“d**k Donovan” was the pseudonym of James Edward Preston Muddock (1843–1934), an author of mysteries, thrillers, and horror stories. For a time, his popularity rivaled that of Arthur Conan Doyle—and he was certainly more prolific than Doyle. Between 1889 and 1922, he published nearly 300 mystery stories (many in series that were later collected as books.)
Quite a few of Muddock’s mystery stories feature d**k Donovan, a Glasgow Detective named for one of the 18th Century Bow Street Runners. The character was so popular that later stories were published with the character’s name as the byline. Muddock also wrote true crime stories, horror, and 37 novels, most as “d**k Donovan.” His non-fiction included four history books, seven guidebooks for areas in the Alps and his autobiography. His sto
