The Borough Treasurer

by J.S. Fletcher

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Digital Edition available in epub and pdf.

Set in the quiet Yorkshire town of Highmarket, The Borough Treasurer is a tightly woven mystery that explores the fragility of respectability. Milford Cotherstone, a prosperous builder and the town’s treasurer, appears to embody civic success. Yet his comfortable life is shaken when an elderly tenant, Mr. Kitely, reveals knowledge of a dark episode from Cotherstone’s distant past. Soon after this unsettling encounter, Kitely is found dead under suspicious circumstances, and suspicion begins to ripple through the community.

As the investigation unfolds, buried secrets, long-suppressed guilt, and hidden identities emerge, implicating not only Cotherstone but also his business partner, Mallalieu. Fletcher skillfully builds tension through shifting suspicion and moral ambiguity, portraying how past misdeeds cast long shadows over the present. The novel combines methodical detective work with psychological drama, culminating in a gripping unraveling of truth and consequence.

Quote from the book—
“Business seems to be good with you, sir.”

—J. S. Fletcher, The Borough Treasurer

Dive into the intriguing world of 'The Borough Treasurer,' a riveting mystery that brings Victorian intrigue to life. Follow the suspenseful tale set amidst gas-lit streets and grand architecture, with dynamic characters and unexpected twists. Perfect for fans of classic whodunits and atmospheric storytelling. Enjoy this gripping story in digital format for convenient reading anywhere.

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About the Author

J. S. Fletcher (Joseph Smith Fletcher) was an English journalist and prolific author, born in 1863 in Halifax, Yorkshire. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by relatives and educated privately. Fletcher began his career in journalism, working for newspapers in England before turning to fiction. He initially wrote historical novels and rural stories but later gained widespread popularity for his detective and mystery fiction. Over his lifetime, he wrote more than 200 books, becoming a prominent figure in early twentieth-century crime literature. His works are known for intricate plots and atmospheric English settings. Fletcher died in 1935, leaving a lasting legacy in classic detective fiction.