Joseph Smith Fletcher (February 7, 1863 – January 30, 1935) was a distinguished English journalist and one of the most prolific authors of his time. With a career spanning over 230 books, he became a titan of detective fiction during the transition to the Golden Age. Fletcher is celebrated for his intricate legal puzzles and 'whodunit' mysteries, such as 'The Middle Temple Murder,' which even earned the praise of world leaders. His storytelling combined journalistic precision with suspenseful atmosphere, focusing on clever plotting and unexpected twists that kept readers guessing until the final page.