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.

R. Austin Freeman's 'Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries – Complete Series' is a comprehensive collection of 21 novels and 40 short stories that follow the adventures of Dr. John Thorndyke, a brilliant forensic scientist and investigator. Freeman's writing style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep exploration of scientific principles in solving mysteries, setting his work apart in the Golden Age of detective fiction. The stories are filled with intricate plot twists and clever deductions that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Freeman's use of real-life scientific methods adds a unique complexity to his mysteries, making them both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. This collection serves as a prime example of early forensic detective fiction and remains a timeless classic in the genre.

R. Austin Freeman's 'DR. THORNDYKE MYSTERIES Complete Collection' is a comprehensive anthology comprising 21 novels and 40 short stories, all featuring the meticulous and analytical detective Dr. John Thorndyke. Freeman's writing style blends elements of mystery, science, and forensic investigation, setting the stage for the forensic detective genre. Through intricate plots and compelling narratives, Freeman delves into the scientific method of solving crimes, making his works both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The collection showcases Freeman's talent for crafting puzzling mysteries that keep readers engaged from start to finish. As a pioneer in detective fiction, Freeman's influence can be seen in subsequent works of the genre, solidifying his place in literary history.R. Austin Freeman, a trained surgeon and forensic scientist, drew on his medical background to create the character of Dr. Thorndyke, known for his logical reasoning and attention to detail. Freeman's expertise in medicine and forensic science shines through in his intricate plots and accurate depiction of crime scene investigation. His dedication to precision and accuracy sets his work apart in the realm of detective fiction.I highly recommend 'DR. THORNDYKE MYSTERIES Complete Collection' to fans of classic detective fiction and readers interested in the intersection of science and crime-solving. Freeman's timeless stories and distinctive protagonist make this anthology a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and intellectually stimulating literary experience.

Dr. John Thorndyke is a medical jurispractitioner, originally a medical doctor, he turned to the bar and became one of the first, in modern parlance, forensic scientists. His solutions are based on his method of collecting all possible data (including dust and pond weed) and making inferences from them before looking at any of the protagonists and motives in the crimes. Table of Contents: Introduction Meet Dr. Thorndyke Novels The Red Thumb Mark The Eye of Osiris The Mystery of 31 New Inn A Silent Witness Helen Vardon's Confession The Cat's Eye The Mystery of Angelina Frood The Shadow of the Wolf The D'Arblay Mystery A Certain Dr. Thorndyke As a Thief in the Night Mr. Pottermack's Oversight Pontifex, Son and Thorndyke When Rogues Fall Out Dr. Thorndyke Intervenes For the Defence: Dr. Thorndyke The Penrose Mystery Felo De Se? The Stoneware Monkey Mr. Polton Explains The Jacob Street Mystery Short Stories Percival Bland's Proxy The Missing Mortgagee The Man with the Nailed Shoes The Stranger's Latchkey The Anthropologist at Large The Blue Sequin The Moabite Cipher The Mandarin's Pearl The Aluminium Dagger A Message from the Deep Sea The Case of Oscar Brodski A Case of Premeditation The Echo of a Mutiny A Wastrel's Romance The Old Lag The Case of the White Footprints The Blue Scarab The New Jersey Sphinx The Touchstone A Fisher of Men The Stolen Ingots The Funeral Pyre The Puzzle Lock The Green Check Jacket The Seal of Nebuchadnezzar Phyllis Annesley's Peril A Sower of Pestilence Rex v. Burnaby A Mystery of the Sand-Hills The Apparition of Burling Court The Mysterious Visitor The Magic Casket The Contents of a Mare's Nest The Stalking Horse The Naturalist at Law Mr. Ponting's Alibi Pandora's Box The Trail of Behemoth ...

Harold Monkhouse is usually such an uncomplaining patient so when his brother Amos calls in one night, what he doesn't expect is to see him at Death's door. Suspicions aroused, he demands an urgent second opinion. And when Harold is later found dead from arsenic poisoning, Amos is left in no doubt that foul play is afoot. The inquiry begins and Barbara Monkhouse is soon singled out as the prime suspect. What ensues is a roller coaster ride into crime fiction at its best as the truth of the fateful night eludes even the best of detective minds. Could it be a simple case of wife poisoning husband - or is it just possible that another shadowy figure stole into Harold's room, as a thief in the night, to rid the world of an innocent man?

From stealing bejewelled necklaces to antique clocks, Toke cons a host of gullible individuals out of priceless heirlooms. But then he meets Hughes and the scam spirals out of control. Then there's the case of the murdered Inspector Badger. Will Dr Thorndyke solve the conundrums which hoodwink and hinder the cleverest of crime readers?