The Red Thumb Mark
Part 1 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Before Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan and Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta, there was Dr. Thorndyke, the first ever fictional forensic scientist. The only evidence against young Reuben Hornby in a jewel theft is his thumb print smeared in blood. It is enough to convict him of the crime until physician Dr. John Thorndyke dares to ask-and answer-the question, "Can a fingerprint be forged?" The first detective novel to engage in scientific technology, The Red Thumb Mark has become a classic for its use of real science and its introduction to the genre's very first and greatest forensic scientist, Dr. Thorndyke. Described by Otto Penzler as "the greatest medico-legal detective of all time," the tall, athletic, and handsome Dr. Thorndyke approaches crime solving firmly grounded in the disciplines and logic of medical science, making inferences from data collected at the scene of the crime instead of basing the investigation on the suspects' motivations. First published in 1907, R. Austin Freeman's tale set the stage for the forensic science detective novel we are so familiar with today, and it remains one of the greatest and most memorable of the genre. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction-novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
The Red Thumb Mark
Part 1 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
The Red Thumb Mark is the novel that introduces to the world one of the greatest "scientific" detectives in all literature: Dr. John Thorndyke. It is rightly regarded as one of the all-time classics in mystery fiction. Raymond Chandler, for example, who typically hated British detective fiction for its consistent implausibilities, found Austin Freeman's work and The Red Thumb Mark highly entertaining and readable. The novel concerns Thorndyke's attempts to clear the name of a young man accused of stealing diamonds from a safe. A thumb mark (finger print) near the scene of the crime is the only evidence against the young man, but it is decidedly damning. Add a little romance, a sinister villain lurking in the background, and you have the ingredients that make up this story. I found the work to be wonderfully exciting. Watching Thorndyke break down the evidence against the young man is a fascinating experience. Though a person could argue that too much detail is given to the "science" aspect, you have to understand that these scenes are the backbone of this type of detective story.
The Red Thumb Mark
Part 1 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
The clever and thrilling debut of literature's first forensic detective In all of London, there are few who know more about science than Dr. John Thorndyke, and fewer still who know more about crime. A "medical jurispractitioner" equally at home in the lab or the courtroom, he has made his name confronting the deadliest criminals in England with irrefutable proof of their guilt. In the case of the red thumb mark, however, Thorndyke must set his singular mind to saving an innocent man. A cache of diamonds has been stolen out of a shipping firm's safe, and the only evidence is a perfect thumbprint left in a pool of blood. The print is a match to Reuben Hornby, nephew of the firm's owner. Hornby insists that he had nothing to do with the theft, however, and asks Dr. Thorndyke to find the real culprit. With all the evidence pointing in one direction, only he is brilliant enough to look the other way. This ebook features a new introduction by Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Red Thumb Mark
Part 1 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1907 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Red Thumb Mark' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
John Thorndyke's Cases
Part 2 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1909 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'John Thorndyke's Cases' is a collection of Freeman's stories of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
John Thorndyke's Cases
Part 2 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
The stories in this collection, inasmuch as they constitute a somewhat new departure in this class of literature, require a few words of introduction. The primary function of all fiction is to furnish entertainment to the reader, and this fact has not been lost sight of. But the interest of so-called "detective" fiction is, I believe, greatly enhanced by a careful adherence to the probable, and a strict avoidance of physical impossibilities; and, in accordance with this belief, I have been scrupulous in confining myself to authentic facts and practicable methods. The stories have, for the most part, a medico-legal motive, and the methods of solution described in them are similar to those employed in actual practice by medical jurists. The stories illustrate, in fact, the application to the detection of crime of the ordinary methods of scientific research. I may add that the experiments described have in all cases been performed by me, and that the micro-photographs are, of course, from the actual specimens.
John Thorndyke's Cases
Part 2 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Visiting a lonely hamlet perched on a cliff above the English coast, forensic detective Dr. John Thorndyke goes for a walk on the long, deserted beach. In the sand he finds two sets of footprints, made some hours apart. They lead to a crime scene. A man has been found stabbed through the heart, his body thrown from the cliffs above. The local police are on the hunt for clues, but Thorndyke is certain the killer's identity can be determined from the footprints in the sand. With the tide coming in, he has only a few hours to catch his man. Packed with clever tales of crime and science, John Thorndyke's Cases is an indispensible entry in one of the mystery genre's most popular and influential series. This ebook features a new introduction by Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Vanishing Man
A Detective Romance
Part 3 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
An ingenious and entertaining detective romance. (Published in the U.K. as The Eye of Osiris.)
