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Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries #15
The Magic Casket
On a misty November night in London, Dr Thorndyke comes across an abandoned handbag in an old church. From examining the contents an address is found and so begins a mysterious trail leading to the owner and a violent murder. Enter into the world of Mr Ponting's Alibi where threats are made when a will is made known, and meet the gang of cosmopolitan revolutionaries who harbour and explosive truth at The Golomite Works. This delightful collection of crime stories has been written to amuse and perplex the most ardent of crime aficionados.
- GenresMystery
222 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1927
About the author
R. Austin Freeman
606 books90 followersRichard Freeman was born in Soho, London on 11 April 1862, the son of Ann Maria (nee Dunn) and Richard Freeman, a tailor. He was originally named Richard, and later added the Austin to his name.
He became a medical trainee at Middlesex Hospital Medical College, and was accepted as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.
He married Annie Elizabeth Edwards in 1887; they had two sons. After a few weeks of married life, the couple found themselves in Accra on the Gold Coast, where he was assistant surgeon. His time in Africa produced plenty of hard work, very little money and ill health, so much so that after seven years he was invalided out of the service in 1891. He wrote his first book, 'Travels and Life in Ashanti and Jaman', which was published in 1898. It was critically acclaimed but made very little money.
On his return to England he set up an eye/ear/nose/throat practice, but in due course his health forced him to give up medicine, although he did have occasional temporary posts, and in World War I he was in the ambulance corps.
He became a writer of detective stories, mostly featuring the medico-legal forensic investigator Dr Thorndyke. The first of the books in the series was 'The Red Thumb Mark' (1907). His first published crime novel was 'The Adventures of Romney Pringle' (1902) and was a collaborative effort published under the pseudonym Clifford Ashdown. Within a few years he was devoting his time to full-time writing.
With the publication of 'The Singing Bone' (1912) he invented the inverted detective story (a crime fiction in which the commission of the crime is described at the beginning, usually including the identity of the perpetrator, with the story then describing the detective's attempt to solve the mystery). Thereafter he used some of his early experiences as a colonial surgeon in his novels.
A large proportion of the Dr Thorndyke stories involve genuine, but often quite arcane, points of scientific knowledge, from areas such as tropical medicine, metallurgy and toxicology.
He died in Gravesend on 28 September 1943.
He became a medical trainee at Middlesex Hospital Medical College, and was accepted as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.
He married Annie Elizabeth Edwards in 1887; they had two sons. After a few weeks of married life, the couple found themselves in Accra on the Gold Coast, where he was assistant surgeon. His time in Africa produced plenty of hard work, very little money and ill health, so much so that after seven years he was invalided out of the service in 1891. He wrote his first book, 'Travels and Life in Ashanti and Jaman', which was published in 1898. It was critically acclaimed but made very little money.
On his return to England he set up an eye/ear/nose/throat practice, but in due course his health forced him to give up medicine, although he did have occasional temporary posts, and in World War I he was in the ambulance corps.
He became a writer of detective stories, mostly featuring the medico-legal forensic investigator Dr Thorndyke. The first of the books in the series was 'The Red Thumb Mark' (1907). His first published crime novel was 'The Adventures of Romney Pringle' (1902) and was a collaborative effort published under the pseudonym Clifford Ashdown. Within a few years he was devoting his time to full-time writing.
With the publication of 'The Singing Bone' (1912) he invented the inverted detective story (a crime fiction in which the commission of the crime is described at the beginning, usually including the identity of the perpetrator, with the story then describing the detective's attempt to solve the mystery). Thereafter he used some of his early experiences as a colonial surgeon in his novels.
A large proportion of the Dr Thorndyke stories involve genuine, but often quite arcane, points of scientific knowledge, from areas such as tropical medicine, metallurgy and toxicology.
