A silent witness, R. Austin Freeman

A silent witness

R. Austin Freeman

Level
B2
Words
109,032
Chapters
9
First published
1925
Reading time
about 12 hours
Translation
instant AI translation as you read

Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary

Dr. John Thorndyke, a forensic detective, investigates a murder case where the only witness is a silent one. Using scientific methods and keen observation, he unravels the mystery. This novel is a classic example of early forensic detective fiction, offering logical puzzles and precise language, ideal for learners who appreciate intellectual challenges and want to learn legal and scientific terms.

Learn English with A silent witness

  • Suits learners around level B2: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
  • 8,990 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
  • Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.

How it works

  1. Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
  2. Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
  3. Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.

More about the method

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Questions about this book

Can I read A silent witness in English for free?

Yes. The first chapters of A silent witness open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.

How much English do I need?

The text is estimated at level B2. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.

Is there audio?

Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.