"Oscar the Detective or Dudie Dunne, The Exquisite Detective" was once famous as a dime novel, created for the less-sophisticated working classes increasingly cramming into industrializing cities. Stories like this one were light, sensational, and entertaining. The author was Harlan Page Halsey, a businessman and Brooklyn Board of Education member who lived a double life. His literary career was in shadow, and a few knew him in both capacities. Yet, his detective stories, including "Oscar the Detective," won the love and affection of many.
