The Somnambulist and the Detective; The Murderer and the Fortune Teller

by Allan Pinkerton

"The Somnambulist and the Detective; The Murderer and the Fortune Teller" by Allan Pinkerton is a collection of detective stories written in the late 19th century. It presents a series of true crime narratives embodying the dramatic flair characteristic of the era, following the renowned detective Allan Pinkerton, who, in this case, investigates the murder of a bank teller named George Gordon, amid a backdrop of Southern societal nuances. The opening of the volume begins with an intriguing preface where Pinkerton emphasizes the veracity of the narratives that shall unfold, asserting that the incidents narrated are based on real events. As the narrative progresses, we are introduced to the details surrounding the brutal murder of young Gordon in a Mississippi bank, following his customary late-night work routine. The narrative sets the stage for Pinkerton's analysis, outlining the relationships and potential motives of several individuals linked to the victim, particularly focusing on Mr. Drysdale, who stands at the center of a web of intrigue and deception. The interplay of various characters and their potential connections to the crime promises a compelling exploration of detective work, leading the reader to ponder the intricacies of human intentions and behaviors during this tumultuous investigation.