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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

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 ...

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)

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)

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!

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)