Felo De Se? by R. Austin Freeman

Name: Felo De Se?
Author: R. Austin Freeman

The narrative follows the life and mysterious death of a man named John Gillum, whose body is discovered in his chambers at Clifford's Inn. The story is recounted by Robert Mortimer, a bank cashier who becomes entangled in the investigation surrounding Gillum's demise. The tale begins with Mortimer's chance encounter with Gillum after he discovers a dead man in a churchyard, leading to a dinner invitation that sparks a friendship. As Mortimer learns more about Gillum, he discovers that Gillum has been living a double life, indulging in gambling and possibly being blackmailed. Gillum's financial habits are erratic; he frequently withdraws large sums of cash, often requesting old notes, which raises suspicions of illicit activities. Mortimer's observations of Gillum's character reveal a man who is intelligent yet reckless, seemingly trapped in a cycle of gambling and financial ruin. The plot thickens when Gillum's cousin, Arthur Benson, arrives from Australia, concerned about Gillum's absence. Benson reveals that Gillum had been blackmailed, and the inquest into Gillum's death suggests suicide, but the circumstances surrounding it are suspicious. The coroner's inquiry uncovers evidence of morphine poisoning, and the presence of blackmail letters indicates that Gillum was under significant pressure. As the investigation unfolds, Mortimer and Benson piece together Gillum's last days, leading to the conclusion that Gillum's suicide may have been driven by the stress of financial ruin and blackmail. The narrative explores themes of desperation, the consequences of gambling, and the complexities of human behavior in the face of overwhelming odds. Ultimately, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gambling and the potential for blackmail, leaving readers to ponder the tragic fate of a man who, despite his intelligence and charm, succumbed to the darker aspects of life. The investigation into Gillum's death raises questions about morality, responsibility, and the lengths to which individuals will go to escape their circumstances.

By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1927 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime · 20 chapters · 104,786 words

First lines

THERE IS SOMETHING ALMOST uncanny in the transformation which falls upon the City of London when all the offices are closed and their denizens have departed to their suburban homes. Throughout the working hours of the working days, the streets resound with the roar of traffic and the pavements are packed with a seething, hurrying multitude. But when the evening closes in, a strange quiet descends upon the streets, and the silent, deserted by-ways take on the semblance of thoroughfares in some city of the dead.

What this Textopian page supports

Felo De Se? is listed on Textopian as a novel by R. Austin Freeman, dated 1927 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: 1927 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Literary Fiction
Length: 104,786 words
Structure: 20 chapters, 1,537 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a complex investigation into a suspicious death, typical of the mystery genre.
Detective Fiction — Features a detective character who solves the case, aligning with the conventions of detective fiction.
Crime — Involves themes of crime and moral ambiguity, central to the narrative.
Thriller — Contains suspenseful elements that keep readers engaged and on edge.