He died in Gravesend on 28 September 1943.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 1, 2020
Pandora's Box. 7/10
The Naturalist at Law. 8/10
The Trail of Behemoth. 7/10
The Magic Casket. 7/10
The Contents of a Mare's Nest. 8/10
The Stalking Horse. 7/10
Mr. Ponting's Alibi. 8/10
The Pathologist to the Rescue. 7/10
Gleanings from the Wreckage. 8/10
Overall 7,5/10
The Naturalist at Law. 8/10
The Trail of Behemoth. 7/10
The Magic Casket. 7/10
The Contents of a Mare's Nest. 8/10
The Stalking Horse. 7/10
Mr. Ponting's Alibi. 8/10
The Pathologist to the Rescue. 7/10
Gleanings from the Wreckage. 8/10
Overall 7,5/10
May 5, 2017
By now I have gotten used to Dr Thorndyke. The stories are good but there is nothing extraordinary about them. I was able to guess some of the solutions which really puts Jervis in a wrong light. He has become predictable in misdirecting the audience which raises lots of doubt on his intelligence. As for the stories
Magic Casket - Thorndyke solves the mystery of a casket to identify the location of a jewel stolen from the client and getting rid of the sneaky Japanese men following them in every way
Contents of a mare next - An insurance company believes foul play when a man is certified dead and buried quickly without any autopsy taking place. The undertaker also says there was a strange incident during the burial catches the nose of Dr Thorndyke and he goes about to solve the case
Stalking horse - A man is found dead while holding the contents of a letter which belong to the client of Dr Thorndyke. Going meticulously as always, Thorndyke gets to the bottom of the mystery
Naturalist at Law - A straightforward case of drowning for everyone raises some questions to Dr Thorndyke who believes the content of weed in the stomach is different from the weed present in the pond indicating murder
Pointing's Alibi - A murder takes place but the key suspect has an alibi. A closer inspection shows the alibi isn't what it seems though as there are 2 sides in every alibi
Pandora's Box - A women's contents are found in a box belonging to a Chapman, the client of Dr Thorndyke. The case seems bleak against him as Thorndyke tries his hardest to find a solution which can clear his clients name
Trail of Behemoth - Some dust present in the crime scene along with other suspicious items points Thorndyke to the killer as well as shows Jervis in completely bad light for not investigating when everything was in front of him
Pathologist to the rescue - A clear case of suicide is thrown off by the presence of blood at the other end of the room. Thorndyke tries to prove his client innocent while trying his best to identify the blood before DNA techniques were available and blood identification was impossible
Gleanings from the wreckage - An explosion causing a fire leaves a man completely unidentifiable. Thorndyke is called in to rule the events as an accident but notices a few discrepancies
Magic Casket - Thorndyke solves the mystery of a casket to identify the location of a jewel stolen from the client and getting rid of the sneaky Japanese men following them in every way
Contents of a mare next - An insurance company believes foul play when a man is certified dead and buried quickly without any autopsy taking place. The undertaker also says there was a strange incident during the burial catches the nose of Dr Thorndyke and he goes about to solve the case
Stalking horse - A man is found dead while holding the contents of a letter which belong to the client of Dr Thorndyke. Going meticulously as always, Thorndyke gets to the bottom of the mystery
Naturalist at Law - A straightforward case of drowning for everyone raises some questions to Dr Thorndyke who believes the content of weed in the stomach is different from the weed present in the pond indicating murder
Pointing's Alibi - A murder takes place but the key suspect has an alibi. A closer inspection shows the alibi isn't what it seems though as there are 2 sides in every alibi
Pandora's Box - A women's contents are found in a box belonging to a Chapman, the client of Dr Thorndyke. The case seems bleak against him as Thorndyke tries his hardest to find a solution which can clear his clients name
Trail of Behemoth - Some dust present in the crime scene along with other suspicious items points Thorndyke to the killer as well as shows Jervis in completely bad light for not investigating when everything was in front of him
Pathologist to the rescue - A clear case of suicide is thrown off by the presence of blood at the other end of the room. Thorndyke tries to prove his client innocent while trying his best to identify the blood before DNA techniques were available and blood identification was impossible
Gleanings from the wreckage - An explosion causing a fire leaves a man completely unidentifiable. Thorndyke is called in to rule the events as an accident but notices a few discrepancies
November 8, 2021
1. The Magic Casket
In a church doorway on the Kings Road, Chelsea, Dr Thorndyke discovers a handbag containing a stoneware jar with the stamp of the Victoria and AlbertMuseum, with the name of Miss Mabel Bonnet. Soon Thorndyke learns the events that have lead to this occurrence. Can he solve the mystery.
