Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 419

# Beadle & Adams dime novel, November 3, 1886

"Phenix, King of Detectives" by Albert W. Aiken features a serial murder mystery set in New York City. A well-dressed merchant, Rufus Lamardale from Texas, is discovered dead on Battery Place near Castle Garden. Though initially appearing unharmed, autopsy reveals a minute dagger wound through the heart and two small punctures on the neck resembling animal teeth. His valuables—gold watch, diamond studs, ring, and cash—are missing.

The superintendent of police meets with the Governor and Mayor to discuss this fifth such murder. All victims are elderly, wealthy strangers systematically killed identically and robbed. The superintendent theorizes the murders occur elsewhere, with bodies deliberately deposited in public streets. The series also includes a dramatic encounter with a mysterious bat-cloaked figure glimpsed at the crime scene, whose identity and connection to the murders remain unexplained. The narrative promises continued investigation into this serial killer case.