The Root of All Evil
Jun 2019 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
209
Pages
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "Half-way along the one straggling street of Savilestowe a narrow lane suddenly opened out between the cottages and turned abruptly towards the uplands which rose on the northern edge of the village. Its first course lay between high grey walls, overhung with ivy and snapdragon. When it emerged from their cool shadowings the church came in view on one hand and the school on the other, each set on its own green knoll and standing high above the meadows. Once past these it became narrower and more tortuous; the banks on either side rose steeply, and were crowned by ancient oaks and elms. In the proper season of the year these banks were thick with celandine and anemone, and the scent of hedge violets rose from the moss among the spreading roots of the trees. Here the ruts of the lane were deep, as if no man had any particular business to repair them. The lane was, in fact, a mere occupation road, and led to nothing but an out-of-the-way farmstead, which stood, isolated and forlorn, half a mile from the village. It bore a picturesque name—Applecroft—and an artist, straying by chance up the lane and coming suddenly upon it would have rejoiced in its queer gables, its twisted chimneys, in the beeches and chestnuts that towered above it, and in the old-world garden and orchard which flanked one side of its brick walls, mellowed by time to the colour of claret. But had such a pilgrim looked closer he would have seen that here were all the marks of ill-fortune and coming ruin—evident, at any rate, to practical eyes in the neglected gates and fences, in the empty fold, in the hingeless, tumble-down doors, in the lack of that stitch in time which by anticipation would have prevented nine more. He would have seen, in short, that this was one of those places, of which there are so many in rural England, whereat a feckless man, short of money, was vainly endeavouring to do what no man can do without brains and capital."
About the author
J. S. Fletcher, born Joseph Smith Fletcher on February 7, 1863, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, was a prolific British author whose literary career spanned several genres, including historical fiction, poetry, and journalism. Fletcher's early life was marked by tragedy; he was orphaned at the age of eight and subsequently raised by his grandmother. This challenging upbringing perhaps fueled his later prolific output and keen observational skills.Fletcher initially pursued a career in law but soon turned to writing, producing over 200 books throughout his lifetime. He is best known for his detective fiction, particularly the novel "The Middle Temple Murder" (1919), which garnered significant acclaim and established him as a master of the genre. His work in crime fiction was characterized by intricate plots, well-developed characters, and a deep understanding of the human psyche, which influenced contemporary writers such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.A notable controversy in Fletcher's career involved his outspoken criticism of the British legal system, which he often depicted as flawed and corrupt in his novels. This critique resonated with readers and added a layer of social commentary to his work, making him a somewhat revolutionary figure in the literary world.Fletcher's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his meticulous approach to plotting and character development set a standard for future generations of mystery writers. His ability to weave historical context into his narratives also provided a rich tapestry that continues to captivate modern readers. J. S. Fletcher passed away on January 30, 1935, leaving behind a legacy that endures in the annals of British literature.
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