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Dr. Finlay
Dr. Finlay's Casebook
Dr Finlay's Casebook is a delightful collection of episodic stories of Dr Finlay and his life in the fictional Scottish village of Tannochbrae during the inter-war years and based on A.J. Cronin's own experiences as a doctor. The BBC went on to dramatise these stories on both television and radio during the 1960s and 1970s, with the television adaptation drawing weekly audiences of 12 million viewers. The characters were revived by ITV from 1993-96 and were adapted again for BBC radio in 2001 and 2002. This omnibus edition of Doctor Finlay of Tannochbrae and Adventures of a Black Bag revives Cronin's masterpiece for a contemporary audience – stories which are tragic, funny and wry and which are a celebration of Cronin's tremendous talent.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
35 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Cronin
239 books489 followersArchibald Joseph Cronin was a Scottish novelist, dramatist, and non-fiction writer who was one of the most renowned storytellers of the twentieth century. His best-known works are The Citadel and The Keys of the Kingdom, both of which were made into Oscar-nominated films. He also created the Dr. Finlay character, the hero of a series of stories that served as the basis for the long-running BBC television and radio series entitled Dr. Finlay's Casebook.
-Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.J._Cronin
-Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.J._Cronin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 19, 2019
I bought this book after memories of watching the TV series years ago and watching them again more recently. Easy watching and easy reading. A.J. Cronin has written much better books I feel but nevertheless I did enjoy watching the series on TV once more.
September 5, 2019
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4
February 4, 2018
I 'read' an audiobook of this book. It was split into 2 parts.
The first part, set in the town of Levensford, had each chapter a separate short story. The stories were fascinating, enjoyable, and often poignant.
The second part was set in the town of Tannoch Brae, was about the same characters, but otherwise gave no recognition to the previous part. The stories were not nearly so good, and often the title character's reputation seemed exaggerated and the tales cheesy. Very disappointing after the first part of the book.
The first part, set in the town of Levensford, had each chapter a separate short story. The stories were fascinating, enjoyable, and often poignant.
The second part was set in the town of Tannoch Brae, was about the same characters, but otherwise gave no recognition to the previous part. The stories were not nearly so good, and often the title character's reputation seemed exaggerated and the tales cheesy. Very disappointing after the first part of the book.
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July 27, 2021This is two shorter collections of short stories put together for a longer volume. The first half consists of several short, slice-of-life stories about the life of a Scottish country doctor in the immediate pre-NHS era, and they're a bit dated in style but mostly interesting and enjoyable. And also there's a lovely girl, and a misunderstanding with the lovely girl, and then they make it up and there's a happy ending which is just what the doctor ordered. The second half is deeply insane. Did Cronin have a knock on the head between the two collections? Did someone tell him he had to suddenly write stories about mysterious inheritances, "Oriental" porcelain (oh god), South American villains, enormous libel cases and whatnot (all in this small Highland town)? The weirdest part is that main character becomes some kind of infallible Byronic hero who can do no wrong and is adored by everyone who meets him, to the point I actually didn't finish the book but abandoned it three quarters through, which is a shame when I liked the first half a lot!
February 17, 2020
This edition, “Dr. Finlay’s Casebook,” actually contains two different books - Adventures of a Black Bag (1969) and Dr. Finlay of Tannochbrae (1978). Both are about Finlay’s adventures as a small town Scottish doctor in the early 20th century - yet they couldn’t be more different. The first book was absolutely delightful. I loved it. The second book was horrible, as though written by a completely different person. It was coarse, unbelievable, and involved the character assassination of all of the characters from the first book and a bunch of new ones besides. I couldn’t wait for it to be over. I will try to look back with fondness on book one - but only if I succeed in completely forgetting book two. My four star rating reflects my opinion of book one only.
September 22, 2022
Unfortunately that was my first Cronin's book, so the impression has gone awry. Pretty boring, the doctor is given zero context as a character (despite being the main one), and the dialogs - gosh, real human beings don't talk like that..
April 16, 2014
An enjoyable brace of books chronicling events in the life of Dr Finlay of Tannochbrae: veering from the pompously preachy to the genuinely moving and embracing moral issues that were probably more relevant then than they are now, it's easy to see how easy it was to translate the stories to radio and television.
