A Certain Dr Thorndyke

A Certain Dr Thorndyke by R. Austin Freeman features a gripping narrative centered around a chaotic ambush, where the protagonist, Osmond, seizes the opportunity to lead a daring counterattack against a disoriented enemy, showcasing themes of bravery and strategic cunning in the face of danger. The story unfolds with intense action and the struggle for survival amidst the confusion of battle.

By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1926 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime · 20 chapters · 108,492 words

First lines

The tropic moon shone brightly on the village of Adaffia in the Bight of Benin as a fishing-canoe steered warily through the relatively quiet surf of the dry season towards the steep beach. Out in the roadstead an anchored barque stood up sharply against the moonlit sky, the yellow spark of her riding light glimmering warmly, and a white shape dimly discernible in the approaching canoe hinted of a visitor from the sea. Soon the little craft, hidden for a while in the white smother of a breaking wave, emerged triumphant and pushed her pointed nose up the beach; the occupants leaped out and, seizing her by her inturned gunwales, hauled her forthwith out of reach of the following wave.

What this Textopian page supports

A Certain Dr Thorndyke is listed on Textopian as a novel by R. Austin Freeman, dated 1926 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: R. Austin Freeman
• Date: 1926 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Literary Fiction
• Length: 108,492 words
• Structure: 20 chapters, 1,716 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for A Certain Dr Thorndyke by R. Austin Freeman
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering A Certain Dr Thorndyke?
• How does this novel by R. Austin Freeman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

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Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around solving a crime, typical of the mystery genre.
• Detective Fiction — Features Dr. Thorndyke as a detective character who employs scientific methods to solve cases.
• Crime — Involves criminal activities and the investigation surrounding them.
• Thriller — Contains suspenseful elements that keep readers engaged and on edge.

Tags

mystery · detective · crime · thriller · R. Austin Freeman · Dr. Thorndyke · forensic science · investigation · early 20th century · British literature · legal drama · suspense

Contents

• The Fugitive
• The Legatee
• The Mutiny on the 'Speedwell'
• The Phantom Mate
• The New Afterguard
• Betty Makes a Discovery
• The Mate Takes his Discharge
• The Last of the 'Speedwell'
• Arms and the Man
• Betty's Appeal
• The Order of Release
• The Indictment
• Thorndyke Takes up the Inquiry
• Thorndyke Makes a Beginning
• Mr. Wampole is Highly Amused
• Which Treats of Law and Buttons
• The Lapidary
• The End of the Clue
• Thorndyke Connects the Links
• Osmond's Motive

More by R. Austin Freeman

• The D'Arblay Mystery (1926)
• The Mystery of Angelina Frood (1924)
• Dr Thorndyke Intervenes (1933)
• Pontifex, Son And Thorndyke (1931)
• The Eye of Osiris (1911)
• For the Defence, Dr. Thorndyke (1926)
• A Silent Witness (1914)
• Felo De Se? (1927)
• All works by R. Austin Freeman