The Eye of Osiris
Part 3 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1911 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Eye of Osiris' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
The Eye of Osiris
Part 3 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
An Egyptian mystery/thriller, also published under the title The Vanishing Man.
The Eye of Osiris
Part 3 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
To find a missing archaeologist, Dr. Thorndyke digs for a body After the great success of his latest expedition, the brilliant archaeologist John Bellingham returns from the sandy tombs of Egypt with enough ancient treasures to fill a wing at the British Museum. He visits a friend for dinner and is told to wait in the study. When the friend arrives, he finds the study empty; Bellingham has vanished into thin air. When Bellingham does not reappear, the police assume he has met with some fatal accident. Because his will cannot be discharged until the time and place of his death are known, Bellingham's family calls on the eminent Dr. Thorndyke, whose mastery of the medical arts is second only to his brilliance for crime solving. As he searches for the true reason for Bellingham's disappearance, Thorndyke discovers a mystery as deep as any pharaoh's tomb. This ebook features a new introduction by Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Mystery of 31 New Inn
Part 4 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1912 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Mystery of 31 New Inn' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
The Mystery of 31 New Inn
Part 4 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
A fascinating installment in R. Austin Freeman's classic mystery series featuring forensic detective Dr. John Thorndyke A man falls gravely ill, but is reluctant to call a doctor. As his condition worsens, he is eventually forced to seek medical aid-but he does so only under the condition that the physician does not learn his identity or address. Dr. Jervis is therefore transported to the man's home in a 4-wheeled cab with tightly closed shutters. When he arrives, the doctor finds that the patient-who has been introduced with a pseudonym-exhibits all of the signs of morphine poisoning. But the sick man's caretaker assures Jervis that this is outside the realm of possibility. Knowing neither the patient's real name nor where he lives, Jervis feels both helpless and puzzled, so he consults his friend Dr. John Thorndyke. Versed in the nuances of medicine and law, Thorndyke is the only person who can solve this cryptic case. The Mystery of 31 New Inn is the 4th book in the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. This ebook features a new introduction from Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Mystery of 31 New Inn
Part 4 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
The fact that Jeffrey Blackmore made two wills, seemingly alike yet cunningly different, caused John Thorndyke, master mind, to suspect a tragedy. With the logic and cool analysis of a lawyer and scientist he works out and proves his theory in the most startling manner, bringing the work to an amazing but thoroughly logical conclusion.
The Singing Bone
Part 5 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
A remarkable collection of mysteries starring the brilliant Dr. Thorndyke Silas has diamonds in the heel of his shoe. He is a thief, but until the night he meets Oscar Brodski on the footpath near his house, he has never considered murder. A diamond dealer, Brodski's pockets bulge with more precious stones than Silas has ever dreamed of, and they will be his with one swift, violent act. Silas does the deed and arranges the diamond dealer's body to make the death look accidental. He has provided for every contingency-except for the arrival of a doctor named Thorndyke. In this collection of stories, the reader knows the killer's identity long before the ingenious medical detective enters the scene. These are brilliant early examples of open mysteries, in which the question is not whodunit-but how will he get caught? This ebook features a new introduction by Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Singing Bone
Part 5 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1912 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Singing Bone' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
The Singing Bone
Part 5 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
The Case of Oscar Brodski A Case of Premeditation The Echo of a Mutiny A Wastrel's Romance The Old Lag
A Silent Witness
Part 6 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
On a wet and windy silent night in the sleeping city of London, the body of a man is found sprawled across Millfield Lane. So begins the puzzle of an intriguing stranger in this enchanting Dr. Thorndyke mystery.
