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.

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.

Orphaned heiress Miss Curtis, daughter of a successful mine owner, is the belle of Melbourne. Despite being inundated with suitors, she marries the penniless Randolph Villiers, against the advice of her friends. Mr Villiers proceeds to fritter away his wife's fortune on gambling and riotous living, while Mrs Villiers, too proud to admit her mistake in marrying him, suffers in silence.

The Green Mummy by Fergus Hume is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young couple, Archie Hope and Lucy Kendal, as they navigate romance against a backdrop filled with mystery and intrigue, particularly centering on a rare mummy that Lucy’s archaeologist stepfather, Professor Braddock, is eager to acquire.

Whatever you do, don't go on to the beaches at dusk, or the Sand-Walker will come to your window at night. Such is the sinister warning given to the new lodger at the Beach Farm, a lonely house on the North Sea coast of England. But who, or what, is the Sand-Walker?

I shall never forget the terrible Christmas I spent at Ringshaw Grange in the year 1993. When Dr Lascelles is invited to spend Christmas at Ringshaw Grange with Frank Ringan and his cousin Percy, he doesn't expect it to be such a noteworthy episode. But with talk of the Grange's ghost, Lady Joan, events take a darker turn.

Published in 1899, The Second Customer and the Amber Beads by Victorian novelist Fergus Hume is about a smart, attractive, and resourceful Gypsy pawn shop owner named Hagar who clears an innocent person framed for murder.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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)

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 ...

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 ...