The Dutch Shoe Mystery
The Dutch Shoe Mystery is a detective novel by Ellery Queen, the pseudonym of American writers Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee. It was first published in 1931 and is the third novel in the Ellery Queen series.
Plot Summary[edit | edit source]
The story is set in the Dutch Memorial Hospital in New York City. The plot revolves around the murder of Abigail Doorn, a wealthy and influential woman who is found dead on the operating table just before her scheduled surgery. The investigation is led by the brilliant amateur detective Ellery Queen, who is assisted by his father, Inspector Richard Queen of the New York City Police Department.
As Ellery delves into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies involving the hospital staff and Abigail's family. The mystery deepens when it is revealed that Abigail was strangled with a surgical instrument, and the list of suspects includes doctors, nurses, and even her own relatives. Ellery's keen observation and deductive skills eventually lead him to the surprising identity of the murderer.
Characters[edit | edit source]
- Ellery Queen - The main protagonist, a brilliant amateur detective.
- Inspector Richard Queen - Ellery's father and a seasoned police inspector.
- Abigail Doorn - The victim, a wealthy and influential woman.
- Dr. Janney - The surgeon scheduled to operate on Abigail.
- Nurse Prouty - A nurse at the Dutch Memorial Hospital.
- Dr. Samuel Prouty - A doctor at the hospital and Nurse Prouty's husband.
- John Xavier - Abigail's nephew and one of the suspects.
Themes[edit | edit source]
The novel explores themes such as the fallibility of human perception, the complexity of human relationships, and the moral ambiguities of justice. It also delves into the world of medical ethics and the dynamics within a hospital setting.
Reception[edit | edit source]
The Dutch Shoe Mystery was well-received by critics and readers alike for its intricate plot and clever resolution. It solidified Ellery Queen's reputation as one of the leading figures in the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Ellery Queen (character)
- Ellery Queen (series)
- Frederic Dannay
- Manfred Bennington Lee
- Golden Age of Detective Fiction
- New York City Police Department
Categories[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
