Author
R. Austin (Richard Austin) Freeman
1862-1943
R. Austin (Richard Austin) Freeman (1862-1943) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by R. Austin (Richard Austin) Freeman
Helen Vardon's confession
Helen Vardon’s Confession by R. Austin Freeman is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. It centers on Helen Vardon, a solicitor’s daughter, whose father’s misapplied trust funds lead to blackmail and a coerced marriage proposal. The narrative promises a blend of domestic tragedy, romance, and crime as Helen’s sacrifice draws her into deeper peril. The opening of the novel presents Helen deciding to set down her story after glimpsing a first white hair, a small shock that recalls past terrors. She overhears a devastating conversation: her father has improperly used trust money, faces possible imprisonment, and a powerful acquaintance, Lewis Otway, offers to cover the loss if she will marry him. Fearing her father may take a desperate way out, Helen secretly meets Otway, signs a written promise to marry under strict conditions, and obtains his letter that temporarily removes the threat, which she delivers unseen to calm her father. Over the next days she hides her plan, writes a brief farewell-explanation, and arranges a clandestine ceremony. At the mission church, numb and detached, she stands with Otway as the hurried, hushed marriage service begins, her vows spoken as a grim act of rescue rather than love.
The adventures of Dr. Thorndyke (The singing bone)
"The Adventures of Dr. Thorndyke" by R. Austin Freeman is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. The protagonist is Dr. Thorndyke, a forensic expert and detective, who uses scientific principles to solve crimes. The stories promise to engage readers with intricate plots and the intellectual challenges typical of the detective genre. The opening of "The Adventures of Dr. Thorndyke" introduces the first case, "The Case of Oscar Brodski," in which we meet Silas Hickler, a gentleman with a hidden life as a burglar. As he prepares to leave for Amsterdam with valuable diamonds, he encounters Oscar Brodski, a diamond merchant. When Hickler is momentarily tempted to commit murder for the loot, a violent struggle ensues, leading to Brodski's death. The narrative unfolds as Thorndyke arrives on the scene to investigate the suspicious train accident that killed Brodski, leading to an exploration of various clues and an intricate dissection of the events surrounding the murder. Overall, the beginning effectively sets the stage for a mystery that will challenge both the detective and the reader.
John Thorndyke's Cases related by Christopher Jervis and edited by R. Austin Freeman
"John Thorndyke's Cases" by R. Austin Freeman is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. This book introduces the main character, Dr. John Thorndyke, a medico-legal expert, who employs scientific methods and keen observations to solve various crimes, blending elements of mystery with real forensic techniques. The opening of the book sets a vivid scene in the lonely village of Little Sundersley, where Dr. Christopher Jervis, our narrator, embarks on a quiet seaside practice as Thorndyke arrives for a visit. Their leisurely beach stroll quickly turns into an investigation when they encounter a series of peculiar footprints that hint at foul play, leading to the discovery of a murder victim on the beach. As they analyze the footprints and other evidence around the body, the opening unfolds a complex narrative that introduces the themes of scientific inquiry and deductive reasoning, setting the stage for the thrilling mysteries to follow.
The Vanishing Man: A Detective Romance
"The Vanishing Man: A Detective Romance" by R. Austin Freeman is a detective novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Mr. John Bellingham, an Egyptologist who vanishes without a trace after visiting a relative's house. The narrative introduces John Thorndyke, a brilliant and well-respected lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence at St. Margaret's Hospital, who becomes embroiled in the intriguing case. The opening of the book sets the stage for a complex mystery involving John Bellingham's disappearance, as Dr. Thorndyke discusses the legal implications of survivorship in a captivating lecture. Bellingham was last seen at a relative's house, and his sudden disappearance raises many questions. The scene is further enriched by descriptions of notable characters in Bellingham's life, including his brother and daughter, who are left grappling with the aftermath and legal complications of his vanishing. The narrative is filled with hints of deeper family dynamics and potential secrets, suggesting that this case will unravel layers of intrigue, characterized by compelling characters and legal challenges that the brilliant Dr. Thorndyke may need to navigate.
The D'Arblay mystery
"The D'Arblay Mystery" by R. Austin Freeman is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story follows Stephen Gray, a newly qualified doctor who finds himself entangled in the mysterious death of an artist, Julius D'Arblay, after discovering his body in a secluded pond. Through the eyes of Gray and the anguish of D'Arblay's daughter, Marion, the narrative unfolds as they grapple with suspicion, grief, and a quest for answers about the sinister circumstances of D'Arblay's death. At the start of the book, we see Stephen Gray enjoying a day off before starting his medical practice when he encounters Marion D'Arblay, who is searching for her missing father. Their tragic finding of the body leads to a series of events where the cause of death raises suspicions of foul play rather than mere accident or suicide. With Marion grieving and the authorities investigating, Gray feels compelled to involve himself further in the mystery, considering the implications of their findings and the need for justice. The opening serves as an intriguing setup, combining elements of suspense, emotional depth, and the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of a potential murder investigation.
The golden pool : $b A story of a forgotten mine
"The golden pool : A story of a forgotten mine" by R. Austin Freeman is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows Richard Englefield, a weary English bank clerk who seizes a chance to ship out as purser on the brig Lady Jane and is drawn into West African trading, local legends, and hints of hidden gold. Guided and sometimes misled by sailors, merchants, and colonials—including Captain Bithery and the dignified trader Pereira—he stumbles on stories of a sacred treasure and a “forgotten” mine that promise peril and discovery. The opening of the story traces how a misplaced matchbox leads Englefield into a tavern brawl, a hasty rescue of a surly shipmaster, and an impulsive offer to sail as purser to the West African coast. After a fair voyage, he helps establish trade at Quittah, learning the rhythms of buying and selling palm oil, rubber, and copra, while hearing unsettling tales: a Hausa merchant’s talk of a king’s treasure house and “many blind men,” and Pereira’s account of fetish-guarded gold at the Aboasi pool. A Sunday trip inland reveals a mission graveyard and a scarred, eyeless Krepi man who seems a former Ashanti slave, deepening the mystery. Sent down the coast to Adena, Englefield meets the smooth Olympio, endures a fiery local feast, and in a secret compartment of an old sea chest discovers the faded journal of Captain Barnabas Hogg—an artifact that hints his own quest is only beginning.
A silent witness
"A Silent Witness" by R. Austin Freeman is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows young doctor Humphrey Jardine as he stumbles into a baffling mystery in Hampstead—first a vanished corpse and then a calculated attempt on his own life—before the renowned medical jurist Dr. John Thorndyke is drawn in. Expect an intricate, scientifically grounded investigation involving forensic clues, a strange reliquary, and unsettling encounters in London’s lanes and lodgings. The opening of the novel finds Jardine discovering, on a rainy midnight walk through Millfield Lane, what appears to be the body of an elderly clergyman—only for it to vanish before he can return with the police. Next day he uncovers a bloodstain on a fence, footprint traces into Ken Wood, and a small octagonal gold reliquary marked with initials, but the authorities are sceptical. Between hospital duties and a chance meeting with an art student named Sylvia, he takes a temporary post with Dr. Batson, witnesses the certification and swift cremation of a “heart case” named Septimus Maddock, and meets Maddock’s intense landlady, Mrs. Letitia Samway. Soon after, Jardine is lured by a false emergency to a shuttered mineral-water works, trapped in a sealed cellar, and nearly asphyxiated by carbonic acid gas—surviving only by improvising an air hole in the door—setting the stage for the larger mystery to unfold.
As a thief in the night
"As a Thief in the Night" by R. Austin Freeman is a murder mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the suspicious death of Harold Monkhouse, a chronic invalid, and the ensuing inquest that unravels the circumstances leading to his demise. Key characters include the Reverend Amos Monkhouse, Harold’s concerned brother; Barbara Monkhouse, Harold’s seemingly neglectful wife; and various household members who reveal secrets as the investigation unfolds. The opening of the book introduces the reader to a tense atmosphere as the narrator reflects on the events surrounding Harold Monkhouse's illness and death. The arrival of Reverend Amos, who is shocked by his brother's deteriorating condition, prompts him to seek a second medical opinion, leading to an examination that raises alarm about Harold's health. As they consult Dr. Dimsdale and later Sir Robert Detling, it becomes evident that the medical community is puzzled by the unclear diagnosis. The narrative foreshadows a deeper mystery involving potential foul play, setting the stage for the complicated inquiries and personal relationships that will be scrutinized during the inquest into Harold's death.
