Charles Fulton Oursler was an American journalist, playwright, and author best known for his mystery and detective fiction written under the pseudonym Anthony Abbot. Under this pen name, he created the popular detective Thatcher Colt, featured in novels such as "About the Murder of the Clergyman's Mistress" and "About the Murder of the Night Club Lady." Oursler also wrote under the aliases Samri Frikell and Sandalwood the Magician, reflecting his diverse literary interests.
Beyond his fiction, Oursler had a prolific career in journalism and editing, contributing to various publications throughout his life. His writing often blended suspense with psychological depth, a hallmark of his detective novels. While primarily recognized for his mysteries, he also explored other genres, including plays and nonfiction. Oursler's work remains notable for its engaging narratives and enduring influence on early 20th-century crime fiction.
Thatcher Colt Books (as Anthony Abbot)
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Murder of the Clergyman's Mistress / The Crime of the Century
1931
2
The Murder of Geraldine Foster
1931
3
The Murder of the Night Club Lady
1932
4
The Murder of the Circus Queen
1933
5
About the Murder of a Startled Lady
1936
6
About the Murder of a Man Afraid of Women
1937
7
The Creeps / Murder at Buzzard's Bay
1939
8
The Shudders / Deadly Secrets
1943
Children's Books
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
A Child's Story of Easter (With: Helen Caswell)
1996
2
A Child's Life of Jesus
1997
3
A Child's Story Of Christmas
1998
Collections (as Anthony Abbot)
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Wager & The House at Fernwood
1946
2
These Are Strange Tales ( As: Anthony Abbot)
1948
3
Lights Along the Shore
1954
4
The Magician Detective: And Other Weird Mysteries (With: John Locke)