The Middle Temple Murder

J.S. Fletcher's first detective novel, ‘The Middle Temple Murder,’ was first published in 1919 and was an immediate success. It introduced the character of Frank Spargo, a journalist who becomes involved in solving crimes, and went on to become one of Fletcher's most popular series. An unidentified elderly gentleman is found bludgeoned to death in London’s Middle Temple, that enclave of justice between Fleet Street and the Thames. After due investigation, the police conclude that it was merely a case of robbery. But Frank Spargo, a young journalist who senses a scoop, and Inspector Rathbury of New Scotland Yard, who doesn’t, soon unearth fresh clues and join forces to solve an intricate and intriguing mystery.Fletcher's writing was admired for its intricate plotting, engaging characters, and attention to detail. He was also praised for his ability to capture the spirit of the times in which he wrote, whether it was the gaslit streets of Victorian London or the bustling boulevards of early 20th-century Paris.