The Somnambulist and the Detective; The Murderer and the Fortune Teller

Name: The Somnambulist and the Detective; The Murderer and the Fortune Teller
Author: Allan Pinkerton

By Allan Pinkerton

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About This Book

The collection presents a series of true-case narratives chronicling investigations into murders, thefts, forgeries, conspiracies, and espionage, each focusing on investigative methods, disguises, and undercover operations. The author recounts detective planning, the use of surveillance and informants, courtroom outcomes, and profiles of criminals and secret societies, while illustrating practical tradecraft through detailed episodes such as employing female operatives and coordinating agents by telegraph. Themes include perseverance, judgment, and the application of intuition and observation. Cases vary from railroad and bank crime to labor-related violence, spiritualist fraud, and wartime spying, organized into discrete accounts that blend procedural description with reminiscence.

About the Author

Allan Pinkerton

Allan Pinkerton was a Scottish-American detective and spy, best known for founding the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in the United States. His work in law enforcement and private investigation during the 19th century contributed significantly to the development of modern detective work. Pinkerton gained fame for his involvement in high-profile cases, including the apprehension of criminals and the protection of President Abraham Lincoln. His literary contributions include several detective novels that reflect his experiences in crime fighting, such as "The Spy of the Rebellion," which details espionage during the Civil War. Pinkerton's legacy endures in both the fields of law enforcement and popular culture.