The Red Thumb Mark

"The Red Thumb Mark" by R. Austin Freeman is a captivating mystery that introduces Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke, who transitioned his expertise from medicine to legal matters, finding himself entangled in a perplexing diamond theft case. Reuben Hornby, Thorndyke's client, stands accused due to a damning red thumbprint found at the crime scene. As Thorndyke navigates the complexities of forensic evidence and legal procedures, the narrative gains momentum with the arrival of Juliet Gibson, who is convinced of Hornby's innocence and becomes part of the defense. The story weaves together character dynamics, the impact of scientific evidence, and moral questions within the justice system, all set against a backdrop of suspicion and the relentless search for the real culprit.