The Somnambulist and the Detective

The Somnambulist and the Detective Summary

The Somnambulist and the Detective by Allan Pinkerton is a captivating detective story published in 1875. It follows the investigation led by the renowned detective Allan Pinkerton himself, delving into a complex case involving sleepwalking and murder, showcasing Pinkerton's innovative methods in criminal investigation.

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The Somnambulist and the Detective Excerpt

Short Summary: In this intriguing narrative, detective Allan Pinkerton investigates a perplexing case where sleepwalking blurs the lines between innocence and guilt, employing his keen observational skills and innovative techniques to uncover the truth.

"In the year 1858, I was seated one evening in my private office, pondering over some intricate cases which had recently come under my observation, when a gentleman was announced, who desired to see me upon business of importance. Upon his entrance, I recognized him as Mr. John Blake, a wealthy merchant of Montgomery, Alabama, with whom I had a slight acquaintance. After the usual courtesies had been exchanged, Mr. Blake proceeded to inform me of the object of his visit. He stated that a near relative of his, a young man of excellent character and fine abilities, had been accused of a crime of which he solemnly protested his innocence. The circumstances, however, were so strongly against him that his friends entertained the gravest apprehensions as to the result of the impending trial. The young man, whose name was George Gordon, was cashier in a banking-house in Montgomery, and had always borne an irreproachable character. A few weeks previous, a robbery had been committed in the bank, under circumstances which led to the suspicion that it had been effected by some one connected with the establishment. Suspicion soon fell upon Gordon, who was accordingly arrested and held to bail for his appearance at the approaching term of the court. Mr. Blake had been absent from the city at the time of the robbery, and upon his return had found matters in this condition. Entertaining a high regard for Gordon, and believing firmly in his innocence, he had resolved to leave no means untried to establish it. With this view, he had come to solicit my assistance in ferreting out the real criminal."

This passage sets the stage for a complex investigation, highlighting Pinkerton's methodical approach to uncovering the truth behind the perplexing case.