Somnambulist and the Detective

The Kent State University Press is excited to reissue Allan Pinkerton's classic true crime detective stories, The Somnambulist and the Detective. In this story, Pinkerton travels to Atkinson, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of bank teller George Gordon and the theft of $130,000. He uses his cunning to deduce the identity of the murderous thief and extract a confession.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: Kent State University Press

The Kent State University Press is thrilled to reintroduce these timeless true crime detective tales by Allan Pinkerton, the Scottish-American detective and spy who established the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in 1850. At the peak of its influence, his agency was the world's largest private law enforcement organization, and its renowned logo, featuring a large, unblinking eye, served as the inspiration for the term "private eye."

In The Somnambulist and the Detective, Allan Pinkerton embarks on a journey to Atkinson, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of bank teller George Gordon and the theft of over $130,000 from the City Bank of Atkinson. At first glance, Atkinson appears to be a peaceful town, inhabited by shopkeepers, laborers, and businessmen. However, beneath its Southern facade, dark secrets lurk, waiting to be uncovered. Pinkerton wastes no time in delving into these mysteries. Assuming the identity of a cotton speculator, he conducts his inquiries discreetly, avoiding suspicion.

George, the deceased bank teller, had a peculiar habit of staying in the bank after hours, even though he rarely allowed anyone except for a select few close friends to enter the locked premises. Pinkerton is convinced that George must have known his killer, as he was the only one with access to the bank's locked vault. However, with limited hard evidence at hand, Pinkerton must employ all his cunning and detective skills to identify the murderous thief and secure a confession.

Through his meticulous investigation, Pinkerton uncovers a web of lies and deceit that extends far beyond the town's boundaries. He encounters a cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets, as he pieces together the puzzle of the murder. From the town's influential businessmen to its seedy underbelly, Pinkerton navigates through a labyrinth of lies and treachery, determined to bring the culprit to justice.

In the end, Pinkerton's perseverance and determination pay off, as he successfully identifies the murderous thief and extracts a confession. The Somnambulist and the Detective is a gripping tale of crime, mystery, and intrigue, showcasing Allan Pinkerton's unparalleled skills as a detective and his unwavering commitment to justice. These classic true crime detective stories are a testament to the enduring legacy of Allan Pinkerton and his contribution to the field of private investigation.

Weight: 112g
Dimension: 127 x 189 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781606354155