Showing results by author "Fergus Hume" in All Categories

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.

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.

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the enthralling mystery penned by Fergus Hume, a prolific author of the 19th century. This thrilling tale, comparable to his renowned work, The Mystery of the Hansom Cab, follows George in his quest to prove his fathers marriage. His pursuit is fueled by his desire to secure his future wife, Dorothy, against her avaricious mother Mrs. Ward, and to claim his rightful inheritance as Lord Derrington. As the plot unfurls, past and present murders intertwine, raising questions that only multiply. This masterfully crafted narrative will keep you second-guessing until the shocking...

Join us as we delve into the riveting world of Fergus Hume, an acclaimed author celebrated for his masterful crime and detective narratives. In Turnpike House, Hume showcases his knack for crafting intricate mysteries. This excerpt sets the chilling scene A cry of human agony cuts through the silence. The light snuffs out, and the mists swirl thick and ominous around the dilapidated building, as if to shield the horrors within. If the walls could speak, they would cry Murder! with a voice as loud as thunder. Yet, in an age devoid of miracles, the walls remain silent, bearing mute witness to ...

The unsolved murder case that shocked the nation 25 years ago is once again in the limelight, thanks to the best-selling novel, “A Whim of Fate. Spencer Tait prepares to dive into the pages, while his best friend, Claude Larcher, is hit with the news of his fathers death. A death that eerily replicates every detail in the new book. Convinced that this cant be mere coincidence, they embark on a journey to unravel the true events of the past. But as they delve deeper, they find themselves tangled in a web of motives, evidence, and suspects. Will they ever uncover the truth behind the ...

Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Fergus Humes crime novel. Meet Mr. Fanks, a Scotland Yard detective with a secret double life as wealthy socialite Octavius Rixton. When the whiff of murder catches his attention, the detective in him springs into action. His investigation is convoluted by a devious innkeeper known as Queen Beelzebub and a dubious doctor named Renshaw. The corpse, a man with a half-erased tattoo, further thickens the plot. In a world where appearances are deceptive, the mystery only deepens before finally unwinding. - Summary by Don W. Jenkins

In the heart of the English countryside, Dr. Jim Herrick and his companion Robin stumble upon a spine-chilling scene at a grand, eerily lit house - the body of the widely despised Colonel Carr, lifeless from a gunshot wound. Instead of leaving it to the authorities, Dr. Jim embarks on a gripping quest to unravel the mystery behind the murder in this classic who done it tale. Penned by a highly regarded British mystery writer, this engrossing narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. (Summary by Richard Kilmer)

Delve into the thrilling world of mystery and suspense with Sealed Message. This intriguing narrative by the renowned British author, Fergus Hume, revolves around a puzzling message discovered on a record, sealed within a cylinder. Our storys heroine, reminiscent of a classic fairy-tale damsel, is kept hidden by a guard with dubious intentions. When a murder occurs, a brave and charming hero emerges to save the day. This compelling mystery is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Dive into the intricate world of Secret Passage, an exceptional murder mystery novel by the imaginative Fergus Hume. The story unfolds as a peculiarly wealthy old woman is found brutally murdered, leaving no trace of a clue to identify the killer. As the plot thickens, a flurry of clues surface, perplexing even the detective of the tale. With every character having secrets to hide and identities to protect, the clues lead to dead ends, keeping the suspense alive until the very last page. (Summary by Dawn Larsen and J.M. Smallheer)

In this thrilling adventure, a wealthy playboy returns from his globetrotting escapades, only to be convinced by his quirky aunt to search for a deeper meaning in life. His journey leads him to assist an old school friend in rescuing his fiancée from execution. Unexpectedly, he falls madly in love with this woman, unveiling a complex tangle of deceit and a roller-coaster of romantic dynamics. Join a unique ensemble of characters, including a South Sea captain, a fortune teller, and a knowledgeable doctor specializing in Easter Island culture. And lets not forget the mystifying sacred herb ...

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 ...

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 ...

In a world where her desires are overshadowed by societal norms, Lesbia Hales finds herself in a dire predicament. With her mother gone and a father who refuses to let her marry the love of her life, George Walker, Lesbia is left with no choice but to weave an intricate web of secrets to pursue what she wants most. However, her life takes a drastic turn when George is injured in her home and a precious amethyst cross goes missing. Who could be behind this and what could possibly be their motive? Join us as we unravel this mystery.

Dive into the mysterious world of Bishop Pendle, a revered figure in the Church of England, situated in a quaint, fictional English cathedral town. His peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when a dubious visitor pays him a visit, leaving the Bishop visibly shaken. What ensued between them that left the Bishop so disturbed? And then theres a murder. This intriguing tale is penned by Fergus Hume, one of the most celebrated and prolific novelists of the 19th century. Known for his gripping, ingenious plots and vivid English, Hume excels in The Bishops Secret. The book offers a diverse array of ...

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?