The Footsteps at the Lock

Name: The Footsteps at the Lock
Author: Ronald A. Knox

The narrative revolves around the mysterious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Derek Burtell, a young man with a troubled past, and the implications of his inheritance. The story begins with the will of Sir John Burtell, which leaves a significant sum to his grandson Derek, with conditions that complicate the inheritance. Derek and his cousin Nigel, both of whom have a strained relationship, are the central figures in this unfolding drama. As the plot progresses, Derek embarks on a canoe trip with Nigel, but their journey takes a dark turn when Derek goes missing. The narrative explores the dynamics between the two cousins, revealing their contrasting personalities and the tensions that exist due to their family history and personal choices. Derek is portrayed as a reckless individual, while Nigel is depicted as more introspective and affected by the disillusionment of post-war society. The investigation into Derek's disappearance is led by various characters, including police officers and amateur detectives, who piece together clues from the riverbanks and the surrounding areas. The story delves into themes of greed, betrayal, and the lengths individuals will go to secure their fortunes. As the search intensifies, suspicions arise regarding Nigel's potential involvement in Derek's fate, especially given the financial motivations tied to their family legacy. Throughout the narrative, the river serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life and the hidden depths of human relationships. The characters grapple with their pasts and the consequences of their actions, leading to a climax that reveals the truth behind Derek's disappearance and the intricate web of deceit that surrounds the Burtell family. Ultimately, the story culminates in a resolution that addresses the questions of identity, morality, and the impact of familial ties, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of human nature and the often murky waters of inheritance and legacy.

By Ronald A. Knox · First published 1928 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime · 25 chapters · 79,077 words

First lines

It is an undeniable but a mystifying fact of natural ethics that a man has the right to dispose of his own property at death. They can do him no good now, those ancestral acres, those hard-won thousands, nor may any of the trees he planted, save the grim cypress, follow their ephemeral master; yet before the partnership of hand and mind is altogether dissolved, a brief flourish at the tail of a will may endow a pauper or disinherit a spendthrift, may be frittered away in the service of a hundred useless or eccentric ends. No good to him -- at least, there was once a theory that a man might be happier in the after state for the use of his means here, but we have abolished all that long since; no good to him, but much to expectant nephews and nieces, much to lifeboat funds and cats' homes, much to the Exchequer, wilting for lack of death-duties. Of all this he is the arbiter. Yet we have it on the authority of all the copybooks that money does far more harm in the world than good; why, then, do we leave the direction of that harm to the one man who, ex hypothesi, will be out of the way when it happens? Why let the testator arrange for the unworthy squandering of his property, when he is to have no tenure in it henceforward except the inalienable grave?

What this Textopian page supports

The Footsteps at the Lock is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ronald A. Knox, dated 1928 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Ronald A. Knox
Date: 1928 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Literary Fiction
Length: 79,077 words
Structure: 25 chapters, 948 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a crime or puzzle that needs to be solved, typical of the mystery genre.
Detective Fiction — The narrative likely involves a detective or amateur sleuth investigating a case, aligning with detective fiction conventions.
Crime — The themes include criminal activity and its consequences, which are central to the crime genre.
Thriller — The story may contain suspenseful elements that keep readers engaged, characteristic of thrillers.