Edgar Wallace (1875–1932) was a British novelist, playwright, and journalist, renowned for his prolific contributions to crime and thriller fiction. Born in Greenwich, London, he began his career as a journalist and war correspondent, experiences that sharpened his storytelling skills and provided rich material for his novels. Wallace quickly gained recognition for his ability to craft suspenseful plots, intriguing characters, and fast-paced narratives that kept readers on the edge of their seats.

Over his career, Wallace wrote more than 170 novels, 18 stage plays, and countless short stories, many of which centered on crime, detective work, and espionage. His notable works include The Four Just Men, The Ringer, and The Crimson Circle, which became widely popular for their intricate mysteries and clever resolutions. Wallace’s writing style influenced the development of the modern thriller and detective genre, inspiring generations of writers and setting a standard for commercial crime fiction in Britain and beyond.

In addition to his literary achievements, Wallace contributed extensively to the early British film industry, with several of his novels adapted into movies and television series. His ability to blend suspense with strong character development made him one of the most commercially successful and widely read authors of his era. Today, Edgar Wallace is remembered as a master storyteller whose works continue to captivate readers and influence crime and thriller fiction worldwide.