B. 24 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a man wrongfully convicted of murder, who insists on his innocence while recounting the events leading to his imprisonment. He describes his life as a desperate mechanic, struggling to find work after a previous conviction. One night, while staying at an inn, he learns about the wealth of Lord Mannering, particularly a valuable collection of gold medals. Tempted by the prospect of theft, he decides to break into Mannering Hall. Upon entering the house, he encounters Lady Mannering, who surprisingly welcomes him and reveals her hatred for her husband. She offers to assist him in robbing her own home, driven by her desire for revenge against Lord Mannering. As they plot, the tension escalates, revealing the complex dynamics of their relationship. The lady's manipulation becomes evident as she encourages him to confront her husband, suggesting that there is a tin box of money under the old man's bed. When Lord Mannering unexpectedly appears, a confrontation ensues. The protagonist witnesses a violent altercation between the couple, culminating in Lady Mannering stabbing her husband. In the chaos, he is horrified but also compelled to flee with the medals she had encouraged him to take. As he escapes, Lady Mannering screams for help, framing him as the murderer. Captured by the authorities, he desperately tries to assert his innocence, claiming that Lady Mannering is the true culprit. However, her performance convinces everyone of his guilt, and he is imprisoned. The story concludes with his plea for justice, urging the reader to investigate Lady Mannering's past and the circumstances surrounding the murder, emphasizing the themes of manipulation, betrayal, and the quest for truth amidst a miscarriage of justice.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1924 · Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller · 8,516 words

First lines

I told my story when I was taken, and no one would listen to me. Then I told it again at the trial -- the whole thing absolutely as it happened, without so much as a word added. I set it all out truly, so help me God, all that Lady Mannering said and did, and then all that I had said and done, just as it occurred. And what did I get for it? "The prisoner put forward a rambling and inconsequential statement, incredible in its details, and unsupported by any shred of corroborative evidence. " That was what one of the London papers said, and others let it pass as if I had made no defence at all. And yet, with my own eyes I saw Lord Mannering murdered, and I am as guiltless of it as any man on the jury that tried me.

What this Textopian page supports

B. 24 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1924 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1924 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Drama, Historical Fiction
• Length: 8,516 words
• Structure: 1 section, 110 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for B. 24 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• 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 B. 24?
• How does this novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

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Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder and the protagonist's quest to prove his innocence, typical of mystery narratives.
• Crime — The story involves criminal activities, including burglary and murder, central to the narrative.
• Thriller — The tension and suspense surrounding the murder and the protagonist's predicament create a thrilling atmosphere.
• Drama — The emotional conflicts and character interactions, particularly between the protagonist and Lady Mannering, highlight dramatic themes.

Tags

mystery · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · investigation · London · 19th century · literature · short story · plot twist · character study

More by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

• The Parish Magazine (1914)
• The Great Brown-Pericord Motor (1914)
• The Holocaust of Manor Place (1901)
• The Debatable Case of Mrs. Emsley (1901)
• The Love Affair of George Vincent Parker (1901)
• The Disintegration Machine (1927)
• The Bully of Brocas Court (1914)
• The Brown Hand (1914)
• All works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle