Adventures of Martin Hewitt, Third Series

by Arthur Morrison

"Adventures of Martin Hewitt, Third Series" by Arthur Morrison is a collection of detective stories written in the late 19th century. The book features the clever investigator Martin Hewitt, who, along with his friend narrating the tales, solves various intriguing cases amidst the backdrop of London. In this particular series, readers can expect a blend of mystery, clever deduction, and social commentary, mirroring the detective genre's rise during this era. The opening portion introduces a curious case that begins with the mysterious smashing of a window, which leads to the discovery of a wrapped piece of manuscript music titled "Flitterbat Lancers" and a chunk of concrete. The narrator recounts his encounter with two men carrying away the seemingly captured man responsible for the window shattering, igniting his intrigue. When Martin Hewitt arrives, he assesses the incident’s peculiarities, considering how the elements tie into broader criminal machinations. This sets the stage for an exploration of deeper mysteries involving missing jewels and the characters' unexpected connections with the criminal underworld. Overall, the opening captures the reader's attention with its setup for an engaging detective story full of unexpected twists.