Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison: A Forgotten Gem of Detective Fiction

Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison

Introduction

Sherlock Holmes is undoubtedly the most famous and influential detective in literature, but he was not the only one. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many writers created their own sleuths, some of whom were inspired by Holmes, and some of whom were rivals or alternatives to him. One of these writers was Arthur Morrison, a British author and journalist who wrote a series of stories about Martin Hewitt, a private investigator who used his keen observation and logical reasoning to crack cases that baffled the police. Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison is a collection of six stories that introduce Hewitt and his adventures in the dark and dangerous streets of Victorian London.

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Who is Martin Hewitt?

Martin Hewitt is a gentleman detective who works as a private consultant for various clients, ranging from aristocrats to shopkeepers. He is described as a tall, stout, and good-looking man, with a cheerful and friendly demeanor. He is not a genius like Holmes, nor a master of disguise like Lupin, but rather a practical and realistic person who relies on his common sense and experience. He does not have a loyal sidekick like Watson, but he often collaborates with his friend Brett, a journalist who narrates some of the stories. He also has a good relationship with the police, especially Inspector Nettings, who respects his abilities and trusts his judgment.

Arthur Morrison

What are the stories about?

Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison contains six stories, each of which presents a different mystery that Hewitt has to solve. The stories are:

• The Lenton Croft Robberies: Hewitt is hired by a wealthy family to find out who stole their valuable jewels during a dinner party.
• The Loss of Sammy Crockett: Hewitt is asked by a pawnbroker to recover a rare and precious coin that was stolen from his shop by a cunning thief.
• The Case of Mr. Foggatt: Hewitt investigates the murder of a mysterious man who was found shot in his locked room, with no weapon or motive in sight.
• The Case of the Dixon Torpedo: Hewitt helps a young inventor who is accused of sabotaging his own invention, a powerful torpedo that could change the course of naval warfare.
• The Quinton Jewel Affair: Hewitt tracks down a gang of burglars who stole a priceless diamond from a nobleman’s house, and uncovers a surprising connection between the victim and the culprits.
• The Stanway Cameo Mystery: Hewitt solves the puzzle of a missing cameo that belonged to a famous actress, and exposes a plot to blackmail her.

Why should you read Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison?

Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison is a fascinating and enjoyable read for anyone who loves detective fiction. The stories are well-written, engaging, and full of twists and turns. The characters are realistic and memorable, and the setting is vivid and atmospheric. The mysteries are clever and challenging, but not impossible to solve. Hewitt is a likable and relatable hero, who uses his wits and skills to outsmart his opponents. He is not a copy of Holmes, but a distinct and original creation, who deserves more recognition and appreciation. If you are looking for a new and refreshing detective to follow, you should give Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison a try.

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FAQs

• Who is Arthur Morrison? Arthur Morrison (1863-1945) was a British writer and journalist, who wrote novels and short stories in various genres, including crime, social realism, and horror. He is best known for his stories about Martin Hewitt and his novel A Child of the Jago, which depicts the life of the poor in the slums of London.
• Who is Maurice Leblanc? Maurice Leblanc (1864-1941) was a French writer and journalist, who wrote novels and short stories, mostly in the genre of crime and adventure. He is famous for creating the character of Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief and detective, who is often considered as a French counterpart to Sherlock Holmes.
• How are Martin Hewitt and Arsène Lupin related? Martin Hewitt and Arsène Lupin are not related by blood, but they have a literary connection. Maurice Leblanc was a fan of Arthur Morrison’s stories, and he borrowed some of his plots and characters for his own stories. For example, the story “The Case of Mr. Foggatt” from Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison inspired Leblanc’s story “The Escape of Arsène Lupin”, in which Lupin impersonates Foggatt and escapes from prison. Leblanc also wrote a story called “Arsène Lupin versus Herlock Sholmes”, in which Lupin faces a parody of Sherlock Holmes, who is clearly based on Martin Hewitt.

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Conclusion

Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison is a classic of detective fiction, that deserves more attention and recognition. It features a charming and clever detective, who solves intriguing and complex mysteries in the fascinating setting of Victorian London. It is a must-read for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Arsène Lupin, and other great detectives of literature. You can find Chronicles of Martin Hewitt by Arthur Morrison online for free at this link. Happy reading!

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