William Tufnell Le Queux (1864–1927) was an Anglo-French journalist, writer, and a prolific novelist, who gained considerable popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for his espionage and mystery novels. Le Queux's literary career spanned from sensational journalism to writing over 150 books, which played a significant role in shaping the spy fiction genre. Best known for his masterful tales of intrigue and adventure, Le Queux was a pioneer in stirring public interest in international espionage with works such as 'The Great War in England in 1897' and 'The Invasion of 1910' where he blended political insight with the narrative of a potential war, capitalizing on the fears of a German invasion among the British public. His style often combined elements of the detective story with political intrigue, an approach that resonated with audiences given the pre-WWI context of mounting tensions among European powers. Books such as 'The Zeppelin's Passenger' and 'Spies of the Kaiser' reinforced his reputation as an expert in espionage literature. Le Queux was adept at crafting complex plots with a focus on accuracy and suspense, which has cemented his legacy as an influential figure in the espionage and mystery genres.