Fergus Hume 
Jonah’s Luck 

Fergus Hume’s novel ‘Jonah’s Luck’ is a gripping tale of mystery and moral dilemma set in the late 19th century. The story follows the protagonist, Jonah, a man of dubious reputation who finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue. Hume’s writing style is characterized by intricate plotting, vivid descriptions, and realistic dialogue, making ‘Jonah’s Luck’ a truly immersive literary experience. The Victorian setting adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, as social norms and expectations play a significant role in shaping the characters’ decisions and motivations. Overall, ‘Jonah’s Luck’ is a masterfully crafted work that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Fergus Hume, a prolific author of detective fiction, drew inspiration for ‘Jonah’s Luck’ from real-life events and scandals of his time. His keen observation of human nature and talent for storytelling shine through in this novel, making it a timeless classic in the genre. Hume’s background in law and journalism also informs his writing, lending an air of authenticity and credibility to the narrative. I highly recommend ‘Jonah’s Luck’ to readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries with a literary flair. Fergus Hume’s skillful storytelling and attention to detail make this novel a must-read for fans of Victorian literature and detective fiction.

About the author

Fergus Hume was a prolific English novelist best known for his contribution to the mystery and detective fiction genres. Born as Fergusson Wright Hume on July 8, 1859, in England, he later immigrated to New Zealand before moving to Australia, where his writing career took flight. Hume’s literary journey began with his iconic novel, ‘The Mystery of a Hansom Cab’ (1886), which, after initial self-publication, achieved remarkable success and became one of the best-selling mystery books of the 19th century. Its success led Hume to focus on writing as a full-time profession. Over his lifetime, he penned more than 130 novels, exploring various themes within the crime and mystery domain. ‘Jonah’s Luck’, one of his numerous works, contributed to his reputation as a master of crafting suspense-filled narratives with intricate plots. His writing style often included a keen attention to detail and a penchant for red herrings, which kept readers engaged and guessing until the very end. While not as widely recognized today, Hume’s contributions to the genre undoubtedly paved the way for future writers in detective fiction. He passed away on July 12, 1932, leaving behind a vast and varied body of work that continues to be of scholarly interest for those studying the evolution of detective fiction.