The Eye of Osiris


Read by J. M. Smallheer

(4.6 stars; 171 reviews)

The Eye of Osiris is an early example from the Dr. Thorndyke series of detective stories written by R. Austin Freeman. In these stories, the author drew on his extensive medical and scientific knowledge for his main character, a medico-legal expert who relies on forensic evidence and logical deduction in solving cases. In this case, Thorndyke steps in to investigate the disappearance of one John Bellingham, an English gentleman and amateur Egyptologist, who has vanished under very mysterious circumstances. Thorndyke's involvement in the case arises from a both purely professional interest in the unique character of the case, as well as from the fact that a young doctor and former student of his has recently become closely acquainted with the missing man's brother and niece. (summary by J.M. Smallheer) (8 hr 51 min)

Chapters

The Vanishing Man 11:22 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Eavesdropper 21:55 Read by J. M. Smallheer
John Thorndyke 20:16 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Legal Complications and a Jackal 21:07 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Water-Cress Bed 21:21 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Sidelights 26:03 Read by J. M. Smallheer
John Bellingham's Will 30:32 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Museum Idyll 20:35 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Sphinx of Lincoln's Inn 27:28 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The New Alliance 25:16 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Evidence Reviewed 20:05 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Voyage of Discovery 28:41 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Coroner's Quest 20:02 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Which Carries the Reader into the Probate Court 46:24 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Circumstancial Evidence 23:30 Read by J. M. Smallheer
Oh Artemidorus, Farewell! 23:35 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The Accusing Finger 27:53 Read by J. M. Smallheer
John Bellingham 41:06 Read by J. M. Smallheer
A Strange Symposium 44:56 Read by J. M. Smallheer
The End of the Case 29:13 Read by J. M. Smallheer

Reviews

Enjoyable scientific mystery


(4 stars)

There is quite a bit of medical and scientific info in this story - and while that made it a bit ponderous at times, it was interesting and overall the book still moved at a good pace. The ending was a surprise, but believable. And of course, the mystery is woven around and through with a bit of romance, which was sweetly done. Overall, I thought it a well told romantic detective story. J.M. Smalleer does an excellent job reading this solo project for Librivox. Her character voices are not overdone and really add to the narrative.

A virtual page turner


(5 stars)

This was an exciting mystery with lots of twists and turns, with a little love story thrown in for good measure. J. M. Smallheer is a fabulous narrator and her charming voice made the story even more enjoyable. Keep up the good work J.M.

Great, great, great!!


(5 stars)

This book was extremely enjoyable.The little touch of romance was nice, not too overdone, and the overall feel of the plot was good. Very very nice reader!! =) Keep going Smallheer!!

Dr Thorndyke does it again


(5 stars)

The Amazing Dr Thorndyke is confronted with another puzzling case in the Eye of Osiris. A man is missing, presumed dead, but his will is convoluted enough to make it seem like his fortune will go to the wrong person. On top of this puzzler, a human skeleton has been found nearby, in section. The skeleton is odd, missing any bones that would identify whose skeleton it is. Is this the remains of the missing man? What will become of his heirs if the will can not be resolved? Give a listen and find out! Reader is excellent, very easy to follow and understand. Thanks!

Excellent reading, good story


(4.5 stars)

The reader did a fabulous job, great pace and clear reading. The story was interesting, but had just a bit too much technical information for me. However, it was remarkable in its thorough knowledge of forensic methods and I was amazed at that because of the time frame of the writing. Well worth reading and I would recommend it to anyone who contacts enjoys detective mysteries.

Great Book


(4 stars)

The story is genuinely great. The manner in which Dr. Thorndyke explains his reasoning makes me feel incompetent as all the information had already been told but yet I was unable to ascertain their meaning. Another theme I like about Thorndyke Mysteries in general is the language and the happy endings. Also, the narration is excellent with clear pronunciation, dramatic pauses, different tones and a soothing voice.


(4.5 stars)

This is the same book as The Vanishing Man. In my opinion, the Vanishing Man is a slightly better listen due to the reader - Nicholas Clifford. Having said that, J M Smallheer did a much better job than many others, including myself, could ever do; it's more the case that Nicholas Clifford (deceased 2019) was an exceptional reader, rather than any shortcomings of Ms. Smallheer.

Thorndyke Rides Again!


(5 stars)

What great epilogue. No matter how many stories are read, the writers hand keeps each one uniquely created. Everyone has been enjoyed, held in suspense & I am unable to pick or guess the villain.