Call Mr. Fortune
What is Call Mr. Fortune about?
Call Mr. Fortune (1920) is the first collection of detective stories featuring H. C. Bailey’s beloved protagonist Dorian Fortune, a surgeon and special adviser to Scotland Yard. Mr. Fortune is a distinctive figure in detective fiction—plump, fond of good food and comfort, yet possessing razor-sharp observational skills and a deep moral compass that drives his pursuit of justice. The stories showcase his method of combining medical and forensic knowledge with psychological insight to solve baffling cases. What sets the Mr. Fortune stories apart from many contemporaries is their genuine concern for victims—Fortune is particularly protective of children and the vulnerable, and his outrage at cruelty gives the stories emotional weight beyond mere puzzle-solving. Bailey’s prose is witty and precise, his plotting ingenious, and his characterization of Fortune endearing. This collection introduced a detective who would become one of the most popular figures in interwar British crime fiction, rivaling the creations of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.
Main themes in Call Mr. Fortune
Detective short stories
Detective short stories emerges as a defining element in Call Mr. Fortune, shaping character development.
Forensic detection
Forensic detection emerges as a defining element in Call Mr. Fortune, shaping character development.
Golden age mystery
Call Mr. Fortune thoughtfully explores golden age mystery through its central conflicts.
Interwar Britain
The presence of interwar britain in Call Mr. Fortune connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why Call Mr. Fortune is still relevant today
Call Mr. Fortune introduced one of the golden age’s most beloved detectives—a forensic investigator whose combination of medical expertise, moral passion, and epicurean personality offers a fresh alternative to the more cerebral detectives of the era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Call Mr. Fortune about?
A collection of detective stories featuring Dorian Fortune, a surgeon and Scotland Yard adviser who solves baffling cases using medical knowledge, observation, and moral intuition.
Is this the first Mr. Fortune book?
Yes, Call Mr. Fortune (1920) is the first collection, introducing a detective who became one of the most popular figures in interwar British crime fiction.
Can I read it online for free?
Yes, read Call Mr. Fortune for free on TextStack with a comfortable reading experience.