'The Crimson Cryptogram' Summary

Fergus Hume's The Crimson Cryptogram is a classic murder mystery novel, first published in 1902. The story follows Inspector Craig of the Scotland Yard as he investigates the murder of a young woman named Alice Moxton. The only clue at the crime scene is a cryptic message written in blood on her sleeve.

Craig soon discovers that Alice had many enemies, including her jealous husband, her scorned lover, and a ruthless businessman who stood to gain from her death. As he delves deeper into the case, Craig uncovers a web of intrigue and deceit, and he begins to realize that there is more to this case than meets the eye.

One of the key suspects in the case is Alice's husband, Robert. Robert is a wealthy and powerful man, and he has a reputation for being violent and controlling. He also had a motive for wanting Alice dead, as she was planning to leave him for another man.

Another suspect is Alice's lover, George Trevor. George is a young and handsome man, but he is also a gambler and a spendthrift. He had a large debt to Alice, and he may have killed her in order to get rid of her.

The third suspect is Charles Cartwright, a ruthless businessman who was Alice's business partner. Cartwright was planning to take over Alice's business, and he may have killed her in order to do so.

Craig suspects that one of these three men is the killer, but he needs to find concrete evidence to prove it. He eventually discovers that the crimson cryptogram is a code that Alice used to communicate with her lover, George Trevor. The code reveals that Alice was planning to blackmail Cartwright with evidence of his criminal activities.

Craig confronts Cartwright with this evidence, and Cartwright confesses to killing Alice. He explains that he killed her in a fit of rage, and that he didn't mean to do it. Craig arrests Cartwright, and the case is closed.

The Crimson Cryptogram is a suspenseful and well-written murder mystery novel. Hume does a masterful job of creating a cast of complex and believable characters, and he keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The novel is also a fascinating glimpse into Victorian society, and it provides insights into the social and cultural norms of the time.