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readermeginco's review against another edition
4.0
While he doesn't go into what we think of today as medical forensics, Dr. Thorndyke is one of the first fictional 'detectives' to use the scientific method. I would read more of this series!
eserafina42's review against another edition
4.0
Really 3.5, since it was less of a whodunit (the real villain was obvious almost from the start) than a "howdunit." It also broke off rather abruptly, since we never saw the real culprit actually arrested or got to hear his story or motivation (though that was also pretty obvious) but were left to assume that they were waiting for him when he left the courtroom. Still very enjoyable, though - taking it on its own terms.
justasking27's review
4.0
Definitely more of a "how" than "who" mystery, as even I thought the who was pretty obvious. But the how is definitely interesting, the characters developed, and the plot steady. I especially liked that even as Dr. Jervis, our narrator, plays the Watson to Dr Thorndyke's Sherlock, he is not stupid or slow, and in fact does help advance the solution.
Recommended for fans of classic mysteries.
Recommended for fans of classic mysteries.
vesper1931's review
4.0
Dr Thorndyke latest client is a Reuben Hornby. Diamonds that were kept in his Uncle's safe have been stolen.. The keys were kept by his Uncle John Hornby. But a bloody finger print left in the safe points to Reuben Hornby. Who proclaims his innocence. Thorndyke is helped by old friend Dr Jervis.
An interesting historical mystery.
Originally published in 1907
An interesting historical mystery.
Originally published in 1907
unsweettea's review
4.0
CSI from the turn of the last century. I have really been emjoying these books; they're similar in lot of ways to Sherlock Holmes stories, but they rely more on scientific knowledge and discovery (such as it was then) than some super logical deduction.
nichola's review
2.0
I was unbelievably bored reading this. This author could have done with a very good and stern editor.
Too much unnecessary dialogue, far too much scientific exposition, very tedious characters and overall the bad guy gets away, or at least we never see what happens to him.
I will give Thorndyke one prop, the plot has merit, but needed a more... entertaining writer who knows what to include and what not to include. This is an example where the language used actively made the reader feel distanced from that characters and action. I mean the man had at least 2 attempts on his life and I was like.... *shrug*
Too much unnecessary dialogue, far too much scientific exposition, very tedious characters and overall the bad guy gets away, or at least we never see what happens to him.
I will give Thorndyke one prop, the plot has merit, but needed a more... entertaining writer who knows what to include and what not to include. This is an example where the language used actively made the reader feel distanced from that characters and action. I mean the man had at least 2 attempts on his life and I was like.... *shrug*
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