A Silent Witness
Part 6 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1914 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'A Silent Witness' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
A Silent Witness
Part 6 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Two men of science collaborate to solve a mystifying crime in this thrilling installment in the first mystery series to feature a forensic detective Late one evening, Dr. Humphrey Jardine is strolling along Millfield Lane in Hampstead Heath, London, when he is shocked to find a corpse lying in the middle of the road. Jardine hurries off to find a police officer, but by the time he returns, the body is gone. Jardine is sure of what he saw, but the cop doubts his story. Taking it upon himself to investigate, Jardine uncovers some puzzling clues. He'll need the help of Dr. John Thorndyke to solve this bewildering case. A Silent Witness is the 6th book in the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. This ebook features a new introduction from Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Great Portrait Mystery
And Other Stories
Part 7 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1918 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Great Portrait Mystery' is one of Freeman's short stories of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke - a medico-legal forensic investigator - was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
Helen Vardon's Confession
Part 8 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Helen Vardon finds herself in a predicament after overhearing her father and a man named Otway arguing about funds that have gone missing from a trust. Believing that it's the only way to save her father from going to prison, Helen agrees to marry Otway, who's many years her senior. But their matrimony precipitates a series of events that culminates with Helen being suspected of murder. The only man who can crack this quandary is Dr. John Thorndyke-expert in both forensics and strange cases. Helen Vardon's Confession is the 8th book in the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. This ebook features a new introduction from Otto Penzler and has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
Helen Vardon's Confession
Part 8 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1922 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'Helen Vardon's Confession' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
Helen Vardon's Confession
Part 8 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Through the open door of a library, Helen Vardon hears an argument that changes her life forever. Helen's father and a man called Otway argue over missing funds in a trust one night. Otway proposes a marriage between him and Helen in exchange for his cooperation and silence. What transpires is a captivating tale of blackmail, fraud and death. Dr. Thorndyke is left to piece together the clues in this enticing mystery.
The Cat's Eye
Part 9 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1923 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Cat's Eye' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
The Mystery of the Angelina Frood
Part 11 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
A beautiful young woman is in shock. She calls John Strangeways, a medical lawyer who must piece together the strange disparate facts of her case and in turn, becomes fearful for his life. Only Dr. Thorndyke, a master of detection, may be able to solve the baffling mystery of Angelina Frood.
The D'Arblay Mystery
Part 13 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1926 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The D'Arblay Mystery' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
The D'Arblay Mystery
Part 13 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
When a man is found floating beneath the skin of a green-skimmed pond one morning, Dr. Thorndyke becomes embroiled in an astonishing case. This wickedly entertaining detective fiction reveals that the victim was murdered through a lethal injection and someone out there is trying to cover it up.
A Certain Dr Thorndyke
Part 14 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
A winding adventure that begins in an exotic, teasing location. Richard Austin Freeman introduces the reader to the delights of an extraordinary jewel heist. Hollis is a retired soap manufacturer, richer than Croesus and some say mad. Obsessed with amassing precious stones and bullion, Hollis chooses a strong room to deposit his dazzling hoard. But when he discovers that he's the victim of an elaborate and enigmatic robbery, even though the room was never broken into, Dr. Thorndyke is summoned to bring his unrivalled knowledge to bear on a remarkable mystery.
The Magic Casket
Part 15 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
On a misty November night in London, Dr. Thorndyke comes across an abandoned handbag in an old church. From examining the contents an address is found and so begins a mysterious trail leading to the owner and a violent murder. Enter into the world of 'Mr. Ponting's Alibi' where threats are made when a will is made known, and meet the gang of cosmopolitan revolutionaries who harbour and explosive truth at 'The Golomite Works'. This delightful collection of crime stories has been written to amuse and perplex the most ardent of crime aficionados.
The Puzzle Lock
Part 16 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Richard Austin Freeman presents an ingenious case in this remarkable detective saga. When a store of priceless jewels vanishes without a trace, the brilliant Dr. Thorndyke and his skilled associate, Mr. Polton, are called in to chase a thief who leaves no trace. A mysterious stranger, incendiary bombs, and intrigue weave a magnificently enjoyable trail through a great read.
As a Thief in the Night
Part 17 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1928 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'As a Thief in the Night' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
Mr Pottermack's Oversight
Part 19 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Mr. Pottermack is a law abiding, settled, homebody who has nothing to hide until the appearance of the shadowy Lewison, a gambler and blackmailer with an incredible story. It appears that Pottermack is in fact a runaway prisoner, convicted of fraud and Lewison is about to spill the beans, unless he receives a large bribe in return for his silence. But Pottermack protests his innocence, and resolves to shut Lewison up once and for all. Will he do it? And if he does, will he get away with it?