April 23, 2020
I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars. It was made up of two collections of stories a la James Herriot's books. The first one made me laugh out loud. One made me sad. Dr. Finlay's interactions with women had me scratching my head and are the reason I wouldn't give this 4 stars.
April 27, 2019
This volume contains two very different collections of Dr Finlay stories - and they don’t sit well together.
The first, Adventures of a Black Bag contains short stories first published in a magazine in the 1930s and first brought together in a book in 1945. These tales are set in the early years of the 20th century in the town of Levenford and the stories centre largely on Dr Finlay’s interaction with his patients and were most enjoyable to read.
The second book, Dr Finlay of Tannochbrae, published in 1978 moves the stories in time and place with absolutely no attempt to retain the continuity of the earlier stories. Clearly this was to match the well known television series. Dr Finlay is still a young doctor - but his stubbornness and uncertain temper now appears as arrogance and when his softer emotions come into play, the writing is positively maudlin!
If I had only read the first part of this book, I’d have given it 4 stars - after the second, it barely deserves two!
The first, Adventures of a Black Bag contains short stories first published in a magazine in the 1930s and first brought together in a book in 1945. These tales are set in the early years of the 20th century in the town of Levenford and the stories centre largely on Dr Finlay’s interaction with his patients and were most enjoyable to read.
The second book, Dr Finlay of Tannochbrae, published in 1978 moves the stories in time and place with absolutely no attempt to retain the continuity of the earlier stories. Clearly this was to match the well known television series. Dr Finlay is still a young doctor - but his stubbornness and uncertain temper now appears as arrogance and when his softer emotions come into play, the writing is positively maudlin!
If I had only read the first part of this book, I’d have given it 4 stars - after the second, it barely deserves two!
June 28, 2016
Second hand paperback from a Scottish Library.
This was a delight to read, although I kept hearing Bill Simpson's and Andrew Cruikshank's voices in my head. It took me back to my childhood and watching the series on Sunday nights. Yes the writing is old-fashioned, and yes some of the words are archaic now, but this is a delightful account of life in a small town. It has more depth in a way than Herriot's stories ( which are more personal accounts) and Finlay comes across as a wonderful character.
This was a delight to read, although I kept hearing Bill Simpson's and Andrew Cruikshank's voices in my head. It took me back to my childhood and watching the series on Sunday nights. Yes the writing is old-fashioned, and yes some of the words are archaic now, but this is a delightful account of life in a small town. It has more depth in a way than Herriot's stories ( which are more personal accounts) and Finlay comes across as a wonderful character.
January 29, 2016
There is so much wrong with these stories. Overly sentimental, inconsistent (Finlay's loves seems to completely change their personalities and appendicitis is known about and then unknown) and sexism. Nevertheless, Cronin is an excellent storyteller and this set of connected short stories is an enjoyable, if rather light, read.
April 16, 2023
It’s difficult to rate this omnibus as one half is much worse than the other. Bizarrely, the publishers have decided to put the Dr Finlay book written in the ‘70s, which is far poorer, as the first part, and the superior, earlier written one second.
Overall, I was disappointed with the whole book.
I love The Citadel and was hoping for the same quality of writing, but that’s not what these stories are. They all feel like they were dashed off in a hurry. The plots are repetitive and predictable. The Black Bag stories, written in the ‘50s, are largely wholesome and sweet. The Tannochbrae ‘70s book tries to be a bit racy, lots of unnecessary references to sex and sleaziness. There’s more a judgemental bitterness to it, too.
It’s worse in that book, but Dr Finlay is throughout a “self-insert Mary-Sue” who we are invited to admire to a ridiculous extent, while he behaves questionably. He makes a patient sick because he suspects she might not pay him. He breaks patient confidentiality by telling a teenager’s dad that she’s sexually active. And the plots get increasingly misogynistic as the writer ages. I had to have a long break between books.
All very disappointing.
Overall, I was disappointed with the whole book.
I love The Citadel and was hoping for the same quality of writing, but that’s not what these stories are. They all feel like they were dashed off in a hurry. The plots are repetitive and predictable. The Black Bag stories, written in the ‘50s, are largely wholesome and sweet. The Tannochbrae ‘70s book tries to be a bit racy, lots of unnecessary references to sex and sleaziness. There’s more a judgemental bitterness to it, too.