The Mystery of 31 New Inn
"The Mystery of 31 New Inn" by R. Austin Freeman is a detective novel written during the early 20th century. The story centers around Dr. Jervis, a medical doctor who is drawn into a perplexing case surrounding a mysterious patient named Mr. Graves, who appears to be gravely ill under peculiar circumstances that suggest possible poisoning. At the start of the narrative, Dr. Jervis reflects on his connection with the influential detective John Thorndyke while recounting a recent incident in his practice. He receives a call from a messenger, summoning him to attend to Mr. Graves, a patient who has refused medical help until now. As he arrives at a dimly lit house, he is met by a rather anxious housekeeper. Once confronted with Mr. Graves, he recognizes alarming signs that suggest opium poisoning, leading him into a web of secrecy and uncertainty. The strange atmosphere, the behavior of the housekeeper, and the ominous presence of Mr. Weiss establish a tense dynamic, raising questions about the actual nature of the illness, the motivations of those involved, and the dark secrets they might be concealing.
The Red Thumb Mark
"The Red Thumb Mark" by R. Austin Freeman is a mystery novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke, a medical practitioner turned legal expert who gets embroiled in a case involving the theft of a parcel of valuable diamonds, which leads to his client, Mr. Reuben Hornby, being accused of the crime when a bloody thumbprint is found at the scene. The novel deftly combines elements of forensic science with legal intrigue as Thorndyke seeks to unravel the truth behind the accusation against Hornby. The opening of the book sets the stage with the introduction of Thorndyke, who meets his friend Dr. Jervis and discusses his metamorphosis from medicine to law. The significant narrative unfolds when they receive visitors, including Hornby's lawyer and the accused nephew himself, who maintains his innocence despite the mounting evidence against him. The plot thickens as a mysterious young woman, Miss Juliet Gibson, expresses her belief in Hornby's innocence and offers to support his legal defense. The story begins to explore the complexities of character relationships, the implications of fingerprint evidence, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in the justice system as they navigate through suspicions and the pursuit of truth.
The Eye of Osiris
"The Eye of Osiris" by R. Austin Freeman is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces John Thorndyke, a medical jurist and enthusiast in forensic medicine, who captivates his students with intriguing real-world cases. At the center of the mystery is the disappearance of John Bellingham, an archeologist who vanished under curious circumstances, and the subsequent complications surrounding his estate due to an eccentric will that poses legal challenges for his family. At the start of the narrative, the scene is set in a medical lecture hall where Dr. Thorndyke discusses the perplexing case of John Bellingham, whose last known whereabouts were at his relative’s house, where he mysteriously disappeared. Students are drawn into the intricate legal ramifications that arise from his vanishing, compounded by the discovery of a scarab that adds another layer of mystery. As the story unfolds, readers encounter various characters, including Bellingham’s brother and daughter, who are embroiled in tense discussions about inheritance and the implications of Bellingham's will, hinting at familial tensions and the broader context of an unsolved mystery. The opening effectively engages readers with its blend of detailed character interaction, legal intrigue, and the promise of a deeper investigation into both personal and supernatural realms connected to Egyptian artifacts.
The Uttermost Farthing: A Savant's Vendetta
"The Uttermost Farthing: A Savant's Vendetta" by R. Austin Freeman is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Humphrey Challoner, a brilliant but troubled savant whose life takes a dark turn following the tragic murder of his wife. Known for his expertise in criminal anthropology, Challoner becomes consumed by his desire for retribution against his wife's murderer, leading to chilling and morally complex decisions that intertwine science with vengeance. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the backstory of Challoner through the reflective account of his friend, Dr. Wharton. It establishes Challoner as an eccentric and brilliant character, once renowned in his field, who has turned his private museum into a crypt of his memories and tragedies. In this narrative, Challoner reveals his warped moral compass shaped by grief as he prepares to confront the criminal world and collect a "debt" from the murderer. The startling details of his collection, including human skeletons and gruesome artifacts, set a macabre tone that hints at the psychological and ethical dilemmas Challoner will face as the story unfolds.
