R. Austin Freeman Libri

Siamo nel cuore della vecchia, eccentrica Londra, un pacco contenente diamanti grezzi di dimensioni e valore eccezionalim appena giunto dal Sudafrica all’ufficio di John Hornby, commerciante in preziosi, viene riposto in cassaforte. Ma quando il giorno successivo la cassaforte viene aperta, i diamanti sono scomparsi: eppure non vi sono tracce d’effrazione e il custode, durante i suoi giri di ronda, non ha udito nulla. Sul fondo della cassaforte, un foglio di carta sporco di sangue, che porta l’impronta chiarissima di un pollice. Da qui si dipana l'intreccio di questo tipico giallo "scientifico", ricco di suspense e di atmosfera.

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.

Dr. John Thorndyke, a forensic expert and detective, finds himself embroiled in the perplexing case of the missing D'Arblay Jewel, a valuable French manuscript. As he investigates its mysterious disappearance, Thorndyke employs his medical knowledge and deductive reasoning to untangle the web of intrigue. R. Austin Freeman, a pioneer of scientific detective fiction, crafts a compelling narrative that blends forensic science with a captivating plot, showcasing his talent for creating intricate puzzles and solidifying his influence in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.

The book features Dr. Thorndyke, a medico-legal forensic investigator created by Richard Austin Freeman, who is known for pioneering the inverted detective story format. In these narratives, the crime and perpetrator are revealed at the outset, focusing instead on the detective's unraveling of the mystery. Freeman draws on his experiences as a colonial surgeon, weaving in authentic scientific knowledge from fields like tropical medicine, metallurgy, and toxicology, enriching the plots with genuine forensic details.

Volume VII features the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth Thorndyke novels, published in 1931, 1932, and 1933. In "Pontifex, Son, and Thorndyke," Jasper Gray's ordinary day spirals into a series of strange events, intersecting with Thorndyke's investigation of an unusual suicide, forever altering Jasper's life. "When Rogues Fall Out" unfolds as a disagreement between thieves and a policeman leads to the latter's death. Thorndyke, Jervis, and Polton work with the police to bring the murderer to justice while exploring a mysterious house. In "Dr. Thorndyke Intervenes," an old case resurfaces when a human head is discovered at a train station, prompting a journey through an ancient crypt and British mines that ultimately restores a lost inheritance. Dr. John Thorndyke, a contemporary of Sherlock Holmes, employs scientific methods to solve complex mysteries, often with the help of his friend Dr. Christopher Jervis. Spanning from 1905 to 1942, Thorndyke's adventures present intricate puzzles and vivid depictions of late Victorian and early Edwardian England, from his chambers to the surrounding countryside. Many Thorndyke volumes have been hard to find, but MX Publishing is reintroducing these classic tales in omnibus editions for modern readers. "Thorndyke will cheerfully show you all the facts. You will be none the wiser . . . ." - Dorothy L. Sayers.

Set in the early 20th century, this novel introduces Dr. Thorndyke, a pioneering forensics expert, as he navigates a case involving a stolen shipment of diamonds. A young man faces trial, and as evidence mounts, Dr. Thorndyke steps in to aid the defense. While the plot twists may be predictable and the dialogue reflects the era's class distinctions, the writing remains engaging. The blend of forensic science, an unobtrusive love story, and relatable characters like Dr. Thorndyke and Dr. Jervis contribute to the novel's lasting appeal.