Plot summary (can contain spoilers!):
Mr. Fortune's Practice, penned by H. C. Bailey, follows the intriguing escapades of the titular character, a physician and detective known for his keen intellect and unorthodox methods. The story begins when Mr. Fortune is summoned to a small village to investigate a peculiar case involving a series of mysterious deaths that have plagued the community. The local inhabitants are gripped with fear, believing that malevolent forces may be at play. With his medical expertise and sharp analytical skills, Mr. Fortune aims to unearth the truth behind these sinister occurrences.
As Mr. Fortune delves deeper into the case, he encounters a cast of colorful characters who each seem to harbor their own secrets. Among them is the enigmatic village doctor, who appears more interested in protecting his reputation than in aiding the investigation. Mr. Fortune's interactions with the villagers reveal their grievances, suspicions, and the underlying tensions that have emerged due to these unexplained incidents. Throughout his investigation, he employs a series of clever ruses to extract information and piece together the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Amid the tension, mystery, and local folklore, Mr. Fortune uncovers a tangled web of motives that suggest not all deaths are as they seem. As he narrows down the list of suspects, he must navigate the delicate balance of unearthing the truth while also addressing the villagers' fears. The climax of the novel sees Mr. Fortune confronting the real culprit in a dramatic showdown, revealing the unexpected truth that underscores the nature of trust and deception within the close-knit community.
H. C. Bailey’s narrative skillfully combines elements of mystery with psychological insight, as Mr. Fortune’s analytical mind leads readers through a labyrinth of clues and red herrings. The resolution not only solves the mystery but offers a commentary on human nature, community dynamics, and the complexity of moral choices. By the end of the novel, readers are left reflecting on the fragility of truth and the ways it can be obscured by personal agendas.