Who was the French writer who created 'The Phantom of the Opera'?

First published in French as a serial in 1909, The Phantom of the Opera is a riveting story by Gaston Leroux that revolves around the young, Swedish Christine Daaé. Her father, a famous musician, dies, and she is raised in the Paris Opera House with his dying promise of a protective angel of music to guide her. After a time at the opera house, she begins hearing a voice, that eventually teaches her how to sing beautifully.

Source: Goodreads