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. This delightful collection of crime stories has been written to amuse and perplex the most ardent of crime aficionados.

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.

Richard Austin Freeman (11 April 1862 - 28 September 1943) was a British writer of detective stories, mostly featuring the medico-legal forensic investigator Dr. Thorndyke. He claimed to have invented the inverted detective story (a crime fiction in which the commission of the crime is described at the beginning, usually including the identity of the perpetrator, with the story then describing the detective's attempt to solve the mystery). Freeman used some of his early experiences as a colonial surgeon in his novels.Many of the Dr. Thorndyke stories involve genuine, but often quite arcane, points of scientific knowledge, from areas such as tropical medicine, metallurgy and toxicology.

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 an ill wind and the puzzle of an intriguing stranger in this enchanting Dr Thorndyke mystery.

In the topsy turvy world of 'The Singing Bone', Freeman presents us with a solution. The reader is asked to deduce how different mysteries were solved rather than whodunit. Freeman introduces five distinct tales of intrigue, romance, mutiny and murder. The ingenuity of these detective stories lies in their fresh and original approach.

The Collected Works of R. Austin Freeman (Illustrated Edition) is a riveting collection of classic detective fiction stories written by the esteemed author R. Austin Freeman. The book features a unique blend of intricate plotlines, compelling characters, and scientific reasoning that sets Freeman's work apart in the realm of mystery literature. Each story incorporates Freeman's background as a medical doctor, adding a layer of authenticity and intellectual depth to the narratives. Written in a style that is both engaging and thought-provoking, this collection reflects the golden age of detective fiction and showcases Freeman's mastery of the genre. From locked room mysteries to elaborate crime scenes, these stories will captivate readers with their clever twists and turns. Fans of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie will find delight in Freeman's well-crafted tales. R. Austin Freeman, a pioneer of the inverted detective story, was a medical doctor whose scientific expertise greatly influenced his writing. His background in forensic pathology is evident throughout his works, as he employs logic and rational thinking to solve complex cases. Freeman's thorough understanding of human nature and meticulous attention to detail make his stories both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. The Collected Works of R. Austin Freeman offers readers a comprehensive look at the author's impressive body of work, spanning multiple novels and short stories. I highly recommend The Collected Works of R. Austin Freeman (Illustrated Edition) to fans of classic detective fiction and those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery. Freeman's stories are a testament to his skill as a writer and his contributions to the genre are truly remarkable. This collection is a must-read for anyone who enjoys engaging narratives, clever plotting, and intriguing characters.