As a Thief in the Night
As a Thief in the Night follows an investigation into a mysterious death that uncovers arsenic poisoning, leading to rising suspicions among household members and complicating their relationships. The story intricately weaves themes of trust and betrayal as the truth unfolds.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1913 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller · 18 chapters · 102,737 words
First lines
Looking back on events by the light of experience I perceive clearly that the thunder-cloud which burst on me and on those who were dear to me had not gathered unseen. It is true that it had rolled up swiftly; that the premonitory mutterings, now so distinct but then so faint and insignificant, gave but a brief warning. But that was of little consequence, since whatever warnings there were passed unheeded, as warnings commonly do, being susceptible of interpretation only by means of the subsequent events which they foreshadowed.
What this Textopian page supports
As a Thief in the Night is listed on Textopian as a novel by R. Austin Freeman, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: R. Austin Freeman
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 102,737 words
- Structure: 18 chapters, 1,646 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for As a Thief in the Night by R. Austin Freeman
- 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 As a Thief in the Night?
- How does this novel by R. Austin Freeman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Jacob Street Mystery by R. Austin Freeman
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- The Man With The Nailed Shoes by R. Austin Freeman
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a crime and the investigation to uncover the truth.
- Detective Fiction — Features a detective character who solves the mystery, typical of the genre.
- Thriller — Contains suspenseful elements and tension throughout the narrative.
- Crime Fiction — Focuses on criminal acts and their implications within the story.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · thriller · suspense · fiction · R. Austin Freeman · early 20th century · whodunit · investigation · literary · British literature
Contents
- The Invalid
- Barbara Monkhouse Comes Home
- A Shock for the Mourners
- "how, when and where -- "
- Madeline's Ordeal
- The Verdict
- The Search Warrant
- Thorndyke Speaks Bluntly
- Superintendent Miller is Puzzled
- A Greek Gift
- The Rivals
- Thorndyke Challenges the Evidence
- Rupert Makes some Discoveries
- Rupert Confides in Thorndyke
- A Pursuit and a Discovery
- Barbara's Message
- Thorndyke Retraces the Trail
- The Final Proof