Gaston Leroux (1868–1927) was a French novelist, journalist, and pioneer of detective fiction. Before turning to literature, he worked as a court reporter and war correspondent, experiences that enriched his suspenseful storytelling. He is best known for creating ingenious mystery novels, including The Mystery of the Yellow Room, as well as the enduring Gothic classic The Phantom of the Opera (1910).

Leroux's novels combine mystery, psychological tension, and Gothic atmosphere, earning him a lasting place in the history of crime and horror fiction. The Phantom of the Opera has inspired countless adaptations for stage, film, and television, making it one of the most recognizable stories in world literature.