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Title
Country/Nationality
Fergus Hume
Ferguson Wright Hume known as Fergus Hume, was a prolific English novelist, known for his detective fiction, thrillers and mysteries.
Hume was born in Powick, Worcestershire, England, the second son of James C. Hume, a Scot and clerk and steward at the County Pauper and Lunatic Asylum there. When he was three the family emigrated to Dunedin, New Zealand, where he was educated at Otago Boys' High School and studied law at the University of Otago. He was admitted to the New Zealand bar in 1885. Shortly after graduation Hume relocated to Melbourne, Australia, where he obtained a job as a barristers' clerk. He began writing plays, but found it impossible to persuade the managers of Melbourne theatres to accept or even to read them.
Hume settled back in England, first in London, but after a few years in Thundersley, Essex at Church Cottage, probably at the invitation of the Reverend Thomas Noon Talfourd Major. Hume lived in Thundersley for thirty years, publishing in excess of 130 novels, plus several collections – most of them mystery stories, though he never recaptured the success of his first novel. He also wrote lyrics to songs composed by his brother-in-law, Charles Willeby, and book reviews for literary journals including The Bookman.
The 1911 census lists him as ‘author’, aged 51, and living at Church Cottage, Thundersley, which consisted of six rooms. He had a housekeeper, Ada Louise Peck, a widow of 69. He regularly travelled to Italy, France, Switzerland and other European countries.
When the Rev Talfourd Major died in 1915, Hume had to leave Church Cottage. He moved to ‘Rosemary Cottage’, 34 Grandview Road, Thundersley, where he lived with John Joseph Melville and his wife. Melville was a metallurgical chemist by profession, with a special study of alchemy.
Hume was reputed to be deeply religious and intensely private and known to avoid publicity, but in his later years he lectured at young people's clubs and debating societies. He died at Thundersley on 12 July 1932 and lies in an unmarked grave next to an actress and the Rev Maley. All he left in his will were some small items, like a horse blanket and a pipe. His estate was valued at £201.
Books by Fergus Hume
The Girl From Malta
During a voyage from Australia to Britain, Ronald Monteith is fascinated by fellow-traveller, Lionel Ventin. One sultry evening, shortly before arriving at Malta, Ventin tells Monteith the sensational story of his life - of his tragic second marriage...
The Yellow Holly
It is a thrilling mystery novel that is sure to captivate young readers. The book was first published in 1903, but its engaging plot and well-crafted characters remain relevant to this day. The story is set in the English countryside, where a wealth...
The Millionaire Mystery
It is a classic mystery novel that follows the investigation of a wealthy man's murder. The story is set in 19th century England and is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Originally published in 1901, "The Mil...
The Turnpike House
This is a captivating mystery novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. A renowned author known for his detective stories, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. Originally published in 1902, The Turnpike House takes readers on a...
The Clock Struck One
First published in 1898, this classic work has stood the test of time and continues to enthrall audiences with its clever plot and intriguing characters. Set in London, the story begins with a chilling murder that takes place at precisely one o'clo...
The Pagan's Cup
This is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the realms of mystery and suspense. Set in an era of long-held secrets and hidden agendas, this spellbinding tale will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In this gri...
The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
In the bustling streets of 19th-century Melbourne, a dark secret hides within the confines of a seemingly innocent hansom cab. Welcome to "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," a captivating tale that delves into the depths of crime, deception, and suspense....
The Sacred Herb
Amidst the crumbling ruins of a once-thriving civilization, humanity teeters on the brink of annihilation. Disease has decimated the population, leaving behind only remnants of a once-vibrant world. Desperation hangs heavy in the air, as hope seems a...
The Bishop's Secret
This is an enthralling mystery novel that transports readers to the late 19th century, where secrets and deceptions lurk beneath the pious veneer of society. When the body of a wealthy and influential widow is discovered in the opulent study of the B...
The Mikado Jewel
A fog-shrouded London night. A widow found murdered in her home. A mysterious Japanese jewel at the scene of the crime. When Inspector Bucket is called in to investigate, he soon finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue and deception. The jewel...
Lady Jim of Curzon Street
Lady Jim of Curzon Street is a gripping mystery novel by Fergus Hume, the author of the classic The Mystery of a Hansom Cab. The novel tells the story of Leah Kaims, a young woman who is trapped in an unhappy marriage with a ne'er-do-well husband. Wh...
The Silver Bullet
In a small English village, a series of brutal murders have been committed by a mysterious figure known as the Silver Bullet Killer. Synopsis: The Silver Bullet is a classic mystery novel by Fergus Hume, first published in 1891. The novel tells the...
The Spider
The Spider: A mysterious figure known only as "Nemo" is terrorizing Melbourne society, blackmailing the city's most powerful and wealthy citizens. When a young woman is found murdered, Inspector Vernon is called in to investigate. But as he gets clos...
The Green Mummy
Unearth the secrets of "The Green Mummy" by Fergus Hume, a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. In the heart of Victorian London, a most unusual mystery unfolds. A Forbidden Love: In the midst of London...
The Crimson Cryptogram
A mysterious crimson cryptogram, a brutal murder, and a detective determined to find the truth... In the heart of Victorian England, a young woman is found murdered in her home, the only clue a cryptic message written in blood on her sleeve. Inspect...
Secret Passage
Excellent murder mystery. On September 9, 1905, the NY Times Saturday Review of Books described this book as follows: "That painstakingly ingenious person, Fergus Hume, has devised another of his hide-and-seek, jack-o'-lantern murder mysteries. It be...
Madame Midas
Hume was born in England, the second son of Dr James Hume. At the age of three his father emigrated with his family to Dunedin, New Zealand. He was admitted to the New Zealand bar in 1885. Shortly after graduation he left for Melbourne, Australia whe...
Silent House
A mystery about a "locked door" murder committed in a house that has a reputation for being haunted. In the first half of the book, the murderer appears to be easy to figure out. The second half of the book, however, is filled with plot twists and mi...
Lady from Nowhere
A mysterious woman is found murdered in a yellow boudoir. Who is she and where does she come from? Detective Absalom Gebb is on the case. (Introduction by MaryAnn)
Red Window
Two former school friends, now both military men, meet again and discover both are trying to lose themselves to public gaze. Dick West has inherited the family estate, but is out of favor. "The Red Window" was used during periods of civil unrest to...
Hagar of the Pawn-Shop
Hagar Stanley, a beautiful young Gypsy, is driven by sexual harassment to leave her tribe and seek refuge with her uncle Jacob, a miserly London pawnbroker. He dies after teaching Hagar the business, and she takes over running the popshop till the le...
Dwarf's Chamber And Other Stories
Short Stories by Fergus Hume, a prolific English novelist. - Summary by Wikipedia
Red Money
Greed and lost love collide to create dark secrets. Through twists and turns, corrupt aristocrats let family and honor overshadow love and true happiness. In the end, evil passes and good endures. (Summary by Sharon Kilmer)
Opal Serpent
An old pawnbroker is found strangled with his lips pinned together with an opal serpent broach. He has a beautiful daughter who is apparently the heir of his large estate. But another claimant has made herself known as the actual daughter of the pawn...
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