The Penrose Mystery

"The Penrose Mystery" is one of the best stories of the wonderful Dr. Thorndyke series. Penrose is an eccentric old man owing some dazzling gems, which he doesn't insure. When Dr. Thorndyke is alerted to a burglary at his house, a scrap of paper is found with the word «lobster» on it, along with two Latin words. Yet, there is something more: Penrose has fled in panic after a car accident. The police believe he's gone into hiding to avoid a manslaughter charge after a hit-and-run accident. Dr. Thorndyke has to solve the robbery and missing. So, as usual, he starts the investigation from the merest bits of dirt inside a tire or scraps in a pocket in his unexpected and brilliant manner.