
The Middle Temple Murder
'The Middle Temple Murder' Summary
Midnight. A lonely courtyard. The dead body of a stranger—a prosperous looking, well dressed, elderly man is found in Middle Temple Lane, London. This is one of England's ancient Inns of Court where barristers were traditionally apprenticed and carried on their work. Middle Temple is just a few minutes walk away from busy Fleet Street and the Thames Embankment. In the dead man's pocket is a piece of paper with the name and address of a young barrister. One of the first people to reach the crime scene is the investigative reporter, Frank Spargo, who writes for a leading London newspaper, The Watchman. Spargo is puzzled. Why would such a person be wandering about here at this hour? This extraordinary discovery draws Spargo into a labyrinthine web of intrigue, murder and crime in high places.
The Middle Temple Murder by Joseph Smith Fletcher was first published in 1919 and is a great example of the classical English detective story. Joseph Smith Fletcher initially embarked on a career in law but soon switched to journalism. He was also a gifted poet and his first published work was a book of poetry. He went on to write some very notable books of historical fiction and history. This led to his becoming a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
However, he turned to writing mysteries in 1914, the era which is considered the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. He wrote more than 100 detective novels which were extremely well received and gave him good financial returns.
Fletcher's style may seem a little dated, and since it was written more than a century ago, there are elements which may seem politically incorrect to us, but he manages to create a sinister atmosphere and keeps you guessing till the end. Being the work of a writer of history, The Middle Temple Murder is also full of interesting nuggets of information and ambiance that evoke the London of the early 1900s. It is also an early example of the “procedural” crime story, where the facts become available to the reader in a logical sequence yet the identity of the criminal is kept hidden.
If you enjoy the vintage mystery story full of atmosphere and one that presents a nice little puzzle, The Middle Temple Murder is certainly a great choice!
Book Details
Authors

J. S. Fletcher
England
Joseph Smith Fletcher (7 February 1863 – 30 January 1935) was an English journalist and author. He wrote more than 230 books on a wide variety of subjects, both fiction and non-fiction, and was...
Books by J. S. FletcherDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
Related books

Round The Fire Stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
This collection of short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle presents a selection of his tales that delve into the realms of the grotesque and the terri...

Silence by Edgar Allan Poe
Silence by Edgar Allan Poe is a short poem that explores themes of death, loneliness, and the power of the imagination. The speaker, who is unnamed, d...

Apartment Next Door by William Johnston
Jane Strong, a single woman living in an apartment complex, finds herself entangled in a dangerous mystery. She witnesses a man being chased by anothe...

Love and Freindship by Jane Austen
In the world of Regency-era England, where social conventions and courtship rituals reign supreme, a delightful and witty tale unfolds - "Love and Fre...

Sister Simon's Murder Case by Margaret Ann Hubbard
Sister Simon's Murder Case is a classic mystery novel set in a bustling Midwestern resort town during peak tourist season. When an elderly woman is fo...

Nan Sherwood at Lakeview Hall by Annie Roe Carr
Nan Sherwood is about to embark on the summer of a lifetime. Nan Sherwood is a curious and adventurous young girl who loves to explore. When she is i...

Secret of Father Brown by Gilbert K. Chesterton
The Secret of Father Brown is a collection of short stories featuring the titular Father Brown, a humble Catholic priest who uses his keen intellect a...

Hand in the Dark by Arthur J. Rees
Set in a stately English country house during the twilight of World War I, "Hand in the Dark" follows the investigation of a mysterious murder. When a...

Evil Genius by Wilkie Collins
Set in Victorian England, "Evil Genius" explores the complexities of family life and the hypocrisy of societal norms. The Linley family hires Sydney W...

The Turnpike House by Fergus Hume
This is a captivating mystery novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. A renowned author known for his detective stories, this book is a m...
Reviews for The Middle Temple Murder
No reviews posted or approved, yet...