Allan Pinkerton, a Scottish-born detective and founder of the renowned Pinkerton National Detective Agency, authored numerous books in the late 19th century that detail his and his agents' real-life cases. These works provide an authentic glimpse into the methodologies and challenges of early detective work, blending factual accounts with narrative storytelling.

Among his notable publications are The Expressman and the Detective (1874), which delves into the investigation of a railway theft; The Spy of the Rebellion (1883), offering insights into espionage activities during the American Civil War; and Thirty Years a Detective (1884), a comprehensive exposé of criminal practices over three decades. These stories are characterized by their detailed recounting of investigative techniques, undercover operations, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Pinkerton's writings not only chronicled specific cases but also aimed to promote the capabilities and successes of his agency. While some historians suggest that ghostwriters may have assisted in their creation, the books undeniably reflect Pinkerton's perspectives and experiences. They serve as foundational texts in the detective genre, bridging the gap between factual reportage and narrative fiction, and continue to influence crime literature to this day.

Step into the world of real-life mysteries with the Vintage True Crime Collection, featuring gripping accounts of daring detective work by Allan Pinkerton, America’s first private investigator and founder of the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency. These stories, ripped from true cases, showcase the ingenuity, bravery, and relentless pursuit of justice that defined Pinkerton’s career.

This collection includes:

• BUCHOLZ AND THE DETECTIVES: A tale of cunning and deception.
• THE EXPRESSMAN AND THE DETECTIVES: A thrilling case of embezzlement and pursuit.
• THE MOLLY MAGUIRES AND THE DETECTIVES: Pinkerton infiltrates a secret society of coal miners.
• THE SPIRITUALISTS AND THE DETECTIVES: A blend of crime and mysticism.
• CRIMINAL REMINISCENCES AND DETECTIVE SKETCHES: A collection of true detective adventures.
• THE RAILROAD FORGER AND THE DETECTIVES: Fraud, forgery, and high-stakes investigation.
• THE SPY AND THE REBELLION: Pinkerton’s Civil War espionage.
• Two accounts of Pinkerton’s efforts to foil the first assassination attempt on President Lincoln.

Discover the roots of modern detective work through these fascinating tales of true crime, as told by the man who lived them.