2. The Contents of a Mare’s Nest
Mr Stalker of an assurance company approaches Dr. Thorndyke concerning the death of a Jonathan Ingle. Accusations of poisoning and bigamy have occurred. Can Thorndyke unravel the mystery
3. The Stalking Horse
A body is discovered on a train at Densford Junction, an anti-suffrage man. Soon suffragette Miss Isabel Dalby is arrested. Can Dr Thorndyke determine who is guilty.
4. The Naturalist at Law
The body of Mr Pedley is discovered in a ditch. His brother, Wilfred, is convinced that it is not suicide and seeks the help of Dr. Thorndyke
5. Mr Ponting’s Alibi
When Miss Millicent Fawcett is discovered dead her step brother William Ponting, is the main suspect due to his threats directed at her. But it appears he has an alibi. Can Dr Thorndyke proof him guilty.
6. Pandora’s Box
Samual Chapman has been arrested and accused of the murder of his lover, Rebecca Mings. Only his brother George believes he is innocent and requests Dr. Thorndyke to investigate.
7. The Trail of Behemoth
Giles Herrington of Tanfield Court has been found dead. Friend and neighbour Mr Bidwell asks Dr. Thorndyke to investigate
8. The Pathologist to the Rescue
Miss Lilian Markham and Reverand Arthur Foxley approach Dr.Thorndyke because friend Robert Fletcher has been accused of robbery and the murder of his unlce, Joseph Riggs.
9. Gleanings from the Wreckage
While at walking one night Dr Jervis and Dr Thorndyke hear the sound of an explosion. The body of Mr Manford is discovered in the wreckage. His widow asks Thorndyke to prove that it was not a suicide.
Entertaining short stories
In a church doorway on the Kings Road, Chelsea, Dr Thorndyke discovers a handbag containing a stoneware jar with the stamp of the Victoria and AlbertMuseum, with the name of Miss Mabel Bonnet. Soon Thorndyke learns the events that have lead to this occurrence. Can he solve the mystery.
2. The Contents of a Mare’s Nest
Mr Stalker of an assurance company approaches Dr. Thorndyke concerning the death of a Jonathan Ingle. Accusations of poisoning and bigamy have occurred. Can Thorndyke unravel the mystery
3. The Stalking Horse
A body is discovered on a train at Densford Junction, an anti-suffrage man. Soon suffragette Miss Isabel Dalby is arrested. Can Dr Thorndyke determine who is guilty.
4. The Naturalist at Law
The body of Mr Pedley is discovered in a ditch. His brother, Wilfred, is convinced that it is not suicide and seeks the help of Dr. Thorndyke
5. Mr Ponting’s Alibi
When Miss Millicent Fawcett is discovered dead her step brother William Ponting, is the main suspect due to his threats directed at her. But it appears he has an alibi. Can Dr Thorndyke proof him guilty.
6. Pandora’s Box
Samual Chapman has been arrested and accused of the murder of his lover, Rebecca Mings. Only his brother George believes he is innocent and requests Dr. Thorndyke to investigate.
7. The Trail of Behemoth
Giles Herrington of Tanfield Court has been found dead. Friend and neighbour Mr Bidwell asks Dr. Thorndyke to investigate
8. The Pathologist to the Rescue
Miss Lilian Markham and Reverand Arthur Foxley approach Dr.Thorndyke because friend Robert Fletcher has been accused of robbery and the murder of his unlce, Joseph Riggs.
9. Gleanings from the Wreckage
While at walking one night Dr Jervis and Dr Thorndyke hear the sound of an explosion. The body of Mr Manford is discovered in the wreckage. His widow asks Thorndyke to prove that it was not a suicide.