Mr. Pottermack's Oversight
Part 19 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1930 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'Mr. Pottermack's Oversight' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
Pontifex, Son And Thorndyke
Part 20 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This puzzling plot is related by two different characters: messenger boy Jasper Gray, who experiences several strange adventures, and Dr. Jervis, friend of Dr. Thorndyke. Dr. Thorndyke is investigating a terrible crime, the solving of which remains elusive because of key facts remaining unknown. He needs the facts to confirm his case: Jasper could complete the blank spaces if only Thorndyke were aware of his existence ........
When Rogues Fall Out
Part 21 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
'"When Rogues Fall Out" incorporates some wonderful conundrums to hoodwink and hinder the cleverest of crime readers. This book contains three interconnected stories. In the first, a respectable collector of antiques falls victim to temptation. In the second a police inspector is found dead in suspicious circumstances in a railway tunnel. This section includes an interesting „essay" on the early use of fingerprint evidence. The third is a classic locked room mystery where someone has been making use of a sealed room in a remote country house. All three are resolved together in the last few pages. The rogues of the title include three very different men engaged in stealing and fencing high-quality jewelry. One is a working-class robber; one a refined antiques dealer turned fence; and one a mysterious middleman with the appearance of a gentleman.
Dr Thorndyke Intervenes
Part 22 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
What would you do if you opened a package to find a man's head? What would you do if the headless corpse had been swapped for a case of bullion? What would you do if you knew a brutal murderer was out there, somewhere, and waiting for you? Some people would run. Dr. Thorndyke intervenes.
Dr. Thorndyke Intervenes
Part 22 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1933 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'Dr. Thorndyke Intervenes' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
For the Defence
Part 23 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This is the story of Andrew, a handsome artist living with his beautiful wife. Andrew witnesses a man being shot one night by two masked assailants and on the advice of his wife, decides to remain silent about what he has seen. But when a meeting with his cousin Ronald proves to be fatal, Andrew finds himself suspecting foul play, as Ronald lies crushed on beach sands. And soon, Andrew is a suspect himself.
For The Defence
Part 23 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Dr. Thorndyke is the CSI of his day. Most of the book is taken up with the account of how an innocent man gets himself thoroughly entangled in what looks like the certainty that he will be hanged, either for the death of a man he saw only once, or amazingly, for his own death! But, of course, Dr. Thorndyke is able to extricate him from this awful situation and triumph yet again. This is the amazing story of a polite, artistic gentleman who, by a series of mistakes, accidents, bad decisions and bad luck finds himself accused of two murders and a fraud. One of the murder victims is himself! No one but Dr. Thorndyke could possible clear up the confusion.
The Penrose Mystery
Part 24 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1936 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Penrose Mystery' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
Felo De Se
Part 25 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
John Gillam was a gambler. He faced financial ruin and was the victim of a sinister blackmail attempt. He is now dead. In this exceptional mystery, Dr. Thorndyke is brought in to untangle the secrecy surrounding the death of John Gillam, a man not known for insanity and thoughts of suicide.
The Stoneware Monkey
Part 26 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
This early work by Richard Austin Freeman was originally published in 1938 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'The Stoneware Monkey' is one of Freeman's novels of crime and mystery. The first story featuring his well-known protagonist Dr. Thorndyke – a medico-legal forensic investigator – was published in 1907, and although Freeman's early works were seen as simple homages to his contemporary, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he quickly developed his own style: The 'inverted detective story', in which the identity of the criminal is shown from the beginning, and the story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery.
Mr Polton Explains
Part 27 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Told through the eyes of a watchmaker, Dr. Thorndyke is once again faced with a nettly mystery involving a mysterious fire in a Soho house filled with supposedly inflammable objects. What transpires is an entertaining and amazing twist thanks to the eagle eyes of the Doctor and his friend the watchmaker, Mr. Polton.
