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

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?

In the whole history of the English people there is no period so absolutely heroic, so full of enthralling interest, as that in which the might of England made itself apparent by land and sea—the period which saw good Queen Bess mistress of English hearts and Englishmen and sovereign of the great beginnings which came to such a magnificent fruition under Victoria. That was indeed a golden time—an age of great venture and enterprise—a period wherein men’s hearts were set on personal valor and bravery—the day of great deeds and of courage most marvelous.

It seems very unreal but the author is not only top-notch with his plot handling but he never strays from the bounds of reason. It isn’t easy to fool someone like detective sergeant Blick of Scotland Yard, but he does it. Blick is called in by an archeologist named Mr. Fransenmery to help solve the killing of Guy Markenmore, who had been away from the area for seven years and had returned because of the expected death of his father.

Set in the present, American Z is centered around a deeply rooted and disturbing evolution of the zombie in America, and the scientific T.S.O.M.B.I.E. [zom-bie] program. A powerful group of elitists, known as The Society, has been secretly controlling governments for years, and are now on the brink of being able to control humanity itself. One man believes he is destined to stop them and is willing to do whatever it takes, including betraying those closest to him. American Z is sure to slowly eat away at your conscious, long after putting it down.

Detective Jock Mitchell, after serving eight years in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department (DCPD), left DCPD to pursue a career as a homicide detective. He landed in the historic city of Fredericksburg, Virginia, with his wife, Latisha. After being named the sheriff department's only homicide detective, his work was largely relegated to solving B&Es and robberies. Detective Mitchell hadn't found the fulfillment he sought. On a cold winter morning in December, Detective Mitchell found himself at the center of a brutal and terrifying killing.

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 ...

A gripping collection of 30 minute stories by some of the greatest storytellers in the English language....

This is the story of four remarkable women. Dorrie, who in the dying years of the 19th century, dares to defy the conventions of her time by running away with an artist. The ambitious Roberta, who rides roughshod over all opposition in her single-minded desire to reach her goals. The gentle Louise, who defies her own nature to find the strength to pursue her personal happiness. And finally Ruth, who survived the terrors of the Second World War only to be trapped in a loveless marriage.

The main characters are Dr. Mark Ransford, his two wards, Mary and Dick Bewery, and one Dr. Pemberton Bryce - an assistant to Dr. Ransford. Bryce makes unwelcome advances to Mary Bewery and Ransford, after having warned him against these advances, dismisses Bryce. Bryce sets out to make Mary his own while suspecting Ransford and implicate him in the murders. A surprising twist toward the end of the story.

When a famous actor goes missing, the search leads playwright Richard Copplestone to the seaside town of Scarhaven. Every clue seems to bring about more questions as the intrigue goes much deeper than anyone suspects. Copplestone uncovers layer after layer of dark secrets, many of them involving the attractive Audrey Greyle and her family. If Copplestone does not discover the truth soon, he risks endangering the lives of the friends he has made in Scarhaven, including Audrey.

Fighting her way from humble beginnings in a foster home to CEO of her own highly respected international company hasn't been easy for Hilary Brand. Even after she seems to have reached the top, troubles abound: her business in China, always fraught with problems, is in peril; and her archnemesis, Haskins Gould - once her closest business associate but now her greatest enemy - is gaining traction in his unceasing determination to destroy all she has created.

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 nonfiction. He was one of the leading writers of detective fiction in the Victorian golden age of the short story. In 'The Secret of the Strong Room', three young men of unimpeachable character are planning to commit the perfect heist on the safe of the Illysium Theatre. But they have planned without the greater cunning of the theatre's owner, Markenstein.

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.

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.

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...

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.