Edgar Wallace was a prolific British writer, who remains a towering figure in the mystery and crime fiction genre. Born into poverty as Richard Horatio Edgar Wallace on April 1, 1875, in London, he overcame his humble beginnings to become one of the most widely read authors of his era. Wallace began his career as a war correspondent for Reuters and The Daily Mail during the Second Boer War, a backdrop that undoubtedly played a role in shaping the vivid backdrops of his novels. His journalism career also honed his skills at concise storytelling and suspense-building, which became hallmarks of his later works. Wallace's novel, 'The Daffodil Mystery' (1920), stands as a prime example of his masterful handling of the detective genre, characterized by fast-paced plots and engaging narratives. His writing is known for its strong use of dialogue and the creation of enduring characters such as 'J. G. Reeder' and 'Sanders of the River'. Wallace's prolific output included over 170 novels, 18 stage plays, and numerous articles and short stories. His relentless work ethic and inventive mind made him one of the most famous and successful thriller writers of the early 20th century, although it has been suggested that his extreme productivity perhaps sometimes came at the expense of depth. Nevertheless, Wallace's influence on the crime and thriller genres persists to this day, with numerous film adaptations bearing testament to the enduring popularity of his work. He passed away suddenly from undiagnosed diabetes on February 10, 1932, leaving a rich literary legacy.