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Mr. Pottermack's Oversight
On a sultry afternoon in July, a man stumbles through thick foliage and rough ground, making for the coast. He wears prisoner's garb and the guards are hot on his heels. Happening upon a bather's clothes – the bather nowhere in sight – the escapee takes the risk, changes and leaves the scene looking the part of the average beachcomber.
But it can be hard to stay hidden forever. When a blackmailer intrudes for the last time upon the promising life of the man who now calls himself Mr. Pottermack, a violent fate befalls him, and the stakes are Pottermack must avoid discovery at all costs to escape the hangman's noose for murder.
When Pottermack's attempts to tamper with the evidence arouse the suspicions of the fiercely forensic Dr. Thorndyke, the cat and mouse game is afoot as we follow both detective and suspect in their battle to root out – or bury – the damning truth in this inverted-mystery classic first published in 1930.
But it can be hard to stay hidden forever. When a blackmailer intrudes for the last time upon the promising life of the man who now calls himself Mr. Pottermack, a violent fate befalls him, and the stakes are Pottermack must avoid discovery at all costs to escape the hangman's noose for murder.
When Pottermack's attempts to tamper with the evidence arouse the suspicions of the fiercely forensic Dr. Thorndyke, the cat and mouse game is afoot as we follow both detective and suspect in their battle to root out – or bury – the damning truth in this inverted-mystery classic first published in 1930.
352 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2025
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
R. Austin Freeman
599 books86 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 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 21, 2025
Mr Pottermack’s Oversight is a clever, thoughtful read that shows why Freeman is considered one of the masters of classic detective fiction.
Reading this book was such an interesting experience. Unlike most mysteries where you’re kept guessing about who committed the crime, here we already know what happened and watch how it all unfolds. That “inverted mystery” style made the story feel fresh and unique, even though it was first published back in 1930.
Mr. Pottermack starts out as a quiet, ordinary man living a simple life, but when circumstances push him into crime, his careful and methodical nature takes center stage. I found it fascinating to see how he planned everything so precisely, and yet, as the title suggests, one small mistake changes everything.
Dr. Thorndyke, Freeman’s famous detective, is the perfect counterbalance. His logical approach and attention to detail make the investigation feel realistic and compelling. Instead of relying on big dramatic twists, the book builds tension through careful observation, forensic reasoning, and steady deduction.
What I enjoyed most was how the book blended crime, psychology, and science. It wasn’t just about solving a mystery, it was about watching two very different minds at work: one trying to cover up a crime, and the other patiently uncovering the truth.
Reading this book was such an interesting experience. Unlike most mysteries where you’re kept guessing about who committed the crime, here we already know what happened and watch how it all unfolds. That “inverted mystery” style made the story feel fresh and unique, even though it was first published back in 1930.
Mr. Pottermack starts out as a quiet, ordinary man living a simple life, but when circumstances push him into crime, his careful and methodical nature takes center stage. I found it fascinating to see how he planned everything so precisely, and yet, as the title suggests, one small mistake changes everything.
Dr. Thorndyke, Freeman’s famous detective, is the perfect counterbalance. His logical approach and attention to detail make the investigation feel realistic and compelling. Instead of relying on big dramatic twists, the book builds tension through careful observation, forensic reasoning, and steady deduction.
What I enjoyed most was how the book blended crime, psychology, and science. It wasn’t just about solving a mystery, it was about watching two very different minds at work: one trying to cover up a crime, and the other patiently uncovering the truth.
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November 22, 2025Originally published in 1930, R. Austin Freeman's "Mr. Pottermack’s Oversight" is a clever mystery that brings the sharp logic of Dr. Thorndyke, Freeman’s famed detective, to the forefront. The story begins with a seemingly simple missing persons case, but Freeman’s signature blend of detailed forensics and methodical detective work turns it into something far more intriguing. Through Dr. Thorndyke's keen observations, subtle clues are revealed, culminating in a satisfying and clever resolution. The narrative focuses on logic and the art of deduction, rather than relying on sensational plot twists as more modern mysteries tend to do. Freeman's writing is straightforward yet engaging, with deliberate pacing that invites the reader to appreciate the intricate layers of the mystery. Fans of classic, golden age detective fiction will find this a solid, thought-provoking read, showcasing Freeman's ability to combine scientific reasoning with sharp storytelling.
December 28, 2025
An interesting tale. A bit far-fetched in places.
Again as mentioned very 'Columbo'-ish, however the majority of the book is written with an eye to Mr Pottermack as opposed to Dr Thorndyke who sort of waltzes in with correct answers, very much in a Sherlockian manner.
A satisfying read and one for people who sort of like 'The Martian' in a way. I also like the ending, most satisfying.
Again as mentioned very 'Columbo'-ish, however the majority of the book is written with an eye to Mr Pottermack as opposed to Dr Thorndyke who sort of waltzes in with correct answers, very much in a Sherlockian manner.
A satisfying read and one for people who sort of like 'The Martian' in a way. I also like the ending, most satisfying.
July 14, 2025
Widely acknowledged as the granddaddy of the “inverted mystery”… ie. there’s no spoiler warning required because, Colombo-like, we are privy to the crime well-ahead of the detective - here the intrepid Dr. Thorndyke who, free from short stories, has limited but unforgettable exposure in this novel.
There are gloriously incongruous and, frankly, ridiculous elements to the plot but it’s all the more fun and page-turning for that. Enjoy.
There are gloriously incongruous and, frankly, ridiculous elements to the plot but it’s all the more fun and page-turning for that. Enjoy.
November 28, 2025
This is a pleasing tour de force: inverted mystery plot, blackmailing, an abandoned well in the back yard, and loamy soil with its own story to tell.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews