Jacques Futrelle was an American journalist and mystery writer, celebrated for his detective short stories featuring the brilliant Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, known as the "Thinking Machine." Futrelle's narrative style is characterized by its emphasis on logical deduction and intricate plots that immerse readers in complex puzzles. His works delve into the nature of intellect and reasoning, often set against the backdrop of the early 20th century. He significantly contributed to the mystery genre by crafting intellectually stimulating tales of detection.
In this gripping mystery novel, wealthy businessman John Thorndyke is blackmailed by an unknown assailant who threatens to reveal a dark secret from his past. Thorndyke hires private investigator Augustus Van Dusen, known as the "Thinking Machine," to help him uncover the identity of the blackmailer. As Van Dusen follows a trail of clues, he finds himself in a race against time to save Thorndyke's reputation - and his life.
The Leak, has been considered an important book throughout the human history. So that this work is never forgotten we have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. The whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. This book is not made of scanned copies and hence the text is clear and readable.
Set against the backdrop of New York's social scene, the story follows Susan, a beautiful young woman who sacrifices her independence for marriage. When she unexpectedly encounters Dan Wilbur, an old flame, memories of her past romantic escapades resurface, challenging her current life. This lighthearted romantic comedy explores themes of identity, love, and the struggle between societal expectations and personal freedom. Jacques Futrelle's engaging storytelling captures Susan's journey as she navigates the complexities of her heart and past.
Suppose you were locked into one of the most secure prisons in America at the turn of the twentieth century. You've been put into solitary confinement, with periodic inspections by the warden, whom you'd informed that you would escape in less than a week. How would you communicate with the outside, how would you smuggle in tools and weapons, and how would you finally break out? This was the situation confronting Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, aka The Thinking Machine, in "The Problem of Cell 13," one of the most famous "locked-room" mysteries ever written. Eventually The Thinking Machine did escape, and his method is known to generations of fans. Less well known, however, is the fact that Jacques Futrelle wrote many other stories about this unique detective. This volume presents twelve tales of The Thinking Machine, adventures that concern a perfect alibi and a perfect accusation, an impossible theft of a container of radium, a precise sealed room mystery, a flaming phantom, and other "impossible" situations. Rich in Edwardian period flavor, the realistic tales anticipate many of the major developments in modern crime fiction.
Je možné uniknout ze zamčené a ostře hlídané cely pouze pomocí logiky? Profesor Augustus Van Dusen je o síle lidského ducha nezvratně přesvědčen. Aby svá tvrzení dokázal, nechá se zavřít do chisholmského vězení a vsadí se svými přáteli, že se s nimi sejde za týden na večeři na svobodě. Uplyne týden, a ejhle! – profesor Van Dusen svou sázku opravdu vyhrává. Jacques Futrelle se narodil roku 1875, pracoval jako novinář a přivydělával si psaním detektivních povídek. Povídka „Problém cely č. 13“ patří mezi jeho nejznámější texty a dodnes je řazena mezi nejlepší detektivní povídky 20. století.
Featuring the brilliant detective The Thinking Machine, this collection showcases 21 short stories along with the novel "The Chase of the Golden Plate." Jacques Futrelle's protagonist employs unwavering logic and sharp reasoning to unravel complex mysteries, emphasizing that mathematical truths are constant. Each tale presents a unique puzzle, highlighting the power of rational thought in solving crimes and challenging the mind.
The Thinking Machine, a master of logic and deduction, tackles a series of intriguing mysteries in this collection of 27 short stories. Known for his methodical approach, he solves complex puzzles, including the renowned "escape from prison" scenario in The Problem of Cell 13. Futrelle's classic character exemplifies the power of rational thinking in unraveling crime, making this volume a captivating read for puzzle enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike.
Professor Van Dusen thinks nothing is impossible, makes a bet with his friends saying he can escape from any prison cell in a week, and one hour later finds himself locked up in Chisholm Prison.
Known for his short detective stories, Jacques Heath Futrelle created the iconic character Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, also known as the "Thinking Machine." A journalist for several prominent newspapers, he first introduced this character in 1905 with "The Problem of Cell 13." Futrelle's life was tragically cut short during the sinking of the RMS Titanic, where he sacrificed himself for his wife. His legacy as a mystery writer endures through his inventive plots and character-driven narratives.