Fergus Hume 
THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB (British Mystery Series) 

In Fergus Hume’s ‘The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, ‘ readers are thrown into the world of Victorian London where secrets and deception lurk in every shadow. Hume’s narrative style effortlessly combines elements of mystery and suspense as the story unfolds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate plot twists and turns, leading to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion that will leave readers guessing until the very end. This novel, often considered one of the first modern detective novels, paved the way for future mystery writers to come. Hume’s attention to detail and keen observation of human nature make this a captivating read for fans of the genre. Fergus Hume, a British-born author, drew inspiration from his years working as a law clerk in Melbourne, Australia, where he gathered the material for his famous novel. His background in law adds a unique perspective to the mystery genre, creating a sense of authenticity in his storytelling. Hume’s in-depth knowledge of legal proceedings and human behavior shines through in ‘The Mystery of a Hansom Cab.’ I highly recommend ‘The Mystery of a Hansom Cab’ to readers who enjoy classic mysteries with a twist. Fergus Hume’s masterful storytelling and intricate plot will keep you engrossed from the first page to the last, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

About the author

Fergus Hume, born Fergusson Wright Hume on July 8, 1859, in England, was an influential figure in the development of the detective fiction genre. His most renowned work, ‘The Mystery of a Hansom Cab’, published in 1886, established him as a pioneer in the field of crime literature. Before achieving literary success, Hume emigrated to New Zealand with his family during his adolescence, where he embarked on his education and later entered the legal profession upon relocating to Melbourne, Australia. It was here that Hume conceived ‘The Mystery of a Hansom Cab’ initially as a stage play but, upon witnessing the immense popularity of detective novels, adapted his work into a novel (Rowland, 2011). This book caused a sensation in Australia and, after selling out its first print run, went on to become an international bestseller, foregrounding the urban landscape of Melbourne in its richly plotted mystery narrative. Hume’s literary style is characterized by intricate plots, a focus on the procedural aspects of crime-solving, and vivid depictions of the society of his time. Although Hume produced over 130 novels, none captured the public imagination as forcefully as his debut. Nonetheless, Hume’s substantial body of work laid the groundwork for future generations of mystery writers and cemented his place within the canon of detective literature (Mangham, 2006).