Hunted Down: the detective stories of Charles Dickens   By: Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

In the collection of detective stories written by the celebrated author Charles Dickens, titled "Hunted Down," readers are immersed in a thrilling world of intrigue, mystery, and suspense. Dickens, most widely known for his captivating novels, proves his versatility as he ventures into the realm of detective fiction.

The carefully curated selection of stories in "Hunted Down" showcases Dickens' exceptional talent for storytelling. Each tale masterfully weaves together elements of crime and inquiry, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The author's distinctive voice, blending humor, wit, and social commentary, shines through in every narrative, creating a unique atmosphere that sets these stories apart.

One of the standout qualities of this collection is Dickens' ability to intricately craft intriguing characters. From the meticulous detectives to the cunning criminals, each figure comes to life with their own remarkable traits and motivations. Through vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue, readers are able to fully immerse themselves in the world Dickens has created, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Moreover, Dickens expertly incorporates socio-economic themes into his detective stories, shedding light on the disparities and injustices of Victorian England. Not limiting himself to mere plot-driven mysteries, the author delves deeper, using his narratives as a platform to explore important societal issues. This makes "Hunted Down" not only an engaging read, but also a thought-provoking one.

Another commendable aspect of this collection is the manner in which Dickens meticulously plots each story. The author's attention to detail is evident, as he skillfully introduces clues and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Each story is a beautifully constructed puzzle, with all the pieces falling into place in a satisfying and unexpected manner.

While Dickens is renowned for his lengthy novels, "Hunted Down" showcases his adeptness at capturing the essence of a compelling story in a shorter format. These detective tales provide an excellent introduction to Dickens' writing style for those who may be intimidated by his lengthier works.

In conclusion, "Hunted Down" is a captivating collection of detective stories that showcases Charles Dickens' versatility and mastery of the genre. With its exceptional characters, engrossing plots, and social commentary, this book is a delightful read for fans of Dickens and enthusiasts of detective fiction alike.

First Page:

There is nothing truer than physiognomy, taken in connection with manner. The art of reading that book of which Eternal Wisdom obliges every human creature to present his or her own page with the individual character written on it, is a difficult one, perhaps, and is little studied. It may require some natural aptitude, and it must require (for everything does) some patience and some pains. That these are not usually given to it, that numbers of people accept a few stock commonplace expressions of the face as the whole list of characteristics, and neither seek nor know the refinements that are truest, that You, for instance, give a great deal of time and attention to the reading of music, Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Hebrew, if you please, and do not qualify yourself to read the face of the master or mistress looking over your shoulder teaching it to you, I assume to be five hundred times more probable than improbable... Continue reading book >>