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Fiction Literary

The Girl Behind the Keys

by (author) Tom Gallon

edited by Arlene Young

Publisher
Broadview Press
Initial publish date
Dec 2005
Category
Literary
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781551114736
    Publish Date
    Dec 2005
    List Price
    $24.25

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Description

“As the door was thrust open, I heard, as in a dream, the voice of Neal Larrard—calm and cool as ever—dictating to me; mechanically, my fingers touched the keys, and I began to type. While I did so, I felt that fearful dead thing pressing against my knees, and felt also the muzzle of the revolver hard against my side.”

First published in 1903, The Girl Behind the Keys is a delightful example of early detective fiction in which Bella Thorn, a savvy young typist, foils the nefarious plans of her employer, a confidence man who exploits the hopes and fears infusing the popular imagination. As Arlene Young’s critical introduction demonstrates, the story unites many of the cultural and literary motifs marking the dawn of the twentieth century, when the Victorian era was giving way to modernity.

About the authors

Tom Gallon's profile page

Arlene Young is professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba.

Arlene Young's profile page

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