Pillingshot, Detective

Name: Pillingshot, Detective
Author: P. G. Wodehouse

The story revolves around the adventures of a young detective named Pillingshot as he tries to solve the mystery of a missing sovereign coin at his school. The story begins with Pillingshot being tasked by his employer, Scott, to find the missing coin and bring it back. Pillingshot starts by questioning various suspects, including Trent, the prefect, who is known for being suspicious. However, when he tries to question Trent, he becomes intimidated and flees the scene. Undeterred, Pillingshot continues his investigation, gathering clues and piecing together the events surrounding the missing coin. He discovers a used match with a brown stain on it, which he believes might be blood, but later realizes that it's not relevant to the case. As the story progresses, Pillingshot becomes more confident in his abilities as a detective, even going so far as to demand a fee for solving the case. Scott agrees to let him off fagging duties if he can solve the mystery. In the end, Pillingshot discovers that the missing coin was actually found by one of the housemaids and returned to its rightful owner, Evans. The story concludes with Pillingshot revealing his solution to Scott, who is impressed by his detective work. The story is a lighthearted and humorous take on the classic detective genre, with Pillingshot's antics and reactions providing much of the comedic relief. The story also explores themes of perseverance and determination, as Pillingshot refuses to give up on solving the mystery despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges.

By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1922 · Genre: Mystery, Comedy, School Stories · 4,200 words

First lines

Life at St. Austin's was rendered somewhat hollow and burdensome for Pillingshot by the fact that he fagged for Scott. Not that Scott was the Beetle-Browed Bully in any way. Far from it. He showed a kindly interest in Pillingshot's welfare, and sometimes even did his Latin verses for him. But the noblest natures have flaws, and Scott's was no exception. He was by way of being a humorist, and Pillingshot, with his rather serious outlook on life, was puzzled and inconvenienced by this.

It was through this defect in Scott's character that Pillingshot first became a detective.

What this Textopian page supports

Pillingshot, Detective is listed on Textopian as a novel by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1922 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: P. G. Wodehouse
Date: 1922 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Comedy, School Stories, Adventure, Juvenile Fiction
Length: 4,200 words
Structure: 1 section, 243 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Pillingshot, Detective by P. G. Wodehouse
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Pillingshot, Detective?
How does this novel by P. G. Wodehouse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The protagonist, Pillingshot, becomes a detective throughout the book, driving the main series of events in the plot.
Comedy — P. G. Wodehouse is known for his humoristic writing style, and in 'Pillingshot, Detective', it is filled with comedic elements and scenarios.
School Stories — The story is set in a school environment, making it a part of the 'School Stories' genre.
Adventure — As a detective, Pillingshot embarks on exciting adventures to solve different mysteries in the story.