ALLAN PINKERTON Ultimate Collection: True Crime Stories & Detective Stories (ePub)

Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884) was a Scottish-American detective and spy, best known for founding one of the first detective agencies in the United States, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Pinkerton immigrated to the United States in 1842 and eventually settled in Chicago. His ventures into law enforcement began rather serendipitously when he uncovered a counterfeiting operation, leading to his appointment as the first detective in Chicago. His diverse detective work involved everything from railway theft investigations to pursuing notorious criminals such as the outlaw Jesse James.

Pinkerton's literary foray is as captivating as his sleuthing career. His contributions to crime literature include accounts that blend true crime with detective fiction, a pioneering effort at the time. In the 'ALLAN PINKERTON Ultimate Collection: True Crime Stories & Detective Stories,' readers encounter a robust selection of his cases and exploits. His writing is often noted for its detail-oriented narrative and the firsthand perspective on law enforcement methodology during the 19th century. Pinkerton's style combines the factual basis of his cases with the suspense and structure of detective fiction, setting a standard for the burgeoning genre. This anthology not only entertains but serves as a historical document, reflecting the early stages of professional private investigation in America.