Showing results by author "J. S. Fletcher" in All Categories

Joseph Smith Fletcher (1863 - 1935) was a British journalist and author. He wrote more than 230 books on a wide variety of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction. He was one of the leading writers of detective fiction in the Victorian 'Golden Age' of the short story. The Lighthouse on Shivering Sand is the macabre tale of a new man arriving to work as assistant keeper at a remote lighthouse.

An enthralling collection of strange stories where characters are challenged to do something completely out of the ordinary. The Earl, the Warder and the Wayward Heiress by J. S. Fletcher, The Giraffe Problem by Barry Pain, The Man who Stole a Meeting House by John Townsend Trowbridge, The Box Tunnel by Charles Reade, A Lucky Number by S. B. Hale, The Brown Wallet by Stacy Aumonier, The Bet by Anton Jacobs

Joseph Smith Fletcher (1863 – 1935) was a British journalist and author. He wrote more than 230 books on a wide variety of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction. He was one of the leading writers of detective fiction in the Victorian "Golden Age" of the short story. "The Earl, the Warder and the Wayward Heiress" is the story of a ten thousand pound bet between young gentlemen in their club.

As the sun lengthens its days to summer, so a sport begins to dominate the thoughts and actions of many people. This game, which so encapsulated the village greens and evening song of Middle England, has now spread across the world.

A classic English murder mystery story, set in the legal center of London, draws the reluctant attention of a journalist as he makes his way home after a long night on the job. But his newshound instincts kick in. Who is the elderly man? What was he doing at the law chambers in the middle of the night? Why had someone seen fit to strike him on the back of the head?

Dive into the thrilling mystery world of J. S. Fletchers Exterior to the Evidence. First published in the April 1922 edition of The Black Mask, a renowned detective and mystery magazine, this engrossing novel unravels a chilling death on the moors, an elusive missing will, and a myriad of potential culprits. As the story unfolds, the suspense will hold you captive until the very end. This gripping narration is brought to life by the talented J. M. Smallheer.

Dive into this riveting classic mystery where a covert midnight rendezvous results in the startling discovery of the first dead body. Unravel the enigma where nothing is as it seems.

The mysterious disappearance of bank manager John Hornbury, along with valuable securities and jewels from the banks vault, leaves everyone in a state of shock. Unexpectedly, Gabriel Chestermarke and his nephew Joseph decline to involve the police. Just as a detective from Scotland Yard steps in, the plot thickens when Betty Fosdyke, Johns niece, refuses to believe her uncles apparent betrayal. Unwilling to be a mere spectator, Betty teams up with the chief clerk from Chestermarkes bank, plunging headfirst into the midst of the enigma. Dive into this riveting tale of mystery and intrigue, ...

Dive into the captivating world of mystery as we unravel the enigmatic death of a former top-ranking police officer in this thrilling narrative by J.S. Fletcher. Discover the intriguing link between the murder and two captivating, high-profile sisters, one of whoms photograph was discovered in the victims pocket. The quest for truth involves a varied ensemble of detectives - a lawyer, his assistant, a group of policemen, a police spy, and even the victims granddaughter. Watch as the plot thickens and the clues come together in an unexpected climax, leaving it up to you, the listener, to piece ...

When wealthy industrialist and land owner John Mallathorpe passes away in an unfortunate accident without a known will, his estate falls into the hands of his wife and children. They live a lavish lifestyle until a humble bookseller uncovers Mallathorpes hidden will inside a book from the estate. The will reveals a shocking truth - the entire estate, save for a small sum for the family, has been left to the city authorities. The bookseller, seeking legal advice, dies unexpectedly in a solicitors office. A keen-eyed clerk spots an opportunity to exploit this newfound knowledge for personal gain...

Nestled in the tranquility of a cathedral town in England, a web of gossip, secrets, and deception unravels around characters who are not all they appear to be. This captivating murder mystery unfolds in a setting as intriguing as the people who inhabit it. (Summary by Gesine)

The unassuming Leonard Middlebrook, a young lawyer with a penchant for bibliographical pursuits, finds himself embroiled in a thrilling mystery that spans from the British Isles to the Far East. His journey begins when he is invited to the secluded Ravensdene Court on the Northumbrian coast, where Francis Raven, a retired Indian careerist, requires assistance in sorting through a vast collection of books and artifacts. As Leonard delves deeper into the task, he becomes the epicenter of a chilling enigma that threatens not just him, but also the lively Miss Raven, Franciss niece. Join Leonard ...

Embark on a gripping journey with investigative journalist Richard Brixey as he delves into the heart of ancient Silchester, England, in a desperate search for his vanished uncle, Mr. Linthwaite. From the haunting ruins of the Priory to unyielding potential witnesses, every turn holds a new mystery. Encounter the enigmatic Mrs. Byfield and uncover her deeply hidden ties to Mr. Linthwaite. What clandestine plot did Mr. Linthwaite unwittingly discover, leading to his sudden disappearance? Is he still among the living or has he met a grim fate? Amidst the intrigue, will the charismatic Brixey ...

Journey into the heart of a “rotten borough” and uncover its secrets. This term, rooted in the 18th century, represents a parliamentary constituency where few property owners had the power to elect a local member of parliament. But what happens when this system is replaced by a new one that still allows a select few to secretly profit from the boroughs finances? Following a narrow victory, a newly elected mayor, committed to reforming this corrupt system, is found mysteriously murdered in the Mayors Parlour. His young nephew, visiting from London, takes it upon himself to unravel ...

Dive into an intricate English murder mystery set within the heart of Londons legal district. A weary journalist, returning home after a demanding night at work, stumbles upon the puzzling scene of a crime. An elderly man lays dead in the law chambers, struck from behind. As his investigative instincts take over, our protagonist is drawn into a labyrinth of secrets and lies stretching from London to Cornwall to Yorkshire. Will the truth remain buried or will justice prevail? Stay tuned to unravel the twisted tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last moment.

After a lengthy seven-year absence, Guy Markenmore makes a dramatic return to his ancestral home, Markenmore Court, just as his father Sir Anthony draws his last breaths. Keen to put his younger siblings at ease, he promises not to stake a claim on the family fortune, even as he stands to inherit the family title. However, the night Sir Anthony passes, a shocking twist ensues - Guy is brutally killed on the downs. The inheritance is no longer the focus; the spotlight now falls on Detective Blick, entrusted with the daunting task of unveiling the truth behind the mysterious deaths at Markenmore...

Embark on a thrilling journey with Viner as his routine late-night walk in Markendale Square unexpectedly entangles him in a web of mysteries. With a murder, secret papers, and an imposter stirring the plot, even the police are left baffled. As the question of Hydes innocence hangs in the balance, Viner is faced with peculiar clues - a veiled woman, a diamond ring, and a growing suspicion that things are not as they appear to be. Can Viner unravel the truth and prove Hydes innocence?

Dive into the enthralling mystery surrounding the sudden death of Jacob Herapath, a prominent property tycoon and Member of Parliament. Found lifeless in his office with a revolver and a bullet wound to his head, the enigma only deepens with the discovery of a suspiciously forged will. This captivating puzzle is filled with unexpected twists and unpredictable turns, all narrated engagingly by Richard Kilmer.