Dean Dunham; Or, the Waterford Mystery

"Dean Dunham; Or, the Waterford Mystery" by Horatio Alger, Jr. is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Adin Dunham, a simple carpenter, who unexpectedly receives a thousand dollars for a piece of land he inherited, only to be robbed shortly after. The narrative also introduces Dean Dunham, Adin's nephew, who becomes pivotal in unraveling the mystery surrounding the theft, especially as suspicions arise concerning the enigmatic Squire Bates. The opening of the book sets the stage by showcasing Adin Dunham's anticipation of receiving his money, a sum that symbolizes not just wealth, but hope for a better future. Through the dialogue between Adin and his wife, Sarah, we see their characterization and the dynamics of their household. As Adin prepares for his trip to Rockmount, hints of danger and foreshadowing are introduced when his wife and lawyer warn him about potential robbers. After Adin's robbery, Dean, who deeply respects his uncle, begins to investigate the incident and uncovers clues that lead him to suspect the local lawyer Squire Bates—a man with questionable morals. The initial chapters create a blend of domestic life and emerging intrigue, suggesting that Dean is on the brink of a significant adventure to seek justice and rectify the wrong done to his beloved uncle. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Horatio Alger Jr. was an American author who wrote young adult novels about impoverished boys and their rise from humble backgrounds to middle-class security and comfort through good works. His writings were characterized by the "rags-to-riches" narrative, which had a formative effect on the United States from 1868 through to his death in 1899.