Dr. Sam. Johnson, Detector

With this book, Lillian de la Torre practically invents the subgenre of historical detective fiction, where the detective is an actual historical figure playing the role of detective in a plausible historical contexts. The nine tales included here are all inspired by historical events of the 18th century, some of which Johnson was personally involved in and some of which a plausible based on Johnson's interests, opinions, and experiences. In this collection, the author gives the historical background for each of the tales. De la Torre, who completed graduate work in the 18th century, writes in the voice of James Boswell, the famous biographer of Johnson. The author has an excellent knowledge of the details of 18th century England and of the lives and works of Boswell and Johnson, who seems a natural as a detective. Although the 18th-century style and historical allusions may put off some readers, this work is a classic of the genre and a real joy for those who love historical fiction.