A Mystery

The narrative focuses on the extraordinary predicament of the Civil Councillor Navagin. For the past thirteen years he has striven in vain to uncover the undisclosed identity of a certain Fedyukov. His signature mysteriously appears in every single document that leaves Navagin's office. Navagin is perplexed and out of his wits.

Ironically enough, the time comes when the Councillor decides to follow his superstitious wife's advice to seek arcane knowledge from a spiritual medium. What follows is a hilarious lesson about the consequences of deciding one is above ordinary explanations for extraordinary events.

An entertaining and memorable read, 'A Mystery' is highly recommended for fans of the much-loved 1979 satirical comedy movie 'Monty Python's Life of Brian' starring John Cleese, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Graham Chapman. It makes for an excellent addition to any Chekhov and O.Henry reader's bookshelf.