Uncle Abner by Melville Davisson Post

Uncle Abner is a hulk of a man, deeply religious and stern-faced. He is a force to be reckoned with. Through his power of deduction and investigative skills, he “rights” the “wrongs” that other people do. And when he, himself, can’t serve justice – he lets God take over to finish the job!

This lost gem from the Library of Congress Crime Classics, was originally published in 1918. Thankfully it has been re-issued for us to enjoy today. Obviously, this book was written in a different era with different values, morals, lifestyles. This makes the book all the more interesting.

The book itself is a compilation of “cases” that Uncle Abner has worked on throughout his life as seen and narrated by his nephew, Martin. Liars, thieves, robbers and murderers fill Uncle Abner’s caseload – very bad people committing very bad crimes.

Each of Abner’s cases is a lesson that is taught about “right versus wrong” – and true justice prevailing. Uncle Abner is shrewd – turning the tables on the evil that men do. He’s an avenger. His acute power of deduction makes him comparable to Sherlock Holmes, but instead of Watson, his partner is God.

The author, Melville Davisson Post, gives us potent details of every case, scene and setting of each crime. It’s rich with a style of authenticity you don’t find in most novels today. It’s a severe step back in time, and hard-core mystery fans will find this book most enjoyable.

Tales of stolen gems, locked room mysteries, men taking the law into their own hands, natural deaths that aren’t so natural — just to name a few, will keep readers anxiously waiting for “justice to be served” – and it will be, by God or by man.

A copy of this book and cover were provided by Poisoned Pen/Sourcebooks.