"The Story of the Spaniards, Hammersmith," published in 1898, marked the debut of Flaxman Low, the pioneering psychic detective of fiction. This story, written by the joint authors Hesketh Hesketh-Prichard and his mother, Kate O'Brien Ryall Prichard, set the stage for a series of supernatural investigations that captivated readers of the late Victorian era.

Hesketh Hesketh-Prichard, born on November 17, 1876, was a multifaceted individual renowned for his contributions to literature, exploration, military service, and sports. Alongside his mother, Kate O'Brien Ryall Prichard, he co-authored numerous stories and novels, including the Flaxman Low series. Hesketh-Prichard's remarkable career spanned from his pioneering efforts in improving marksmanship during World War I to his achievements as a cricketer, explorer, and author.

The late Victorian era witnessed a flourishing of detective fiction, characterized by iconic figures such as Sherlock Holmes and Flaxman Low. While Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, epitomized the rational and deductive approach to crime-solving, Flaxman Low offered a unique twist with his psychic abilities, delving into the realm of the supernatural. Key dates in this period include the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes story, "A Study in Scarlet," in 1887 and the serialization of the Flaxman Low stories in Pearson's Magazine from 1898 to 1899.

During the late Victorian era, alongside the rise of traditional detective fiction, there emerged a fascinating subgenre known as "occult detective" fiction. This genre featured protagonists who investigated mysteries involving supernatural or paranormal elements. One notable figure in this tradition is Carnacki, created by author William Hope Hodgson. Carnacki, the "ghost-finder," employed a combination of scientific inquiry and occult knowledge to solve cases involving ghosts, demons, and other supernatural entities. Hodgson's stories, such as "The Gateway of the Monster" and "The House Among the Laurels," showcased Carnacki's encounters with the supernatural, captivating readers with their blend of mystery and the occult. Alongside Carnacki, other authors contributed to the occult detective genre, crafting characters and stories that explored the eerie and mysterious realms beyond the conventional boundaries of detective fiction..