The Case of Mr Lucraft
Mr Lucraft is a wealthy Londoner who has recently inherited a large fortune. He is a bachelor and lives a life of luxury, but he is also a man of mystery. He has no known family or friends, and no one knows where he came from or how he acquired his wealth. One day, a mysterious stranger arrives at Mr Lucraft's house and claims to be his long-lost brother. The stranger, who calls himself Mr John Lucraft, claims to have been separated from his brother at a young age and has been searching for him ever since. Mr Lucraft is initially skeptical of the stranger's claims, but eventually agrees to meet with him. During their meeting, Mr John Lucraft reveals that he is in possession of a document that proves his identity. He also reveals that he is in possession of a large sum of money that was left to him by their father. Mr Lucraft is now faced with a dilemma. Should he accept his brother's claims and accept the money, or should he reject them and keep his fortune? The case of Mr Lucraft is a classic mystery novel that follows the twists and turns of the investigation into the identity of the mysterious stranger. Along the way, the reader is introduced to a variety of characters, including a detective, a lawyer, and a host of other colorful characters. In the end, the truth is revealed and justice is served.
By Walter Besant · First published 1876 · Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction · 20,840 words
First lines
[Attributed to Walter Besant and James Rice.]
I HAVE more than once told the story of the only remarkable thing which ever happened to me in the course of a longish life, but as no one ever believed me, I left off telling it. I wish, therefore, to leave behind me a truthful record, in which everything shall be set down, as near as I can remember it, just as it happened. I am sure I need not add a single fact. The more I consider the story, the more I realise to myself my wonderful escape and the frightful consequences which a providential accident averted from my head, the more reason I feel to be grateful and humble.
What this Textopian page supports
The Case of Mr Lucraft is listed on Textopian as a novel by Walter Besant, dated 1876 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Walter Besant
- Date: 1876 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
- Length: 20,840 words
- Structure: 1 section, 427 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Case of Mr Lucraft by Walter Besant
- 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 Case of Mr Lucraft?
- How does this novel by Walter Besant fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mystery — The title of the book implies a mystery, as it is a 'case' that needs to be solved.
- Crime Fiction — The title of the book implies a crime has been committed, and the story will involve solving it.
- Historical Fiction — Walter Besant was a historical novelist, so this book is likely to contain elements of historical fiction.
- Romance — Walter Besant was known for writing romantic fiction, so this book may contain elements of romance.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · investigation · suspense · thriller · 19th century · London · fiction · literature · plot twist · character development