Walter S. Masterman

Walter S. Masterman (1876-1946) was an English author of mystery, fantasy, horror, and science fiction novels. He is best known for his locked room mysteries, which were popular in the 1920s and 1930s.

Masterman was born in Wimbledon, London, on December 19, 1876. He was educated at Tonbridge School and Weymouth College before entering Christ's College, Cambridge, in 1897. After graduating from Cambridge, Masterman worked as a lawyer in London. However, he soon gave up his legal career to pursue a writing career.

Masterman's first novel, The Wrong Letter (1926), was a locked room mystery. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it established Masterman as a popular author of mystery novels. Masterman went on to write over 50 novels, many of which were locked room mysteries.

Masterman's novels were often praised for their clever plots, well-developed characters, and suspenseful atmosphere. He was also known for his ability to create impossible situations that were then logically explained away.

Masterman's principles were based on his belief in the power of reason and logic. He believed that all mysteries could be solved if one applied enough thought to them. He also believed in the importance of fair play. He always gave his readers enough clues to solve the mysteries in his novels, but he also made sure that the solutions were not too easy to guess.

Masterman was famous for his locked room mysteries, but he also wrote novels in other genres, such as fantasy, horror, and science fiction.

Some of his most notable works include:

• The Wrong Letter (1926)
• The Secret of the Downs (1927)
• The Hooded Monster (1928)
• The Rose of Death (1929)
• Back from the Grave (1930)
• The Silver Leopard (1931)
• The Avenger Strikes (1932)
• The Bloodhound's Bay (1933)
• The Mystery of the Five Keys (1934)
• The Perjured Alibi (1935)
• The Death Verdict (1936)
• The Case of the Poisoned Pearls (1937)
• The Invisible Event (1938)

Masterman's philosophy was based on his belief in the power of reason and logic. He believed that all problems could be solved if one applied enough thought to them. He also believed in the importance of fair play. He always gave his readers enough information to solve the problems in his stories, but he also made sure that the solutions were not too easy to guess.

Masterman died in Brighton, England, on May 16, 1946, at the age of 69. He is remembered as one of the most popular and influential authors of locked room mysteries. His novels continue to be read and enjoyed by mystery fans today.

How Masterman is remembered

Masterman is remembered as one of the most popular and influential authors of locked room mysteries. His novels were praised for their clever plots, well-developed characters, and suspenseful atmosphere. He was also known for his ability to create impossible situations that were then logically explained away.

Masterman's novels have been adapted for radio, television, and film. His work has also been praised by other mystery authors, such as Ellery Queen and Dorothy L. Sayers.

In 2008, Ramble House began to reprint Masterman's novels. This led to a renewed interest in his work, and his novels are now more popular than ever before.

Masterman's novels continue to be read and enjoyed by mystery fans today. His work is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his love of the mystery genre.