The Exploits of Elaine

The Exploits of Elaine, written by Arthur B. Reeve and first published in 1915, is a detective novel featuring Professor Craig Kennedy, a scientific detective often compared to Sherlock Holmes. The plot revolves around the Clutching Hand, a mysterious criminal responsible for a series of murders and robberies targeting wealthy New Yorkers, including the father of Elaine Dodge. As Kennedy and reporter Walter Jameson investigate, they uncover a complex scheme involving insurance fraud and face escalating dangers, including the kidnapping of Elaine. This work is notable for its early use of forensic science in detective fiction and its influence on the genre.