Scotland Yard #3

When Inspector Farnsworth of Scotland Yard is called to investigate the theft of the Nepal Necklace from the Duchess of Leeds's estate, he and Sergeant Chipp quickly identify a suspicious suspect—the butler, an ex-convict with a criminal past. But as the investigation unfolds, nothing quite adds up, and a week of legwork yields only dead ends and frustration. Farnsworth's quiet patience and keen eye for detail reveal that the crime may not be what it first appeared to be.

Scotland Yard's forensic experts explain how shell casings and bullet markings serve as crucial evidence in criminal investigations. By examining the unique firing pin impressions on cartridge cases and the distinctive grooves left by different weapon barrels under a microscope, police can place a suspect at a crime scene and identify the exact weapon used. This seemingly small evidence—shells that criminals often overlook—becomes the key to solving cases.

Inspector Farnsworth and his assistant Chipp investigate the theft of missing film footage from a major London Studios production starring French actress Yvonne Rene—a third of the finished movie has vanished, and a ransom demand for one hundred thousand pounds soon follows. With over a hundred people connected to the film still on the studio grounds, Farnsworth must use clever detective work and a fingerprint analysis to narrow down his suspects before the midnight exchange, where he plans to catch the thief red-handed.

In "The Case of the Microbe Menace!" from Scotland Yard #3 (1955), Little Al and Ox are sent on a rural assignment to dust crops—only to stumble upon a chilling conspiracy when they uncover a scientist weaponizing disease against the people of Leblanc, using the city’s epidemic as a cover for a far larger plan.

Boo Taylor isn't quite a household name, but his smooth voice and good looks have made him a fixture in the best supper clubs across the country—and they've also made him perfect for a very different kind of work. When Taylor teams up with two henchmen to rob clubs along their tour route, the jobs go smoothly enough until greed and desperation push them toward one last, bigger score in Nevada. But in "The Crooner Sang the Blues," Taylor learns that keeping secrets from your partners can be far more dangerous than any job.