The Jacob Street Mystery
Part 28 of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
A peaceful, pleasant afternoon in the woodland scene of Linton Green is disturbed when a brutal murder takes place. But thanks to an unseen witness, the killer may be caught, and the witness turns out to be a blessing in disguise. This is the story of Thomas Pedley, a gifted artist who paints what he sees from memory.
The Complete Dr. Thorndyke, Volume 1
The Red Thumb Mark, the Eye of Osiris and the Mystery of 31 New Inn
Part of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Volume I contains the first three Thorndyke novels, published in 1907, 1911, and 1912, respectively. Set in London during the time that Sherlock Holmes was still in practice, these introduce us to Thorndyke and his world, as well as painting a vivid picture of the London of that era...
The Red Thumb Mark - In which Dr. Jervis encounters his old friend, Dr. Thorndyke. Soon after, they're drawn into a mystery where a man is accused of murder, and his own bloody thumbprint, evidence that cannot be denied, places him absolutely at the scene of the crime. As Thorndyke investigates, it becomes apparent that he is too much of a threat and must be removed...
The Eye of Osiris - Wherein a man vanishes and is presumed dead. But from where and when exactly did he disappear? That is the initial question, but by the end it's much more complex, with one of the most unique solutions in mystery history!
The Mystery of 31 New Inn - Dr. Jervis is summoned at night by closed carriage to treat a gravely ill patient - but is he simply sick or being murdered? His suspicions continue to grow, and Thorndyke provides a unique solution. But that's only half, as the two also become involved in an unusual death related to a young man's inheritance.
The Complete Dr. Thorndyke, Volume 2
John Thorndyke's Cases, The Singing Bone, The Great Portrait Mystery and Apo
Part of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
Volume II contains roughly the first half of the Thorndyke Short Stories. In all, there are over forty Thorndyke short stories, spread over six books. This volume contains the fifteen short stories from the first three, John Thorndyke's Cases, The Singing Bone, and The Great Portrait Mystery.
Some of the stories in this book are especially famous, as they were the first use of the "inverted" mystery, in which the criminal (and how he did it) are identified from the first, and the second half of the narrative shows how Thorndyke solves it, in spite of the criminal's every effort.
In addition to these fifteen stories, this book also contains a couple of Apocrypal Thorndyke tales:
- The original novella of "31, New Inn" from 1905, which became The Mystery of 31 New Inn, the third Thorndyke novel from 1912. This is the doctor's true first appearance - written and published several years before the appearance of The Red Thumb Mark (1907), which is commonly believed to be Thorndyke's first published adventure; and - "The Dead Hand" (1912), which later became the revised and expanded Thorndyke novel The Shadow of the Wolf (1925).
The First R. Austin Freeman MEGAPACK ®
27 Mystery Tales of Dr. Thorndyke & Others
Part of the Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries series
"The First R. Austin Freeman Megapack" collects 27 mystery tales featuring the forensic sleuth Dr. Thorndyke (and others). Included in this volume are:
THE RED THUMB MARK (1907)
THE MAN WITH THE NAILED SHOES (1909)
THE STRANGER'S LATCHKEY (1909)
THE ANTHROPOLOGIST AT LARGE (1909)
THE BLUE SEQUIN (1909)
THE MOABITE CIPHER (1909)
THE MANDARIN'S PEARL (1909)
THE ALUMINIUM DAGGER (1909)
A MESSAGE FROM THE DEEP SEA (1909)
THE EYE OF OSIRIS (1911)
THE MYSTERY OF 31 NEW INN (1912)
THE CASE OF OSCAR BRODSKI (1912)
A CASE OF PREMEDITATION (1912)
THE ECHO OF A MUTINY (1912)
A WASTREL'S ROMANCE (1912)
THE OLD LAG (1912)
THE UTTERMOST FARTHING (1914)
A SILENT WITNESS (1914)
THE GREAT PORTRAIT MYSTERY (1918)
THE BRONZE PARROT (1918)
POWDER BLUE AND HAWTHORN (1918)
THE ATTORNEY'S CONSCIENCE (1918)
THE LUCK OF BARNABAS MUDGE (1918)
THE MISSING MORTGAGEE (1918)
PERCIVAL BLAND'S PROXY (1918)
THE CASE OF THE WHITE FOOTPRINTS (1920)
HELEN VARDON'S CONFESSION (1922)
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