Edgar Wallace 
The Clue of the Twisted Candle 

The Clue of the Twisted Candle is a 1918 crime novel by the British writer Edgar Wallace. In this tale, John Lexman, a renowned mystery writer, is drawn into a murder plot by a wealthy benefactor, only to be betrayed and sent to prison. His friend, the Scotland Yard Commissioner T.X. Meredith, tries to prove he was duped into the murder, only to have him escape from prison. Events lead to another murder and a series of surprises. The renowned mystery writer John Lexman is charged with murder and sent to prison. His friend T.X. Meredith, employed by Scotland Yard, tries to prove his innocence.