The Shadow of the Wolf by R. Austin Freeman is about cunning Detective Dr. Thorndyke as he tracks down and delves deep into the mind of a dangerous killer. Excerpt: "ABOUT half-past eight on a fine, sunny June morning a small yacht crept out of Sennen Cove, near the Land's End, and headed for the open sea. On the shelving beach of the Cove two women and a man, evidently, visitors (or "foreigners," to use the local term), stood watching her departure with the valedictory waving of cap or handkerchief; and the boatman who had put the crew on board, aided by two of his comrades, was hauling his boat up above the tide-mark."

Richard Austin Freeman, an eminent British writer, was born in London on April 11, 1862. Freeman, primarily celebrated for his detective fiction, created the character Dr. John Thorndyke, a forensic investigator, whose stories enthralled readers with their meticulous attention to scientific detail and methodical deductions. With a medical background, Freeman's expertise profoundly influenced his literary style, allowing him to weave intricate plots with realistic scientific precision. 'The Shadow of the Wolf' is one such example where his narrative craftsmanship is on full display, blending suspense with a rigorously plotted investigation. Freeman is often credited with pioneering the inverted detective story, a structure that reveals the criminal at the outset, focusing on the 'howcatchem' rather than the 'whodunit' – a format that distinguishes his work in the crime fiction genre. In addition to his Thorndyke series, Freeman's other literary contributions, such as 'The Red Thumb Mark' and 'The Singing Bone', further cement his reputation as a skilled storyteller and an influential figure in the development of the detective narrative. Freeman's contributions extended beyond novels, with numerous short stories and non-fiction essays to his credit. Despite passing away on September 28, 1943, Freeman's work remains a keystone in the foundation of crime literature and continues to inspire readers and writers alike.