What are the characteristics of 'the best Dr Thorndyke detective stories'?

The main character is of course Dr Thorndyke. He is the brilliant detective at the center of the stories.

A great short detective story will have a surprising twist. Take 'The Red - Headed League' by Conan Doyle. The seemingly innocent setup of the league turns out to be part of a much more devious plan. And the setting in these stories can be very important too. It can create an atmosphere that adds to the mystery, like the old - fashioned English villages in Miss Marple's stories which seem so idyllic but hide dark secrets.

Well, his origin story can be considered among the best. How he became the powerful and feared Dr Doom. It often involves his tragic past, his thirst for knowledge and power which led him to don the iconic mask and armor. His journey from a young man with a dream to a super - villain is full of twists and turns.

Some of the best 'Dr Who' stories include 'Blink'. It has a really creepy and unique concept with the Weeping Angels. Another great one is 'The Empty Child'/'The Doctor Dances'. It has a spooky yet heartwarming plot. And 'Genesis of the Daleks' is also highly regarded as it delves deep into the origin of one of the show's most iconic villains.

One of the best Dr Doom stories is 'Secret Wars'. In this story, Dr Doom manages to steal the power of the Beyonder. It shows his incredible ambition and intelligence as he outwits many powerful characters in the Marvel universe. He uses this newfound power in a very Doom - like way, trying to reshape the world according to his vision.

One of the best Dr Strange stories is 'The Oath'. It shows his loyalty to his oath as a sorcerer and his struggle to uphold it in difficult situations. Another great one is 'Into the Dark Dimension' which dives deep into the terrifying and mysterious Dark Dimension and Dr Strange's adventures there.

One of the best Dr Fate stories is 'The Tower of Fate' saga. It delved deep into the mystical realm associated with Dr Fate and his connection to the Tower. It showed his battles against powerful magical foes and his growth as a character.

One of the best Dr Octopus stories is his encounter with Spider - Man in 'The Amazing Spider - Man' comics. His complex character, being a brilliant scientist turned super - villain, makes the story engaging. He uses his mechanical tentacles in clever ways to battle Spider - Man, and the moral and ethical dilemmas presented through his character add depth to the story.

The story where Dr Strange battles Dormammu in the Dark Dimension is also great. It's a classic encounter that really showcases Strange's ability to outwit his foes. He uses his magic in clever ways and doesn't rely on brute force. This battle is iconic and has been adapted in the movies as well.

His best detective stories are known for their well - developed characters. The detectives in his stories are usually intelligent and observant, with unique personalities. For example, they might have quirks that make them stand out. Also, the villains are often cunningly crafted, adding to the overall intrigue of the story.