It’s worse in that book, but Dr Finlay is throughout a “self-insert Mary-Sue” who we are invited to admire to a ridiculous extent, while he behaves questionably. He makes a patient sick because he suspects she might not pay him. He breaks patient confidentiality by telling a teenager’s dad that she’s sexually active. And the plots get increasingly misogynistic as the writer ages. I had to have a long break between books.
All very disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
"Dr Finlay's Casebook brings together Adventures of a Black Bag and Dr Finlay o Tannochbrae, A.J. Cronin's two hugely popular collections featuring his most famous creation, Dr Finlay.
"Set in and around the fictio0nal Sottish town of Levenford and village of Tannochbrae during the inter-war years, the stories found here are heart-warming, funny and touching, full of fascinating characters and unforgettable encounters.
"Made famous by the much-loved adaptations for radio and television, the classic tales of Dr Finlay, his senior colleague Dr Cameron, and Janet, their unruffled housekeeper, remain as fresh and entertaining now as they were upon first publication."
~~back cover
Having very much enjoyed the television series, I was a bit taken aback by the stories in the book: they seemed to paint a different Dr Finlay than I was used to. It was also disconcerting that he had at least three different loves of his life, none of whom became Mrs Finlay. But the book was an easy read, and all in all I rather enjoyed it.
"Set in and around the fictio0nal Sottish town of Levenford and village of Tannochbrae during the inter-war years, the stories found here are heart-warming, funny and touching, full of fascinating characters and unforgettable encounters.
"Made famous by the much-loved adaptations for radio and television, the classic tales of Dr Finlay, his senior colleague Dr Cameron, and Janet, their unruffled housekeeper, remain as fresh and entertaining now as they were upon first publication."
~~back cover
Having very much enjoyed the television series, I was a bit taken aback by the stories in the book: they seemed to paint a different Dr Finlay than I was used to. It was also disconcerting that he had at least three different loves of his life, none of whom became Mrs Finlay. But the book was an easy read, and all in all I rather enjoyed it.
January 15, 2019
As with many short story collections these were (I believe) originally published in magazines and never really intended to make a story arc - indeed rather like the stories of Sherlock Holmes they do contradict each other here and there.
They do offer a snapshot of the era, touching on the social issues of the time just as Dickens did in his fiction (but without the silly names). Dickens, it must be remembered, also often wrote his stories for massed market consumption in magazine form. In the case of Dr Finlay I am assuming there is no contiguous story within this volume because they were most likely never intended to be read together, though some do follow on from each other in a loose fashion.
They are a little corny to the modern reader- but as with many fictional pieces written in a past era - it is shortsighted to place modern values on them. Best enjoyed for what they are. Entertaining tales from a bygone time.
They do offer a snapshot of the era, touching on the social issues of the time just as Dickens did in his fiction (but without the silly names). Dickens, it must be remembered, also often wrote his stories for massed market consumption in magazine form. In the case of Dr Finlay I am assuming there is no contiguous story within this volume because they were most likely never intended to be read together, though some do follow on from each other in a loose fashion.
They are a little corny to the modern reader- but as with many fictional pieces written in a past era - it is shortsighted to place modern values on them. Best enjoyed for what they are. Entertaining tales from a bygone time.
March 25, 2018
It Makes You Laugh, It Makes You Cry, It’s Impossible To Put Down.
Many older people will remember ‘Dr Finlay’s Casebook’ on television about a young Scottish doctor working in small town in Scotland, Tannochbrae, in pre NHS days. His boss is a crusty old practitioner, Dr Cameron, and the wily housekeeper, Janet, keeps them functioning. Essential viewing then it was based on the tales of AJ Cronin, himself a qualified doctor and an accomplished author. A thoroughly readable book, each chapter is a separate story woven together to mould an account of general practice in a small Scottish town. Unfortunately few have heard of him these days but further essential reads would be ‘The Stars Look Down’ and ‘The Citadel’. The latter book is said to have inspired Anenurin Bevan to set up the National Health Service in 1948.
