The Surgeon of Gaster Fell

In a remote village called Kirkby-Malhouse, James Upperton seeks solitude for his studies. He discovers a dilapidated cottage on Gaster Fell, which he decides to inhabit. Shortly before moving, he learns of a new lodger, Eva Cameron, a beautiful and mysterious woman who has recently arrived from France. Upperton is intrigued by her grace and troubled demeanor, sensing a deeper story behind her presence. Eva's restlessness leads her to wander the moors at night, raising Upperton's curiosity and concern. Their interactions reveal her artistic spirit and a sense of melancholy. She expresses a desire to remain independent, hinting at a troubled past that prevents her from pursuing a conventional life, including marriage. After moving to Gaster Fell, Upperton encounters a local surgeon who warns him to keep his door bolted, suggesting danger in the area. This man, who lives nearby, exhibits strange behavior and has a mysterious relationship with an elderly companion. Upperton's curiosity about the surgeon and his companion grows, leading him to observe their interactions, which are marked by violence and secrecy. One night, Upperton experiences a terrifying encounter when a shadowy figure attempts to enter his cottage. The figure flees when another man arrives, revealing a tense and dangerous dynamic between the two. Upperton learns that the surgeon's companion is a man with a troubled past, and their relationship is fraught with tension. As Upperton investigates further, he discovers evidence of a struggle at the surgeon's cottage, including signs of a violent altercation. He finds a blood-stained sheet with initials that connect to Eva, deepening the mystery surrounding her. Upperton's concern for her safety grows, especially after he witnesses the surgeon's erratic behavior. The narrative culminates in a letter from Eva's brother, revealing that their father suffers from intermittent insanity, which has led to violent outbursts. This explanation sheds light on the strange occurrences and the surgeon's protective yet dangerous nature. The story intertwines themes of isolation, the search for understanding, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of the desolate moors. Upperton's quest for peace is disrupted by the haunting presence of Eva and the dark secrets of those around him, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the realities of madness and the bonds of family.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1913 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Gothic Fiction · 11,126 words

First lines

I. HOW THE WOMAN CAME TO KIRKBY-MALHOUSE

Bleak and wind-swept is the little town of Kirkby-Malhouse, harsh and forbidding are the fells upon which it stands. It stretches in a single line of grey-stone, slate-roofed houses, dotted down the furze-clad slope of the rolling moor.

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The Surgeon of Gaster Fell is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1913 CE.

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• Work type: Novel
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1913 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Gothic Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Romance
• Length: 11,126 words
• Structure: 1 section, 122 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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• What should a reader notice first when entering The Surgeon of Gaster Fell?
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Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around mysterious events and characters, particularly the surgeon and the strange occurrences on Gaster Fell.
• Thriller — The narrative includes suspenseful elements, danger, and a sense of impending threat, particularly surrounding the surgeon's actions.
• Gothic Fiction — The setting features dark, isolated landscapes and themes of madness, creating a gothic atmosphere.
• Psychological Fiction — The story explores the mental states of characters, particularly the surgeon's psychological issues and the impact on others.

Tags

mystery · surgery · crime · detective · suspense · thriller · Gaster Fell · investigation · medical · 19th century · England · murder

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