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R. Austin Freeman
R. Austin Freeman (1862-1943) was a British author of detective fiction. He is best known for his series of novels featuring the forensic scientist Dr. John Thorndyke. Freeman is credited with inventing the inverted detective story, a genre in which the crime and the perpetrator are revealed at the beginning of the story, and the rest of the narrative follows the detective's investigation to prove their guilt.
Principles
Freeman's detective stories were based on his principles of realism and scientific accuracy. He was a qualified medical doctor, and he used his knowledge of forensic science to create realistic and believable crime scenes and investigations. Freeman was also a strong advocate for the use of reason and logic in solving crimes.
Notable works
Freeman's most notable works include:
- The Red Thumb Mark (1907)
- The Eye of Osiris (1911)
- The Singing Bone (1912)
- The Unwilling Adventurer (1913)
- A Savant's Vendetta (1914)
- The Mystery of 31 New Inn (1919)
- The Puzzle Lock (1922)
- The Shadow of the Wolf (1923)
- For the Defence: Dr. Thorndyke's Cases in Court (1933)
- Dr. Thorndyke's Crime Museum (1934)
Philosophy
Freeman's philosophy was based on his belief in the power of reason and logic to solve any problem. He also believed that it was important to uphold the principles of justice and fair play, even when dealing with criminals.
Death and legacy
Freeman died on September 28, 1943, at the age of 81. He is remembered as one of the most important and influential authors of detective fiction. His work has inspired generations of writers, including Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Edgar Wallace.
Conclusion
R. Austin Freeman was a master of the detective story. His novels are characterized by their realism, scientific accuracy, and complex plots. Freeman's work continues to be enjoyed by readers today, and he remains one of the most important and influential authors of detective fiction.
Books by R. Austin Freeman
The D'Arblay Mystery
In the dimly lit corridors of intrigue, where secrets lurk and enigmas beckon, "The D'Arblay Mystery" unfolds a web of perplexity and suspense. Within the folds of its pages lies a tale that begins with a chilling question: How could a man vanish int...
Eye of Osiris
The Eye of Osiris is an early example from the Dr. Thorndyke series of detective stories written by R. Austin Freeman. In these stories, the author drew on his extensive medical and scientific knowledge for his main character, a medico-legal expert...
Red Thumb Mark
Missing diamonds, untouched safe, two blood smeared thumb prints and a mysterious Mr X. If these are present, Dr Thorndyke must be there too. Will he be able to solve this case?The Red Thumb Mark is the first novel of Freeman’s best-selling Thorndyke...
Mystery of 31 New Inn
Jeffrey Blackmore suspiciously made two wills, both deceptively alike, but still, in a cunning way, completely different. John Thorndyke, equally cunning and smart, smells something fishy. With stylish cool and logic, he leads the story up to its mar...
Uttermost Farthing
Humphrey Challoner is a solitary old man who spent a lifetime collecting for his private museum, primarily mammals exhibiting osteological abnormalities but also 24 articulated human skeletons without any apparent defect. His friend, Dr. Wharton, is...
Silent Witness
In this detective novel, the young doctor Humphrey Jardine stumbles upon a corpse during a walk near Hampstead Heath in the middle of the night. However, when he returns to the spot with a police officer, the corpse has disappeared. And this is just...
John Thorndyke's Cases
Detective John Thorndyke never disappoints when solving crime in this collection of Freeman's works. - Summary by A. K. Morton
Singing Bone or The Adventures of Dr. Thorndyke
In its original form, this book was published with the title, "The Singing Bone." It was later republished as "The Adventures of Dr. Thorndyke." This book has historical significance as it contains the first example of the inverted detective formula...