Many older people will remember ‘Dr Finlay’s Casebook’ on television about a young Scottish doctor working in small town in Scotland, Tannochbrae, in pre NHS days. His boss is a crusty old practitioner, Dr Cameron, and the wily housekeeper, Janet, keeps them functioning. Essential viewing then it was based on the tales of AJ Cronin, himself a qualified doctor and an accomplished author. A thoroughly readable book, each chapter is a separate story woven together to mould an account of general practice in a small Scottish town. Unfortunately few have heard of him these days but further essential reads would be ‘The Stars Look Down’ and ‘The Citadel’. The latter book is said to have inspired Anenurin Bevan to set up the National Health Service in 1948.
October 29, 2018
This book is really short stories of Dr Finlays medical cases with a common character tying them together. I cannot comment on the whole of the book as I stopped listening (audiobook) after ch 10. I was disappointed with the lack of character developement. I never really got to know Dr Finlay, so I felt no connection to him or his patients. The stories in themselves are fine, the writing and moral issues covered are relevant to it being written in the 1930's.
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October 17, 2023A blast from the past.
Yes, I remember the TV series but this book seemed nothing like it. The first part was enjoyable though had little medical stories, but the second part was rubbish. As so many other reviewers have commented, the characters were completely different in the latter E.g. Dr Finlay’s attitude to women: he was falling in love left, right, and centre, and then it turned out that he had an illegitimate son. Janet and Dr Cameron had different personalities too.
Yes, I remember the TV series but this book seemed nothing like it. The first part was enjoyable though had little medical stories, but the second part was rubbish. As so many other reviewers have commented, the characters were completely different in the latter E.g. Dr Finlay’s attitude to women: he was falling in love left, right, and centre, and then it turned out that he had an illegitimate son. Janet and Dr Cameron had different personalities too.
May 25, 2018
This was the ultimate old-fashioned easy read. I like the stories in the second half of the book better than the first half. Not too much to say. Predictable. You can see why this was made into a TV series twice.
November 16, 2018
I do love reading a book in an accent, ye ne kenned one a' bonny a' Scottish. Brilliant stories. But whatever happened to Nurse Angus?
"I say old man, don't get into your car for at least half an hour. When you start cursing, it's safe to drive"
"I say old man, don't get into your car for at least half an hour. When you start cursing, it's safe to drive"
September 2, 2020
Charming stories of the young Dr Finlay. Narrator is so good especially when he takes on the voice of the housekeeper Janet.
Good way to re enjoy these tales since it is quite a while since we watched the tv series.
Good way to re enjoy these tales since it is quite a while since we watched the tv series.
February 10, 2022
Very interesting character observations, a glimpse of a former world. Have never seen the famous TV show. Now I really want to read 'The Citadel', 'the book that inspired the NHS' before long because if that's true we owe AJ Cronin a huge debt of gratitude.
March 18, 2022
Second attempt at reading this and worth another go for sure. Dated but nevertheless entertaining episodic narrative of the dashing young Dr Finlay's encounters with an array of patients. Very reminiscent of the Herriot novels.
August 4, 2025
The first part of the book is an enjoyable collection of short stories about pre NHS general practice. Sadly the second part of the book bears no resemblance to the first part and is frankly not worth reading.
June 7, 2019
A. J. Cronin is a wonderful writer. These stories are very good.
October 1, 2019
Loved it
Recommended highly. Wish it was longer. Lots of connected short stories dealing with happiness and humanity. Hope to find more like it.
Recommended highly. Wish it was longer. Lots of connected short stories dealing with happiness and humanity. Hope to find more like it.
November 26, 2019
I preferred the second set of stories (Adventures of a black bag). An entertaining read covering some moral issues of the times.
August 27, 2020
k stories but not interesting enough to keep me reading. Abandoned about a quarter of the way through.
April 4, 2021
Between two world wars, Cronin gives us the adventures of a Dr. just coming from the battlefield. Written about Scotland.
May 11, 2021
The first set of stories were charming, the second lot...not so much.
June 28, 2023
I would give this many more stars, if I could! Absolutely delightful - entertaining stories, characters which you can't help falling in love with, and witty, rich writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews