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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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

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.

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.

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?

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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)