> "algebra (Taylor bought him the book, a gift Harry brought home to show off, and never forgot)"
If anyone was hooked by this tangent, this was[0] "Todhunter’s[1] Algebra" [2] (1858? 1870? 1871? 1889?) you can peruse for free at [2].
[0] https://www.readingsheffield.co.uk/harry-brearleys-reading-j...
If you really want a tangent, Todhunter is the middle name of one of the best detective authors in the history of detective fiction: Rex Stout.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rex_Stout
The Timothy Hutton shows available on YouTube are a good introduction if you can get over the poor transcription to youtube.
IMO, Stick with the books please. The tv series you mention mischaracterizes everyone.