Entertaining short stories
December 21, 2016
This book is the first of the Dr. Thorndyke's series of books which i have read from Austin Freeman. Since i have read all the novels on Sherlock Holmes, this book kept reminding me a lot about the writings from Arthur Conan Doyle. However, the style of writing by Austin Freeman is different from that of Arthur Conan Doyle and would say equally competent. I felt that the role of Jarvis was a little odd and weak when you compare to that of Dr. Watson from Sherlock Holmes. This could also be since this is the first book i am reading on the adventures of Dr. Thorndyke and Jarvis and i might be expecting another Dr. Watson intellect. In summary, i enjoyed the book and would like to read more on Dr. Thorndyke's adventures.
April 19, 2017
3.5 stars
A short story collection told entirely from Jervis's perspective. He hasn't really caught on to Thorndyke's methods despite working with him for so many years. But he has caught on to some things and the story that had a guy teasing him about collecting dust and some items off the floor like Thorndyke would was quite amusing. Despite reading so many Thorndyke books, I'm still reading more and have never found any of them boring or "bad".
A short story collection told entirely from Jervis's perspective. He hasn't really caught on to Thorndyke's methods despite working with him for so many years. But he has caught on to some things and the story that had a guy teasing him about collecting dust and some items off the floor like Thorndyke would was quite amusing. Despite reading so many Thorndyke books, I'm still reading more and have never found any of them boring or "bad".
February 7, 2017
Nine short stories, all of them are good, a few are excellent.
June 2, 2019
Good collection of short mystery stories.
August 31, 2023
There are nine stories in this 1927 collection:-
THE MAGIC CASKET
THE CONTENTS OF A MARE’S NEST
THE STALKING HORSE
THE NATURALIST AT LAW
MR. PONTING’S ALIBI
PANDORA’S BOX
THE TRAIL OF BEHEMOTH
THE PATHOLOGIST TO THE RESCUE
GLEANINGS FROM THE WRECKAGE
All give good, brief demonstrations of Thorndyke’s modus operandi while confirming my preference for novel length puzzles. Two features become obvious and, for me, a source of irritation in the concentration of the short story form. Firstly that Jervis’ observational and deductive skills never seem to improve and, secondly, that Polton is continually undervalued and sidelined in a menial position despite his work’s huge contribution to Thorndyke’s success.The usual caveats apply to matters of race and gender stereotyping :this work is of its time.
My favourites are The Naturalist at Law and Mr Ponting’s Alibi, the latter using a plot device similar to that found in a certain Agatha Christie work of the previous year.
3.75 stars.
THE MAGIC CASKET
THE CONTENTS OF A MARE’S NEST
THE STALKING HORSE
THE NATURALIST AT LAW
MR. PONTING’S ALIBI
PANDORA’S BOX
THE TRAIL OF BEHEMOTH
THE PATHOLOGIST TO THE RESCUE
GLEANINGS FROM THE WRECKAGE
All give good, brief demonstrations of Thorndyke’s modus operandi while confirming my preference for novel length puzzles. Two features become obvious and, for me, a source of irritation in the concentration of the short story form. Firstly that Jervis’ observational and deductive skills never seem to improve and, secondly, that Polton is continually undervalued and sidelined in a menial position despite his work’s huge contribution to Thorndyke’s success.The usual caveats apply to matters of race and gender stereotyping :this work is of its time.
My favourites are The Naturalist at Law and Mr Ponting’s Alibi, the latter using a plot device similar to that found in a certain Agatha Christie work of the previous year.
3.75 stars.
August 5, 2025
3.5
I love Professor Thorndyke but didn't quite follow the workings of the casket. Also what a lady to hold such high ethics!
I love Professor Thorndyke but didn't quite follow the workings of the casket. Also what a lady to hold such high ethics!
October 24, 2025
I was delighted to find a collection of Thorndyke stories that I hadn't read. I love a good Thorndyke, and this didn't disappoint - except I would have liked a bit more Polton.
October 27, 2021
In a church doorway on the Kings Road, Chelsea, Dr Thorndyke discovers a handbag containing a stoneware jar with the stamp of the Victoria and Albert Museum, with the name of Miss Mabel Bonnet (Bonney). Soon Thorndyke learns the events that have lead to this occurrence. Can he solve the mystery.
An enjoyable short story
An enjoyable short story
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews