Mystery of the Yellow Room (The first detective Joseph Rouletabille novel and one of the first locked room mystery crime fiction novels)

Gaston Leroux

Dec 2023 · Good Press

About this ebook

Gaston Leroux's 'Mystery of the Yellow Room' is a classic locked room mystery that follows the brilliant young journalist and detective Joseph Rouletabille as he investigates a seemingly impossible crime. With its intricate plot, clever twists, and suspenseful atmosphere, the novel is a standout in the detective fiction genre. Leroux's writing style is engaging and immersive, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery alongside the protagonist. Set in a grand chateau with a colorful cast of characters, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of early 20th-century crime fiction. Leroux's attention to detail and clever plotting make 'Mystery of the Yellow Room' a standout in the genre, paving the way for future detective novels to come. Fans of classic mysteries and intricate puzzles will find much to enjoy in this gripping tale of deception and deduction.

About the author

Gaston Leroux is best known as the creator of the 1911 novel, The Phantom of the Opera, about a masked figure who haunts the hidden parts of the Paris Opera House. The novel appeared first in serial installments a year before publication, ultimately grew into several movie versions, and later became an Tony Award-winning Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Leroux was born in Paris in 1868. The only child of financially well-off parents, he moved easily into a clerk job in a law office. While working there, he wrote essays and short stories, many of which were accepted by publishers. This fired his enthusiasm, and he became a full-time reporter/writer in 1890. Law experience covering famous cases and theater reviews fueled his writing career, but it was his news reporter job that took him around the world at the turn of the century, providing details for his novels. Leroux wrote several mystery and fantasy novels, including the well-received The Mystery of the Yellow Room (1907) and The Man Who Came Back from the Dead (1912). Leroux also helped pioneer the character of the amateur detective who solves crime, so commonly seen today in movies and television. Gaston Leroux continued to write until his death on April 16, 1927.