The Vanishing Man

Set in the realm of crime and mystery, this novel introduces Dr. Thorndyke, a pioneering medico-legal forensic investigator. As one of Richard Austin Freeman's early works, it showcases his unique approach to storytelling, particularly the 'inverted detective story' format. Unlike traditional mysteries, the criminal's identity is revealed upfront, shifting the focus to the detective's efforts in unraveling the case. Originally published in 1911, this work reflects Freeman's evolution as a writer beyond mere homage to contemporaries like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.