Helen McCloy

Helen McCloy was a prominent author, best known for her American mystery novels. She was born as Helen Worrell Clarkson McCloy and also published under the pen name Helen Clarkson. McCloy's writing was not limited to books, as she also contributed to the television series Le Masque, which was based on her novel Cue for Murder.

One of McCloy's most notable contributions to the mystery genre was the creation of her series character, Dr. Basil Willing. Willing is a psychiatrist and detective who believes that every criminal leaves behind psychic fingerprints, which cannot be hidden. This unique approach to crime-solving is a hallmark of McCloy's work and adds an extra layer of depth to her stories. Dr. Willing appeared in 13 of McCloy's novels and several of her short stories.

McCloy's writing often explored the theme of doppelgangers, but she ultimately provided psychological or realistic explanations for the seemingly supernatural events in her stories. This approach set her apart from other writers in the genre and demonstrated her commitment to creating believable and engaging narratives. Her ability to weave together intricate plots and complex characters has earned her a place as one of the most respected mystery writers of her time.