It could indicate the headline news. In crosswords, 'top story' is often used to represent the most important news item that would be on the front page and at the top of the newspaper layout.
It might also stand for the best - known or most significant story within a collection. For example, in a crossword about fairy tales, the 'top story' could be Cinderella or Snow White, as they are very popular and well - known stories among the collection of fairy tales.
Perhaps it refers to the uppermost part of a building's story in an architectural context. For example, if there are five floors in a building, the fifth floor can be considered the 'top story'. In crosswords with a mix of different topics, this dual - meaning can be used to create an interesting clue.
It might also mean the highest level or floor in a building in some cases. Say, in a crossword that has a lot of architecture - related words. If the clue is something like 'Top Story in a Skyscraper', then it's about the topmost floor.
Suppose the crossword clue in the 'Enigmatic Puzzle' story is 'A building where people pray'. There are many possible answers such as 'church', 'mosque' or 'temple'. It depends on the context of the crossword. If it's a crossword with a more Western - centric theme, 'church' might be more likely. If it's more general or global, all three could be valid answers. You need to look at other intersecting words in the crossword to be more certain.
I'm not sure what the specific crossword clue is in this 'Mysterious Word' story. But generally, you should look for hints like the length of the word, whether it's a noun, verb etc. If it's a clue related to a specific theme, for example, if it's a travel - themed crossword and the clue is 'A place with a lot of sand by the sea', the answer could be 'beach'.
The novel by Rousseau that might be the answer to this crossword clue could be 'Emile, or On Education'. It's a significant work that contains his ideas on education and human nature. Rousseau was a very influential philosopher, and his novels often carried his philosophical thoughts. 'Emile' was written in a way to illustrate his ideas about how a person should be educated from childhood to adulthood, and it was quite revolutionary for its time.
Tom Joad. He is from 'The Grapes of Wrath' which was published in 1939. The story follows the Joad family's journey during the Great Depression.
One of the most famous Nabokov novels is 'Lolita'. It's a controversial yet highly regarded work that tells the story of Humbert Humbert's obsession with a young girl. The novel is known for its complex narrative structure and Nabokov's masterful use of language.
It could be 'novella'. A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel, which might fit this crossword clue.
It could be 'yarn'. A yarn is often used to refer to a long, rambling, and perhaps even fictional story.
Another option could be 'parable'. Parables are short stories that convey a religious or moral lesson. While they are generally short, some parables can be more elaborate and thus considered a 'long short story' in relation to the crossword clue. Parables are found in many religious and cultural traditions, like in the Bible for example, and their length and complexity can differ.