Problem Of The Superfluous Finger

by Jacques Futrelle

The Problem Of The Superfluous Finger is a mystery novel written by Jacques Futrelle. The story revolves around a wealthy businessman named Mr. Van Broecklyn who is found dead in his study with a bullet wound in his head. The investigation is led by the famous detective, Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, also known as ""The Thinking Machine"". As the investigation progresses, it is discovered that Mr. Van Broecklyn had a superfluous finger, which means he had an extra finger on one of his hands. This leads the detective to suspect that the killer may have had a similar physical abnormality. The plot thickens as more suspects are introduced, including Mr. Van Broecklyn's business partner, his estranged wife, and a mysterious man who seems to have been lurking around the house. The detective uses his incredible deductive skills to piece together the clues and solve the case, revealing the identity of the killer and the motive behind the murder. The Problem Of The Superfluous Finger is a classic mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It is a must-read for fans of detective fiction and anyone who enjoys a good whodunit.""Amputated?"" gasped Dr. Prescott. He stared into the pretty face of his caller. It was flushed softly, and the red lips were parted in a slight smile. It seemed quite an ordinary affair to her. The surgeon bent over the hand with quick interest. ""Amputated!"" he repeated.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Mystery, Short Stories

48 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 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

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4:
Inspector Lestrade was made to look a fool in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Now he is writing his memories and has a chance to get his own back, with tales of Holmes' rivals. He begins with his collaboration with "The Thinking Machine" Professor SFX Van Dusen, trying to solve a strange case involving self-mutilation.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story had a great hook that grabbed me right from the beginning! It was different, intriguing, and it was something that played right into people's natural curiosity.

Sadly, though, I didn't really think that the rest of the story measured up to the opening. It wasn't a bad story, it just wasn't as unique as the beginning implied it would be.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and (horror!) believable plot. Well narrated by Alan Johns (clearly enunciated and pleasant to listen to). Recommended as Classic mystery.

— available in audio version Librivox.org (free) audio.com (not free) and on Gutenberg as etext (free).A shorter story ... Recommended as Classic mystery

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why does a woman demand that a surgeon amputate part of her finger? That is the mystery in this short story which I listened to on The Classic Tales Podcast.