"The Mandarin's Fan" by Fergus Hume is a captivating mystery novel set against the backdrop of the Victorian era and the expansive British Empire, with a focus on the cultural clash and exoticism of China. The story unfolds in London, where a murder mystery unravels, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and crime investigation. Hume skillfully navigates themes of imperialism and colonialism, exploring the complexities of the relationship between East and West during this period. Through rich descriptions of Asian culture and the allure of the exotic, the novel immerses readers in a world of mystery and romance. As the detective fiction genre unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through the bustling streets of London and the enigmatic landscapes of China, where secrets lurk behind every corner. Amidst the investigation, tensions rise, and the allure of romance adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. "The Mandarin's Fan" stands as a testament to Hume's ability to weave together elements of crime, culture, and romance, offering readers a compelling glimpse into a world where mystery and intrigue reign supreme.
Ferguson Wright Hume, also known as Fergus Hume, was a prolific English novelist who wrote detective fiction, thrillers, and mysteries. Hume was born in Powick, Worcestershire, England, as the second son of James C. Hume, a Scot who worked as a clerk and steward at the county pauper and lunatic asylum. When he was three, his family moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, where he attended Otago Boys' High School and studied law at the University of Otago. He was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 1885. Hume moved to Melbourne, Australia, shortly after graduating and began working as a barristers' clerk. He began writing plays but was unable to persuade Melbourne theatre managers to approve, let alone read them. Hume returned to England, first in London, then in Thundersley, Essex, at Church Cottage, most likely on the invitation of the Reverend Thomas Noon Talfourd Major. Hume resided in Thundersley for thirty years, producing over 130 novels and various collections, the most of which were mystery stories, although he never regained the fame of his debut novel. He also wrote lyrics for songs written by his brother-in-law, Charles Willeby, and book reviews for literary periodicals such as The Bookman. The 1911 census shows him as ‘author’, aged 51, and living at Church Cottage, Thundersley, which comprised of six rooms. He had a housekeeper, Ada Louise Peck, a widow aged 69. He made regular trips to Italy, France, Switzerland, and other European countries.
