James Malcolm Rymer was a 19th-century English author, best known for his sensational novels and stories. He was born in 1814 and gained popularity for his works that often featured themes of crime, horror, and the supernatural. One of his most famous creations is the character Sweeney Todd, a fictional barber who murders his customers. Rymer's writing style was characterized by its dramatic flair and engaging plots, appealing to the Victorian audience's taste for thrilling narratives. He contributed significantly to the genre of penny dreadfuls, which were inexpensive serialized stories that captivated readers in the mid-1800s. Rymer passed away in 1884, leaving behind a legacy of influential literature.