Shadowed by a detective

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78812

Title

Shadowed by a detective

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In late 19th-century New York, a beautiful woman is found drowned in the river, sparking a mystery that challenges the police. Detective William Dow investigates the case, uncovering a web of kidnapping, political corruption, and a shocking secret involving the victim's identity. Blending suspense with social commentary, this classic detective tale explores justice, deception, and the lengths men will go to protect their reputations.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Shadowed by a Detective*, René de Pont-Jest presents a gripping tale of mystery, social hypocrisy, and the fragility of justice set in late 19th-century New York. The narrative begins with the chilling discovery of a beautiful young woman's body in the East River near Wharf 32. While a crowd gathers at Bellevue Hospital, Chief of Police Kelly and his detectives, including the brilliant but enigmatic William Dow, launch an investigation. Dr. O'Neel's autopsy reveals the victim was not drowned but killed by a narcotic, though her identity remains unknown. The case quickly intertwines with the scandalous disappearance of Ada Ricard, a society woman kidnapped by an unknown party. Her husband, James Gobson, is wrongly convicted and sentenced to death, sparking public outcry. As the trial approaches, Colonel Forster, a high-ranking officer, is suspected of involvement but refuses to speak without an honor pledge. During the retrial, Ada Ricard appears alive, defending her former husband and exposing the errors of the legal system. However, the resolution is far from simple; the true nature of the kidnapping and the identity of the drowned woman remain shrouded in mystery. William Dow, a former physician turned detective, navigates the complexities of the case, facing skepticism from his superiors and the public. The story delves into themes of class, gender, and the fragility of justice, as Dow uncovers hidden truths that challenge the moral fabric of New York society. Ultimately, the novel questions the reliability of appearances and the cost of maintaining social standing, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease about the unseen forces driving the city's underbelly. Through Dow's keen intellect and moral fortitude, the narrative exposes the dark undercurrents beneath the city's polished surface, suggesting that truth often lies hidden in plain sight, obscured by prejudice and the desire to preserve reputation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78812.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg78812.epub

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Categories

• Romance
• Mystery
• Crime Fiction