The Opal Serpent

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24769

Title

The Opal Serpent

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Victorian London, this mystery thriller follows Paul Beecot, a struggling writer who returns to his family home after being run over by a motor car. As he recovers, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets involving a stolen brooch, a murdered shopkeeper, and a wealthy heiress. Blending social commentary with suspense, the novel explores themes of class, family duty, and the hidden dangers lurking beneath polite society.

Summary up to 500 words

In Fergus Hume's *The Opal Serpent*, Paul Beecot, the son of a tyrannical country squire, leaves his restrictive home in Essex to pursue a career as a writer in London. His journey begins with a dramatic accident: while visiting an old school friend, Grexon Hay, Paul is knocked down by a motor car. He is hospitalized and cared for by his fiancée, Sylvia, and her maid, Deborah. During his recovery, Paul investigates the mysterious death of Sylvia's guardian, Aaron Norman, and the theft of a valuable brooch. The investigation, aided by the detective Hurd, uncovers a complex web of bigamy, murder, and the manipulation of a wealthy inheritance. The plot reveals that Sylvia's stepmother, Mrs. Krill, had committed bigamy, and her daughter, Maud, was involved in the murder of Lady Rachel. A young accomplice, Tray, and the shady lawyer Pash are also exposed as part of a criminal network. Ultimately, justice is served: the criminal elements are dealt with, and Sylvia is restored to her rightful fortune as the legal heiress to her grandmother's estate. The novel concludes with a heartwarming reconciliation between Paul and his father, who admits his past harshness, and Paul and Sylvia plan their marriage, having survived trials of poverty, danger, and moral corruption. The story explores themes of class prejudice, the resilience of the human spirit, and the triumph of truth over deception.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24769.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg24769.epub

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2026-07-04 05:47 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Mystery