Showing results by author "Fergus Hume" in All Categories

A selection of 17 classic stories of horror and the supernatural by some of the greatest writers in the genre. This compilation includes a mix of well-known classics by authors such as Charles Dickens and M. R. James, alongside several unjustly overlooked gems by less familiar names who were hugely popular and prolific in their day.

One lonely night, a cabbie discovers that his intoxicated passenger has been suffocated with a handkerchief saturated in chloroform. The murderer, the victim, and the motive are all unknown. Fergus Hume's first literary attempt, became the best-selling mystery novel of the 19th century.

Reunited after many years, two former classmates, now immersed in military life, find themselves seeking anonymity from the public eye. Dick West, a disgraced heir to his familys estate, waits for a message from his cousin through the infamous Red Window - a symbol of danger during times of civil strife. The message would signify his grandfathers forgiveness. However, things take an unexpected turn as a handkerchief wrapped around the old mans neck adds a layer of complexity to the situation. This summary is brought to you by Lynne Thompson.

Delve into the forbidden realms of The Pink Shop, a clandestine operation run by a veiled enigma of a woman. Join us as we navigate the labyrinthine narrative, exposing the secrets shrouded behind its sealed doors. Question your own boundaries what price would you pay for the promise of everlasting beauty?

Set against the backdrop of a tranquil seaside village, this English mystery unfolds through the life of an old family and their domineering matriarch. Striving to shape her adopted son according to her will, she finds herself entangled with the local vicar and his enchanting daughter. A stranger seeking acceptance among the villagers adds another layer of intrigue. The narrative weaves a tale of unseen connections and hidden secrets, all coming together to form an engrossing drama.

In a world where greed and forsaken love intertwine, dark secrets are birthed. Journey through a maze of deceit as privileged nobles allow their family honor to eclipse love and genuine happiness. Yet, when the dust settles, evil is vanquished and goodness prevails. (Summary by Sharon Kilmer)

Mr. Royston is driving his hansom through the night-time streets of Melbourne when he is hailed by a man supporting a slumped, intoxicated figure and requesting that the cabman take the unfortunate fellow home - before proceeding to drop his burden and make a rapid exit.

Dive into a thrilling narrative of a vanishing corpse, a silver-tongued vagabond, a dazzling heiress, and the complex affairs of a mysterious millionaires life in this engaging tale.

Dive into the enigmatic world of a murder mystery that unraveled in the heart of Melbourne. This cold-blooded crime committed by an elusive assassin shakes the city to its core. The mystery unfolds when a hansom cab pulls up at the Grey Street police station in St. Kilda, with the driver revealing a chilling discovery - a lifeless body that he suspects has been murdered. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction in this gripping narrative. (Excerpt from the first chapter.)

Dive into the intriguing mystery of a widowed womans murder in a relatives home amidst a foggy London night. The gripping tale unfolds as all residents were out, one on a peculiar errand involving the Mikado Jewel. Can you solve the who done it mystery in this suspense-filled narrative? This old dark house mystery, brimming with period cliches, offers a thrilling pulp fun ride to start your new year.

Immerse yourself in the unexpected chaos of a tranquil English village turned upside down by murder and mystery. With a story laden with thrilling twists and gripping turns, Fergus Humes expert storytelling is sure to keep you captivated until the very last word. (Summary by Sharon Kilmer)

Trapped in an unsatisfying marriage and on the brink of bankruptcy, Lady Jim Kaims is left to fend for herself. When all legitimate options fail her, and with no allies to aid her, she turns to a life of crime. Through a blend of humor, empathy, and a dash of compassion, Fergus Hume takes us on a thrilling journey into the psyche of a highly intelligent criminal. This captivating narrative will have you on the edge of your seat, continuously guessing what will happen next.

Fergus Hume, born as the second son to Dr. James Hume, embarked on a life of adventure and creativity at a very young age. His family moved to Dunedin, New Zealand when he was only three, and by 1885, he was admitted to the New Zealand bar. His pursuit of new beginnings took him to Melbourne, Australia where he started as a barristers clerk and eventually fell in love with playwriting. Despite facing rejections from Melbourne theatre managers, Hume found his true calling in mystery writing, becoming a pioneer in the world of detective stories. His life and work laid the foundation for the ...

A Woman’s Burden: A Novel by Fergus Hume is a work of fiction likely written in 1901. The novel opens with a dramatic scene on Waterloo Bridge, where various characters are thrust into a dark and gritty narrative marked by themes of poverty, desperation, and crime. The central character introduced in this opening is Miriam, a woman of poverty who intervenes to save an elderly gentleman from an attempted robbery by a man named Jabez, setting off a chain of events that involves crime, survival, and complex human dynamics.

Welcome, whether you be 10 or 100! Are you looking for something more than just a night-time routine, but rather for special bonding experiences? Are you looking for stories that you may have not heard of before? For spoken word enchantingly told, and a wonderful musical experience? Are you looking to recreate at home the experience of good magic that children are so fond of? If you are seeking all that, you have arrived to the right place.

As the P. and O.s liner Neptune departs Australia for Britain, Ronald Monteith, a prosperous young Australian, is drawn into the haunting tale of Lionel Ventin, a fellow passenger with a tragic past. When Ventin is found murdered in his cabin, Monteith commits to solving the crime, assuming the culprit is Ventins vengeful ex-wife. Upon reaching London, he enlists a barrister and a detective to aid his quest. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he is horrified to discover that the evidence is pointing towards the woman hes fallen for - the girl from Malta... - Summary by Celine Major

Unravel mysteries with Hagar Stanley, a striking young Gypsy who escapes sexual harassment by seeking refuge with her miserly pawnbroker uncle in London. After her uncles demise, she inherits the pawn shop and finds herself encountering a series of enigmas linked to the myriad of items that cross her counter. Some are tied to heinous crimes, others to acts of deceit and treachery. With her sharp Gypsy intellect and intuitive feminine instincts, Hagar tackles these perplexing scenarios, often assisting the police and ensuring justice is served. Fergus Hume cleverly interweaves these standalone ...

Immerse yourself in the gripping world of Victorian murder mysteries with The Clock Struck One by Fergus Hume. Our tale begins with Julian Edermont, a man who has lived in near seclusion for two decades, fearing an unknown assailant. His fears come true when he is brutally murdered following a heated argument with his wards fiance, Dr. Allen Scott. A secret is revealed in this confrontation, so profound that it compels Allen to break off his engagement with Dora, the ward, without any explanation. As those around her stay silent, Dora takes it upon herself to unravel the truth and unveil the ...

Delve into a thrilling tale of love, class, greed, and mystery as we unravel the secrets of a traditional English Christmas celebration gone awry in Coin Of Edward VII. The wealthy Daisy is murdered, leaving behind a trail of suspects, each with their own motives. The primary suspect is the elusive governess Anne Denham, who confessed her desire to trade places with Daisy and disappeared shortly after the murder, leaving the man she loves, Giles, and detective Mr. Steel to investigate. As they delve deeper into the case, the narrative uncovers more than a simple murder mystery. Its also a ...

On an uneventful evening, Dr. Ellis, a young, up-and-coming physician, finds himself immersed in a riveting conversation with his friend, Cass, a seasoned journalist. Their evening takes a dramatic turn when their enigmatic neighbor, Mrs. Moxton, bursts into their midst with horrifying news - her husband has been brutally murdered! The duo rushes to the crime scene, only to discover Mr. Moxtons lifeless body with a stab wound in his back. A thorough investigation reveals no tangible clues except for a baffling series of symbols etched in blood on the deceaseds sleeve. Will they be able to ...