Average Jones   By: Samuel Hopkins Adams (1871-1958)

Average Jones by Samuel Hopkins Adams is an enthralling detective novel that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Set in the bustling city of New York, this book takes us on a thrilling journey through the underbelly of society, exploring the dark secrets that lie hidden beneath the surface.

The protagonist, Average Jones, is an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent for decoding messages hidden in everyday objects. With this unique ability, he becomes an integral part of the Emanon Detective Agency, a group dedicated to solving mysterious cases that have stumped the police. Jones' knack for unraveling cryptic messages and piecing together puzzles puts him at the forefront of the agency's investigations.

As the story unfolds, Adams skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines, each more complex than the last. From an enigmatic murder to a series of blackmail letters, the author masterfully keeps readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is superb, with each chapter leaving readers eager for the next twist and turn.

What sets Average Jones apart from other detective novels is Adams' meticulous attention to detail. The author provides intricate descriptions that paint a vivid picture of the characters and their surroundings, immersing readers in the gritty world of 1920s New York. Moreover, Adams creates a cast of memorable characters, each with their own quirks and flaws, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Another aspect that makes this book a standout is the subtle social commentary woven throughout the story. Adams sheds light on the corrupt nature of power and the influence of money in society. Through Average Jones' investigations, we see the stark contrast between the affluent elites and the struggling masses, and how justice often favors the former.

However, a minor downside to this otherwise exceptional novel is the occasional slow pacing in the middle chapters. While it is necessary for establishing certain plot points, some readers may find themselves wanting the action to move along quicker during those moments.

Overall, Average Jones is an absorbing and intellectually stimulating read. Samuel Hopkins Adams effortlessly combines suspense, mystery, and a touch of social criticism into a captivating narrative. This novel will surely appeal to fans of detective fiction looking for a fresh and engaging story.

First Page:

Average Jones had come by his nickname inevitably. His parents had foredoomed him to it when they furnished him with the initials A. V. R. E. as preface to his birthright of J for Jones. His character apparently justified the chance concomitance. He was, so to speak, a composite photograph of any thousand well conditioned, clean living Americans between the ages of twenty five and thirty. Happily, his otherwise commonplace face was relieved by the one unfailing characteristic of composite photographs, large, deep set and thoughtful eyes. Otherwise he would have passed in any crowd, and nobody would have noticed him pass. Now, at twenty seven, he looked back over the five years since his graduation from college and wondered what he had done with them; and at the four previous years of undergraduate life and wondered how he had done so well with those and why he had not in some manner justified the parting words of his favorite professor... Continue reading book >>