The Man in Lower Ten

Name: The Man in Lower Ten
Author: Mary Roberts Rinehart

The narrative follows a lawyer who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery after a train wreck. The protagonist, who is initially mundane and unadventurous, finds himself in a precarious situation when he is accused of murder after the body of a man is discovered in his train compartment. The story unfolds through a series of events that reveal the complexities of the case, including the involvement of various characters, including a woman named Alison West, who is connected to the victim. The protagonist's friend, McKnight, is a more adventurous character who often provides comic relief and serves as a foil to the protagonist's more serious demeanor. As the story progresses, the protagonist learns about the forged notes related to a case he was working on, which were lost during the chaos of the train wreck. The narrative explores themes of innocence, guilt, and the impact of circumstantial evidence, as the protagonist grapples with the implications of the murder and his own involvement. The plot thickens as the protagonist encounters various characters, including a detective named Hotchkiss, who is determined to uncover the truth behind the murder. The protagonist's relationship with Alison West becomes increasingly complicated as he navigates the murky waters of suspicion and intrigue. The story culminates in a tense confrontation where the protagonist must confront the reality of the situation and the potential consequences of his actions. Throughout the narrative, the protagonist reflects on his own character and the choices he has made, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. The story is a blend of mystery, drama, and character exploration, with a focus on the complexities of human relationships and the search for truth in a world filled with deception.

By Mary Roberts Rinehart · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Detective Fiction · 31 chapters · 79,836 words

First lines

McKnight is gradually taking over the criminal end of the business. I never liked it, and since the strange case of the man in lower ten, I have been a bit squeamish. Given a case like that, where you can build up a network of clues that absolutely incriminate three entirely different people, only one of whom can be guilty, and your faith in circumstantial evidence dies of overcrowding. I never see a shivering, white-faced wretch in the prisoners' dock that I do not hark back with shuddering horror to the strange events on the Pullman car Ontario, between Washington and Pittsburg, on the night of September ninth, last.

What this Textopian page supports

The Man in Lower Ten is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Roberts Rinehart, dated 1920 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Mary Roberts Rinehart
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Detective Fiction, Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length: 79,836 words
Structure: 31 chapters, 1,686 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder investigation, typical of the mystery genre.
Thriller — The narrative includes suspenseful elements and tension, characteristic of thrillers.
Detective Fiction — The story features a detective figure solving a crime, aligning it with detective fiction.
Crime Fiction — The central theme involves criminal activity and its consequences.