A.B.C. Solves Five. Illustrated

by C.E. Bechhofer Roberts

A.B.C. Solves Five is a clever and compelling collection of five classic mysteries featuring the brilliant amateur sleuth A.B.C., created by C. E. Bechhofer Roberts, a barrister, journalist, and novelist known for his sharp intellect and narrative precision. First published in the 1930s, this volume offers an elegant showcase of Golden Age detective fiction—rich in deduction, atmosphere, and psychological insight.

In each of the five cases, A.B.C.—a mysterious figure with a keen analytical mind—steps in where official investigators falter. With methodical brilliance and a cool detachment reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes or Dr. Thorndyke, he pieces together motives, reconstructs timelines, and uncovers truths hidden beneath the surface of polite society. From puzzling disappearances to cleverly staged murders, A.B.C.’s calm logic and subtle wit guide the reader through twisty plots and satisfying resolutions.

Bechhofer Roberts, drawing on his legal background, injects each story with realistic procedure and intelligent dialogue, making the puzzles not only entertaining but plausible. The stories also reflect the social concerns and cultural textures of interwar Britain, giving the collection both literary value and historical interest.

A.B.C. Solves Five is a forgotten gem of the mystery genre—a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction who appreciate clever plots, cerebral sleuths, and crisp, articulate storytelling.

Genres: Mystery

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2025

About the author

Pseudonyms
Charles Brookfarmer
Ephesian

Reviews

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: we find scientist sleuth A.B.C. Hawkes with his sidekick Johnstone facing five different crimes in this casebook.

[Jay Maxfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 1 of 100 books used by Martin Edwards in his forth coming book - The Story of Classic Crime in 100 Books - that show the development of the crime novel between 1901 - 1950 . I had never heard of C.E. Bechhofer Roberts and have never come across any of his short stories in any crime/detective anthology. The book is a paperback (with 2 artistic illustrations) published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1937 as part of their New at Ninepence illustrated Thrillers - obtaining a copy of this book is difficult as I doubt if it was ever reprinted and paperbacks seldom fair well over time and tend to be disguarded. There are 5 untitled short stories in the book (perhaps why they are not anthologised). The main protagonist is ABC Hawkes a scientific man with a home in Mayfair, country house in Sussex, Laboratory in Cambridge as well as a mobile Lab. on his large private yacht. He is assisted by Johnstone (surname? - his first name is not given) who like Watson narrates the stories. This couple (who may be bachelors or gay) always seem to be in each others company - the reason for this is never explained - Johnstone refers to the country home as "our place in the country" and ABC says on page 72 "Johnstone, sweet companion of my travels, permit me ...." as well as "...., much as I value your company, I fear I must temporarily deprive myself of it. If you love me, Johnstone, you'll make no demur ...." from page 90 & 91. Stories Part IV & V both have female characters that are masculine in facial features and dress sense - Lady Janet & Bunty Sykes. The stories themselves are somewhat like a lesser scientific version of a Thorndyke (Austin Freeman) short story - all but Part IV are murder related stories. They are written in a fluid and easy to comprehend manner - although the characters are somewhat wooden and even the reoccurring characters of ABC & Johnstone are not really fleshed out. ABC Hawkes however is like Sherlock but on a grander scale - he is a well recognised scientific figure (even by ordinary folk that live in other countries!) - he is fluent in several European languages and can see the solutions to any given problem relatively quickly - sometimes without giving any real explanation for his solution. I found the first four stories to be enjoyable (but not memorable) and they would quite easily fit into a British Library Crime Classic series anthologies - however story Part V is very weak and unbelievable - perhaps this was the final story for ABC (the name obviously didn't help as it doesn't role off the tongue). I would give the book nearly 7 out 10 (however Part 5 only scores 4 out of 10).
Part 1 (Set in Berlin about a Hindu Scientist's murder)
Part 2 (Set in Seville - set around Bull Fighting)
Part 3 (Set in Sussex - rich Colonel Uncle)
Part 4 (Set initially in Constantinople then in the Trans-Caucasus area - mad Russians Scientists!)
Part 5 (Set in the London Theatreland)