The Collected Works of Fergus Hume: 22 Thriller Novels (eBook)

Fergus Hume was born as Fergusson Wright Hume on July 8, 1859, in England, but he spent much of his early life in New Zealand where his family emigrated when he was a child. An aspiring playwright, Hume turned to writing novels after his theatrical ambitions were unsuccessful. His initial foray into novel-writing resulted in 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' (1886), set in Melbourne, Australia. The book achieved widespread success, purportedly selling more copies than Arthur Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes novel in the UK. Encouraged by this triumph, Hume continued to write and eventually published over 130 novels across various genres, primarily focusing on the mystery and detective genres. His prodigious output included works such as 'The Secret Passage' and 'The Green Mummy'. Hume's literary style is recognized for its detailed characterizations and intricate plot twists, typical of the 'Golden Age of Detective Fiction'. Despite his prolific writing career, he never replicated the massive success of his debut, but his influence on the development of the detective story remains undeniable. In 'The Collected Works of Fergus Hume: 22 Thriller Novels', readers encounter a compendium that encapsulates his contributions to mystery literature, offering a glimpse into the formative years of the genre. Drawing on his legal background and experiences in the Antipodes, Hume's narratives delve into the socio-cultural landscapes of the late Victorian era, reflecting the anxieties and preoccupations of his time.