Joseph Smith Fletcher (1863-1935) was a prolific English journalist and author, renowned for his contribution to the detective fiction genre. His career spanned more than a half-century during which he penned over 200 books, ranging from historical fiction to mysteries and non-fiction. Fletcher's most enduring legacy is encapsulated in his detective stories, many of which feature the rural setting of his native Yorkshire. A master of intricate plot constructions and red herrings, Fletcher's work reflected a transition from the classic whodunit to the more character-driven and psychological crime narratives. Key novels such as 'The Middle Temple Murder' (1918) and 'The Talleyrand Maxim' (1920) stand as testaments to his craft. His collected works, 'The Collected Works of J. S. Fletcher', provide a comprehensive overview of his literary output and showcase his versatility as a writer. Fletcher's narrative style blends meticulous detail with engaging storytelling, resonating well with audiences in his time and establishing him among the second tier of early 20th-century English crime novelists, alongside the likes of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Though his fame has diminished since his passing, his contributions remain a reference point in studies of early detective fiction.