The Penrose Mystery by R. Austin Freeman

The Penrose Mystery follows a detective as he investigates the enigmatic disappearance of a collector, revealing hidden secrets, a burglary, and a link to stolen jewels. As the investigation unfolds, the detective uncovers deeper connections that challenge his understanding of the case.

By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1926 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller · 21 chapters · 97,344 words

First lines

I have been asked to make my contribution to the curious history of the disappearance of Mr. Daniel Penrose, and I accordingly do so; but not without reluctance and a feeling that my contribution is but a retailing of the smallest of small beer. For the truth is that of that strange disappearance I knew nothing at the time, and, even now, my knowledge is limited to what I have learned from those who were directly concerned in the investigation. Still, I am assured that the little that I have to tell will elucidate the accounts which the investigators will presently render of the affair, and I shall, therefore, with the above disclaimer, proceed with my somewhat trivial narrative.

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What this Textopian page supports

The Penrose Mystery is listed on Textopian as a novel by R. Austin Freeman, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Literary Fiction
• Length: 97,344 words
• Structure: 21 chapters, 1,597 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Penrose Mystery 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

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Genres

• Mystery — The central plot revolves around solving a complex mystery, typical of the genre.
• Detective Fiction — Features a detective character who investigates the case, aligning with detective fiction conventions.
• Thriller — Contains suspenseful elements that keep readers engaged and on edge.
• Crime — Involves criminal activities and the investigation surrounding them.

Tags

mystery · detective · crime · R. Austin Freeman · fiction · whodunit · investigation · suspense · literature · 20th century · British · logical reasoning

Contents

• A Gossipy Chapter in which Coming Events Cast their Shadows before Them
• Aladdin's Cave
• Exit Mr. Penrose
• The Burglary at Queen Square
• Mr. Brodribb Propounds a Problem
• Thorndkye Examines the Relics
• A Visit of Inspection
• Mr. Horridge
• Thorndyke Tests a Theory
• Introduces Mr. Crabbe
• Re-Enter Mr. Kickweed
• Mr. Elmhurst
• The Track of the Fugitive
• Julliberrie's Grave
• What Befell at the Wool-Pack
• Mr. Kickweed Surprises the Coroner
• Thorndyke Retraces the Trail
• The Opening of the Safe
• Thorndyke's Dilemma
• The Dilemma Resolved
• Afterthoughts

More by R. Austin Freeman

• The D'Arblay Mystery (1926)
• The Mystery of Angelina Frood (1924)
• Dr Thorndyke Intervenes (1933)
• Pontifex, Son And Thorndyke (1931)
• The Eye of Osiris (1911)
• For the Defence, Dr. Thorndyke (1926)
• A Silent Witness (1914)
• A Certain Dr Thorndyke (1926)
• All works by R. Austin Freeman