author
Rufus King
1893–1966
A clever Golden Age mystery writer, he built intricate whodunits around polished detectives, sharp puzzles, and a steady sense of suspense. His books are especially remembered for the Lieutenant Valcour stories and for the neat, almost theatrical way he set up a crime.
1 Audiobook
Murder by the clock
by Rufus King
About the author
Born in New York City in 1893, Rufus King was an American writer best known for detective fiction. He served in World War I, spent time in South America afterward, and then turned to writing, publishing a long run of mysteries, short stories, and a few plays and screen-related works.
King became a notable name in classic crime fiction through several recurring investigators, especially Lieutenant Valcour. His novels often favor carefully arranged clues, unusual murder setups, and a smooth, intelligent style that places him firmly in the Golden Age tradition without feeling overly formal.
He continued writing for decades and died in Hollywood, Florida, in 1966. Readers who enjoy puzzle-driven mysteries, period atmosphere, and elegant detective work will find a lot to like in his fiction.