The Beetle-Hunter

A young medical graduate, struggling to find his place in the world, discovers an intriguing advertisement seeking a medical man with specific qualifications, including expertise in entomology, particularly beetles. Desperate for work, he applies and is soon summoned by Lord Linchmere, who reveals that he needs assistance regarding his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Rossiter, a renowned entomologist. Upon meeting Lord Linchmere, the protagonist learns that Sir Thomas has a history of violent outbursts linked to a hereditary insanity. The urgency of the situation becomes apparent when Linchmere expresses his fear of a potential attack from Sir Thomas, who has recently shown signs of impending madness. The protagonist is enlisted to accompany Linchmere to Delamere Court, where Sir Thomas resides, under the pretense of sharing a mutual interest in beetles. As they arrive at the estate, the protagonist observes the strained relationship between Linchmere and Rossiter, marked by tension and unspoken fears. Sir Thomas, initially cordial, becomes increasingly agitated, revealing his deep-seated paranoia and eccentricities. The protagonist is drawn into the world of beetle collecting, which serves as a façade for the underlying turmoil. That night, Linchmere insists that the protagonist stay in his room to guard against a possible attack. The protagonist finds this request odd but complies, motivated by the lucrative pay. As the night unfolds, the tension escalates, culminating in a violent confrontation when Sir Thomas, in a frenzied state, attempts to attack Linchmere. The protagonist intervenes, and with the help of the household staff, they subdue Sir Thomas, revealing his dangerous insanity. In the aftermath, Linchmere explains the situation to the protagonist, detailing the family’s efforts to manage Sir Thomas’s condition without causing a scandal. The protagonist learns that his role was crucial in ensuring Sir Thomas received the help he needed, and he agrees to sign the necessary papers to have Sir Thomas committed for treatment. The experience not only solidifies the protagonist's career but also establishes lasting connections with Linchmere and Lady Rossiter, who express their gratitude for his assistance. The story concludes with the protagonist reflecting on the bizarre events and the complexities of human nature, particularly the thin line between sanity and madness.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1910 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure · 8,512 words

First lines

A curious experience? said the Doctor. Yes, my friends, I have had one very curious experience. I never expect to have another, for it is against all doctrines of chances that two such events would befall any one man in a single lifetime. You may believe me or not, but the thing happened exactly as I tell it.

What this Textopian page supports

The Beetle-Hunter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1910 CE.

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

• Work type: Short story
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1910 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure, Psychological, Literary Fiction
• Length: 8,512 words
• Structure: 1 section, 147 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Beetle-Hunter 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 The Beetle-Hunter?
• How does this short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

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• What Was It A Mystery by Fitz James Obrien
• The Terror Of Blue John Gap by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Thing In The Upper Room by Arthur Morrison
• The Phantom Rickshaw by Rudyard Kipling
• My Own True Ghost Story by Rudyard Kipling

Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around a mysterious situation involving a medical man and a potential threat, leading to suspenseful developments.
• Thriller — The narrative includes elements of danger and tension, particularly during the climactic confrontation.
• Adventure — The protagonist embarks on an unexpected journey that involves exploration and the unknown.
• Psychological — The story delves into themes of mental illness and the psychological states of the characters, particularly Sir Thomas.

Tags

adventure · mystery · thriller · horror · supernatural · detective · suspense · Victorian · entomology · science · creature · exploration

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