective Story
The narrative unfolds in Virginia during the late 19th century, centering on a tumultuous marriage between Jacob Fuller, a man of humble means, and a wealthy young woman, whose father vehemently opposes the union. Following their wedding, Jacob reveals his true nature, subjecting his bride to a series of emotional tortures as revenge against her father, whom he blames for his own perceived shortcomings. The young wife endures humiliation and abuse, ultimately leading to her father's death and her own disappearance. Years later, in New England, a woman named Stillman lives a reclusive life with her son, Archy, who possesses extraordinary abilities akin to a bloodhound. As Archy matures, his mother reveals her dark past and the identity of his father, Jacob Fuller, who is now living under an assumed name in Colorado. She instructs Archy to track down his father and exact revenge for the suffering he caused. Archy embarks on a relentless pursuit, using his unique talents to locate Jacob, who has built a new life as a miner. As Archy closes in, he grapples with conflicting emotions, torn between loyalty to his mother and the humanity he feels for his father. The narrative shifts to a mining camp where Jacob, unaware of the impending threat, enjoys a semblance of happiness. The story escalates as Archy devises a plan to torment Jacob, leading to a series of events that culminate in a tragic explosion that kills Jacob. The aftermath reveals the complexities of revenge, identity, and the consequences of past actions. Archy, now burdened with the weight of his actions, faces the moral implications of his quest for vengeance. In a twist, the narrative introduces Sherlock Holmes, who arrives in the mining camp, inadvertently becoming embroiled in the unfolding drama. As the townsfolk grapple with the fallout from Jacob's death, Holmes's presence adds a layer of intrigue, leading to revelations about the true nature of the events that transpired. Ultimately, the story explores themes of justice, the cyclical nature of violence, and the quest for redemption, leaving readers to ponder the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate their intertwined fates. The resolution brings closure to the characters' arcs, highlighting the enduring impact of choices made in the past and the possibility of forgiveness and healing.
By Mark Twain · First published 1881 · Genre: Mystery, Satire, Adventure · 10 chapters · 23,885 words
First lines
"We ought never to do wrong when people are looking. "
The first scene is in the country, in Virginia; the time, 1880. There has been a wedding, between a handsome young man of slender means and a rich young girl -- a case of love at first sight and a precipitate marriage; a marriage bitterly opposed by the girl's widowed father.
What this Textopian page supports
A Double Barrelled Detective Story is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mark Twain, dated 1881 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Satire, Adventure, Comedy, Fiction
- Length: 23,885 words
- Structure: 10 chapters, 452 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Double Barrelled Detective Story by Mark Twain
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Double Barrelled Detective Story?
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Similar titles
- The Great French Detective In Austin by O. Henry
- Worth 10 000 by Irvin S. Cobb
- Mr H M Woggle Bug T E by L. Frank Baum
- The Stories Of The Three Burglars by Frank R. Stockton
- Arsene Lupin Versus Herlock Sholmes by Maurice Leblanc
- Doctor Know All by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a detective story with elements of investigation and crime.
- Satire — The writing style employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and the detective genre itself.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of adventure as characters engage in various escapades.
- Comedy — The book features comedic elements and humorous situations throughout the storyline.
Tags
Humor · Satire · Detective Fiction · Comedy · Social Commentary · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Whodunit · Mystery · Adventure · Parody · Pastiche