Arthur B. Reeve (1880–1936)

These are really enjoyable stories so far. They were described in the blurb I read as "an American Sherlock Holmes", but Craig Kennedy is much more about scientific techniques than deductive reasoning. His sidekick is a journalist, and is noticeably less bumbling than Dr. Watson, although he does tend to admire Kennedy's genius more than to contribute to it.

Although technically these are mysteries, they *feel* like good old-fashioned science fiction. They're set in an era when modern show more technology was just starting to make serious inroads into people's lives, so that gives it a slightly exotic air; and gives the science and technology a very futuristic feel for the time. show less

The first collection of short stories featuring this "scientific detective," Craig Kennedy. Without much of the personality of Holmes and Watson, these stories are interesting enough, but quite impersonal.

The 12 chapters in this novel are essentially short stories held together by the title character.

Constance becomes an amateur criminal in Chapter 1 by forging cheques. At length she has to leave town for a while. In subsequent chapters she finds herself helping people who are good at heart - like herself - yet have become amateur criminals. Constance makes it her mission to help these people get back on the right track, even though at times she is forced to break the law to do so.

Each show more chapter features new characters, with only Constance and the crooked detective Drummond appearing in each one. Constance and Drummond unintentionally keep crossing paths. Constance has to use her sharp intelligence to keep ahead of him. She remembers everything she reads and uses her knowledge to her advantage.

The story is set around the time of its 1914 publication and it is at a time when new inventions and police procedure are coming into force. Fingerprints, for example, are just becoming a tool for tracing criminals.

Some chapters I enjoyed, others I thought were okay, and a couple I wasn't keen on. The character of Constance kept me interested. show less

Although it's a photoplay edition, the book doesn't appear to be a novelization of the lost silent movie serial. Many of the characters are the same, but the story doesn't match the published synopsis of the serial. A fun read, however, for Craig Kennedy fans.