The Leak (ePub)

Jacques Heath Futrelle (April 9, 1875 - April 15, 1912) was an American journalist and mystery writer, best known for his contributions to the genre with an emphasis on the 'thinking machine' stories-a series of tales revolving around his most famous creation, Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, also known as 'The Thinking Machine'. Born in Pike County, Georgia, Futrelle began his career as a playwright and journalist before turning his talents to the mystery genre. His early works garnered attention for their intricate plots and innovative use of logic and deduction, which became his literary signature ('The Thinking Machine', 1907). Amongst his published tales, 'The Leak' is an exemplary showcase of his style, involving a complex puzzle that demonstrates his protagonist's formidable intellect. Tragically, Futrelle was aboard the RMS Titanic when it sank in 1912, cutting short a promising writing career. His untimely death at the age of 37 plunged the literary world into mourning for what many saw as an intellect capable of greatly influencing and expanding the boundaries of early 20th-century detective fiction. His works, however, endure as a testament to his creative genius and continue to be enjoyed by readers fascinated by the interplay of mystery and the power of logical reasoning.