The clue

"The Clue" is the first in the series of mystery novels by prolific author Carolyn Wells, featuring the shrewd private investigator Fleming Stone. Beautiful young heiress Madeleine Van Norman has no shortage of eager suitors, but her chosen future husband is in love with another woman. Wretched and anxious the night before the wedding, Madeleine leaves to contemplate her future.

The next morning, the guests have a shocking mystery on their hands when the bride-to-be Madeleine is found murdered. A classic 'locked-room' mystery – detective Fleming Stone is soon on the case to solve the mystery and catch the killer.

Fleming Stone

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 Wells' "Fleming Stone" series follow the eponymous character's adventures as she solves crimes and mysteries.

Carolyn Wells (1862-1942) was a prolific American novelist and poet, best known for her children's 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 'At the Sign of the Sphinx' 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 'Patty Fairfield' and 'Marjorie Maynard' series for girls, as well as the 'Fleming Stone' 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 'The Rest of my Life' in 1937. Wells died in New York City in 1942.