Frank Lucius Packard (1877–1942) was a Canadian novelist who garnered fame through his mystery and adventure stories set in the early 20th century. Best known for his creation of the character Jimmie Dale, also known as The Gray Seal, Packard captivated readers with his blend of crime and intrigue. His seminal work, 'The Jimmie Dale Collection,' includes novels such as 'The Adventures of Jimmie Dale' (1917), 'The Further Adventures of Jimmie Dale' (1919), and 'Jimmie Dale and the Phantom Clue' (1922), which detail the daring escapades of a wealthy playboy by day and a masterful safecracker and burglar by night, whose alter ego sought to rectify injustice. Packard's literary style was characterized by fast-paced plots, intricate character development, and a deep understanding of the criminal underworld, reflecting the social issues of his time. His work remains a testament to the classic 'gentleman thief' genre and has influenced numerous subsequent works in detective fiction. Despite the era's limitations, Packard's storytelling brought to life the contradictions within his protagonist, exploring themes of identity, morality, and redemption that continue to resonate with modern audiences.