The Problem of Convict no. 97

by Jacques Futrelle

Philip Gilfoil is jailed at Chisholm Prison, with the number of Convict #97. The Thinking Machine has a premonition that Gilfoil has escaped, and sends reporter Hutchinson Hatch to investigate. However, Gilfoil is right where he should be, in his cell. The warden has no knowledge of any attempted escape. The Thinking Machine goes to the prison as well and speaks with the prisoner. Yet, he is convinced he has escaped. How can the convict be inside and outside at the same time? RM

28 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Jacques Heath Futrelle (1875-1912) was an American journalist and mystery writer. He is best known for writing short detective stories featuring the "Thinking Machine", Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen. He worked for the Atlanta Journal, where he began their sports section; the New York Herald; the Boston Post; and the Boston American. In 1905, his Thinking Machine character first appeared in a serialized version of The Problem of Cell 13. In 1895, he married fellow writer Lily May Peel, with whom he had two children. While returning from Europe aboard the RMS Titanic, Futrelle, a first-cabin passenger, refused to board a lifeboat insisting his wife board instead. He perished in the Atlantic. His works include: The Chase of the Golden Plate (1906), The Simple Case of Susan (1908), The Thinking Machine on the Case (1908), The Diamond Master (1909), Elusive Isabel (1909), The High Hand (1911), My Lady's Garter (1912), Blind Man's Bluff (1914).

Reviews

[Rick Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Thinking Machine jail cell puzzle - how can a prisoner be both inside and outside at the same time? I enjoyed this one. If you liked The Problem of Cell 13, you will enjoy this one as well.