Max Rittenberg, who appears to have left Australia as a young man, was a prolific writer of detective fiction and books on subjects ranging from modern retailing and business (Selling Schemes for Retailers, 1911; How to Finance a Business, 1923) to effective postal publicity (Practical Points in Postal Publicity, 1927; Direct Mail and Mail-order Principles and Practice, 1931). He also co-authored What Editors Want: a reference book for every 'free lance' writer (1910). His short stories appeared in numerous magazines, journals and anthologies in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, including The Grand Magazine, Blue Book, The Strand Magazine, Snappy Stories, The London Magazine, The Club Room, The Magpie and The Boy's Own Paper. His work was still being republished as late as 2007 (in The Mammoth Book of Perfect Crimes and Impossible Mysteries).