The magic casket
"The magic casket" by R. Austin Freeman is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. The tales follow the brilliant forensic sleuth Dr. John Thorndyke—narrated by his colleague Dr. Jervis—as he unravels intricate crimes through scientific observation, legal acumen, and cool logic in and around London. Expect methodical investigations, subtle clues, and puzzles that hinge on precise technical details rather than melodrama. The opening of the book presents two complete Thorndyke cases and the start of a third. In The Magic Casket, Thorndyke traces a years-old pearl theft and a menacing Japanese-made trinket to a hidden message revealed by the “magic mirror” effect in shakudo bronze, leading to the recovery of the pearls concealed inside a public pump. In The Contents of a Mare’s Nest, he exposes a forged cremation and a fictitious death: forged certificates, a sealed coffin no undertaker was allowed to view, and ashes made from butchered mutton rather than human bone, culminating in the embezzler’s capture. The Stalking Horse begins with a railway-carriage murder of a prominent anti-suffrage figure, a scented handkerchief, and a militant circular left as apparent clues, setting up a politically charged mystery.
The shadow of the Wolf
"The Shadow of the Wolf" by R. Austin Freeman is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a tense and intriguing setup involving Daniel Purcell and his companion Varney, who are engaged in a risky scheme involving the forgery of banknotes. The plot unfolds within a maritime backdrop as the two men navigate both the physical sea and the murky waters of their criminal endeavors, hinting at themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Purcell and Varney aboard a yacht, where a conversation about their illicit activities begins to reveal the strained dynamics of their partnership. The dialog quickly escalates from casual banter regarding their personal lives, specifically how both men are connected to a woman named Maggie, to darker implications of their crime. Varney grapples with his growing resentment towards Purcell and contemplates drastic actions, foreshadowing significant twists to come. The opening chapters establish a gripping atmosphere intertwined with deception, setting the stage for an exploration of consequences that follow betrayal and the actions of desperate individuals caught in their schemes.
The mystery of Angelina Frood
"The Mystery of Angelina Frood" by R. Austin Freeman is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Dr. Strangeways, a young medical practitioner, who becomes drawn into a web of intrigue and suspense when he is called to tend to a woman under mysterious circumstances. The novel appears to blend elements of crime, suspense, and character drama, particularly focused on the titular character, Angelina Frood, and her troubled marriage. The opening of the book follows Dr. Strangeways as he takes over a medical practice in London and receives a late-night call to treat a woman known as "Mrs. Johnson," who is suffering from shock and a suspicious injury—a bruise on her neck that calls into question whether it was self-inflicted or the result of violence. Strangeways finds himself enmeshed in the secrets surrounding this woman, who is later revealed as Angelina Frood, and her drug-addicted, unstable husband. As he moves to a small practice in Rochester, he again encounters the husband, and through a series of interactions—including an honest conversation with Angelina—he learns about her history, her husband's dangerous tendencies, and the ongoing risks she faces. The narrative sets up a complex mystery that intertwines personal drama, social issues like addiction, and the looming threat of violence, establishing both the characters and the stakes for the unfolding investigation.
The blue scarab
The blue scarab by R. Austin Freeman is a collection of detective stories written in the early 20th century. The cases follow the medico-legal sleuth Dr. John Thorndyke and his colleague-narrator Dr. Jervis as they solve curious crimes with forensic science, precise observation, and ingenious reasoning. Expect rational puzzles tinged with antiquarian lore, family secrets, and cryptic clues. The opening of this collection presents two cases. First, a rural robbery draws Thorndyke into the Blowgrave family’s legend of a vanished uncle and lost jewels: a deed-box is stolen during a decoy fire, its contents mysteriously returned except for a blue scarab; using the scarab’s “hieroglyphs,” Thorndyke deciphers English directions, corrects for compass variation, and locates a buried skeleton and a chest of gems, while unmasking a grasping cousin as the thief via typewriter and fingerprint clues. Next, an apparent suicide at a Margate boarding house turns suspicious when Jervis and a local doctor find white paint footprints of a barefoot intruder with no little toes and signs of entry by a stack-pipe; Jervis reasons toward a northern, possibly seafaring suspect (frost-bite or ergot past), with a Swedish visitor and the absent colonial-police husband as potential leads. After a tussle with the police over evidence, Jervis brings his photographs and deductions to London, where he and Thorndyke prepare a fuller, independent investigation.