Who Would Like This Book:
If you love clever detective stories with a Sherlock Holmes vibe but crave more scientific rigor, "The Red Thumb Mark" is a treat. Dr. Thorndyke is a pioneering forensic sleuth - think early CSI with more tweed and fewer DNA swabs! What’s fascinating is how the book questions the blind trust in new forensic methods like fingerprints, making it surprisingly modern for something written in 1907. Fans of classic mysteries, courtroom drama, and methodical problem-solving where the "how" is as important as the "who" will find this a rewarding read.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer fast-paced action, deep character development, or economical prose, this book might test your patience. The writing can feel quite flowery and wordy by today's standards, and some readers find the hero-worship of Dr. Thorndyke (and flowery romantic asides) a bit much. The story leans heavily on forensic minutiae and detailed courtroom explanations, which might bore those uninterested in old-school scientific sleuthing or who prefer emotional depth over technical detail.
About:
The Red Thumb Mark by R. Austin Freeman is a classic Victorian mystery novel featuring Dr. Thorndyke, a scientific detective who takes on the case of Reuben Hornby, a young man accused of a theft he swears he didn't commit. The plot revolves around the discovery of a bloody thumbprint at the crime scene, leading to a complex investigation to disprove the seemingly irrefutable evidence. The writing style of the book combines historical mystery elements with scientific explanations, creating an engaging and charming atmosphere that keeps readers intrigued.
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From The Publisher:
"Conflagratam An 1677. Fabricatam An 1698. Richardo Powell Armiger Thesaurar." The words, set in four panels, which formed a frieze beneath the pediment of a fine brick portico, summarised the history of one of the tall houses at the upper end of King's Bench Walk and as I, somewhat absently, read over the inscription, my attention was divided between admiration of the exquisitely finished carved brickwork and the quiet dignity of the building, and an effort to reconstitute the dead and gone Richard Powell, and the stirring times in which he played his part.
Ratings (3)
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Reader Stats (6):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (2) |
1 comment(s)
The mystery in this mystery was pretty basic, as the basic point of the story didn't appear to be to hide who did it. Instead, the question was how, plus there was the relationships of the characters. Altogether a fun read.
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The Red Thumb Mark?
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