The Thinking Machine

By Jacques Futrelle,

Book cover of The Thinking Machine

Book description

This irascible genius, this diminutive egghead scientist, known to the world as “The Thinking Machine,” is no less than the newly rediscovered literary link between Sherlock Holmes and Nero Wolfe: Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, who—with only the power of ratiocination—unravels problems of outrageous criminous activity in dazzlingly…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Thinking Machine as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Based on a simple question: “Can a man escape from a high-security prison cell using only his mind?” The Problem of Cell 13 is everyone’s favorite. The story offers a convincing answer and a mind-bending ending you just don’t see coming.

This collection of short stories demonstrates how someone can solve even the most impossible mysteries if one harnesses the formidable power of one’s mind. As I walk mentally side-by-side with Futrelle’s protagonist, Professor Augustus S.F.X. Van Dusen, I find myself consistently unable to solve each puzzle first.

Unfortunately, Futrelle died young on the Titanic, taking several…

From Miles' list on action adventure for Individualist.

Want books like The Thinking Machine?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 93 books like The Thinking Machine.

Browse books like The Thinking Machine

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Sherlock Holmes, presidential biography, and murder?

Sherlock Holmes 104 books
Murder 972 books