A Silent Witness
R. Austin Freeman
Read by Anna Simon
In this detective novel, the young doctor Humphrey Jardine stumbles upon a corpse during a walk near Hampstead Heath in the middle of the night. However, when he returns to the spot with a police officer, the corpse has disappeared. And this is just the start of a series of strange and sometimes life threatening events. Had it really been a dead man he had seen? And if so, who was it? And what is the role of the mysterious Mrs. Samway, who keeps popping up wherever he goes? He will need the help of Dr. John Thorndyke to solve this mystery.
This is the fourth novel featuring R. Austin Freeman's famous detective Dr. John Thorndyke. The preceding ones are also available on LibriVox: The Red Thumb Mark, the Eye of Osiris (a.k.a. the Vanishing Man, both titles on LV) and The Mystery of 31 New Inn. (Summary by Anna Simon) (10 hr 51 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Intricate story, great reader
alclubb
This s was a very complex story but kept my interest. Anna Simon did a fabulous job of reading. There were a couple of times that I thought the main character acted in a very foolish way and I wanted to slap him, but that is the only negative in a long and cleverly woven together story.
A gripping tale!
Ancient Aunt
This tale kept me on the edge of my seat. A convoluted plot, multiple attempted murders, interesting country and city scenery, a touch of romance, and a liberal dose of medical forensics...what more could one want?! Very well read, as well :)
Think CSI before CSI was invented!
Is reading addictive?
Ms. Simon did a great job overall, especially since I don't think English is her first language. Doubt I'd do nearly as well in any other language! The story's pace feels a little slow to 21st century readers, but is entirely typical of its time, and is much more descriptive than most current styles. PLEASE read more of Dr. Thorndyke's short story collections!
Annoying lead character
mikezane
The lead character, Dr Jardine, is a bit of an idiot who apparently has no sense of personal safety. I found myself annoyed at his lack of common sense, but eh, it's just a book. Summary covers the plot. Reader did an excellent job. I also like books with Dr Thorndyke; he is an excellent lead character.
A bit predictable
amart
The main character is either really really dumb or just really naive. Too many coincidences throughout to be even somewhat believable. But I enjoyed the reader and the book was ok. You will know the plot when the second body.
silent witness
teafellow
excellent mystery, involved and captivating with the medical insight of the era. Reader was excellent and so easy to follow.
Anna Simon is a wonderful reader
dahszil
But the story seems too far fetched in my humble opinion. did not finish it because like i said it was not believable especially that first attempt at murder with the snowy crystals coming from a hole in the ceiling, turning into gas in this old whatever it was, closed production of whatever building. maybe listen/read the rest later. @mikezane: here here! these numbskull characters have no business sneaking into a good book! :) dahszil male usa
A LibriVox Listener
Love Austin's Dr. Thorndike stories. Reader did an excellent job except for knowing the difference between bow ( as in tying a bow) and bow ( as in kneel in a bow pronounced bough) and ascertain which is as CER tain. These are the two words most of the readers mispronounce. However this reader is easily understood. This makes the great story even better