The second in the âFleming Stoneâ series of mystery novels by popular author Carolyn Wells, âThe Gold Bagâ centres on the mysterious murder of a wealthy businessman Joseph Crawford â killed in the comfort of his own home. Amateur young detective Herbert Burroughs is on the case, but finds himself increasingly baffled by the many clues he unearths. Matters are complicated when he realises he is growing romantically attached to one of the suspects, and so he calls on the famous investigator Fleming Stone for help.
Fleming Stone is a private investigator with a flair for reading books and people. New York police department often resorts to her skills when a crime turns out to be too complicated for them to resolve. Carolyn Wellsâ "Fleming Stone" series follow the eponymous characterâs adventures as she solves crimes and mysteries.
Carolyn Wells (1862-1942) was a prolific American novelist and poet, best known for her childrenâs literature, mystery novels and humorous verse. Born in New Jersey, following school Wells worked as a librarian where she developed her love of reading, and her first book âAt the Sign of the Sphinxâ was published in 1896. From 1900 Wells dedicated herself to her literary career, writing over 170 novels in total across a range of genres. Some of her most loved works include the âPatty Fairfieldâ and âMarjorie Maynardâ series for girls, as well as the âFleming Stoneâ mystery series for adults. Wells is also well-known for her humorous nonsense verse, and was a frequent contributor of verse to magazines. She published an autobiography âThe Rest of my Lifeâ in 1937. Wells died in New York City in 1942.