The Rasp by Philip MacDonald (1934)
The narrative unfolds around the murder of John Hoode, a Cabinet Minister, and the ensuing investigation led by Anthony Ruthven Gethryn, a former soldier turned amateur detective. The story begins with Spencer Hastings, the editor of a small newspaper, who is thrust into chaos when he learns of Hoode's murder. His efficient secretary, Margaret Warren, brings him the news, and they quickly mobilize to cover the story. As the investigation progresses, Gethryn is drawn into the case, uncovering a web of relationships and secrets surrounding Hoode's life. He learns that Hoode had a mistress, Vanda, and that his sister, Laura Hoode, is deeply affected by the scandal. Gethryn's inquiries lead him to suspect Archibald Deacon, Hoode's secretary, when fingerprints are found on the murder weapon, a wood-rasp. However, Gethryn believes Deacon is innocent and seeks to prove it. The plot thickens as Gethryn discovers that Deacon had been in a relationship with Laura Hoode, complicating the motives behind the murder. Meanwhile, Laura's brother, Jimmy Masterson, is revealed to have had a troubled past, including a stint as Hoode's secretary before being dismissed. Gethryn learns that Jimmy had threatened Hoode in a letter, raising suspicions about his involvement in the murder. As Gethryn delves deeper, he uncovers a series of newspaper articles attacking Hoode, suggesting a conspiracy against him. The investigation leads to a confrontation with Laura, who reveals her knowledge of her brother's actions and her attempts to protect him. Gethryn's determination to find the truth intensifies, and he navigates the complexities of the case, balancing his growing feelings for Laura with his commitment to justice. The climax of the story occurs during the inquest, where Gethryn must piece together the evidence and confront the true nature of the relationships involved. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of public perception on personal lives. Ultimately, Gethryn's pursuit of the truth reveals the intricate connections between the characters and the motivations behind the murder, leading to a resolution that challenges the assumptions of guilt and innocence.
By Philip MacDonald · First published 1934 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime · 18 chapters · 93,225 words
First lines
CHAPTER I
The Owl shows its blue and gilt cover on the bookstalls every Saturday morning. Thursday nights are therefore nights of turmoil in the offices in Fleet Street. They are always wearing nights; more so, of course, in hot weather than in cold. They are nights of discomfort for the office-boy and of something worse for the editor.
What this Textopian page supports
The Rasp is listed on Textopian as a novel by Philip MacDonald, dated 1934 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Philip MacDonald
- Date: 1934 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 93,225 words
- Structure: 18 chapters, 1,850 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Rasp by Philip MacDonald
- 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 The Rasp?
- How does this novel by Philip MacDonald fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Sea Mystery by Freeman Wills Crofts
- The Root Of All Evil by J. S. Fletcher
- Kate Plus 10 by Edgar Wallace
- Clouds Of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers
- Muerte De Un Jefe by Jorge Luis Borges
- Jewel Mysteries by Max Pemberton
Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a suspenseful investigation, typical of the mystery genre.
- Thriller — The narrative includes elements of tension and danger, characteristic of thrillers.
- Crime — The story involves criminal activities and their consequences, aligning it with crime fiction.
- Drama — The themes explore human emotions and moral dilemmas, common in dramatic literature.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Detective Fiction · Crime · Suspense · Investigation · Police Procedural · Cerebral Puzzle · Intellectual Challenge · Plot Twist · Surprise Ending · Gripping Narrative
Contents
- Tolling the Bell
- Anthony Gethryn
- Cock Robin's House
- Study
- The Lady of the Sandal
- Secretary and the Sister
- The Prejudiced Detective
- The Inefficiency of Margaret
- The Inquest
- Birds of the Air
- The Bow and Arrow
- Exhibits
- Irons in the Fire
- Hay-Fever
- Anthony's Busy Day
- Revelation and the Sparrow
- By the Owl's Commissioner
- Enter Fairy Godmother