The Indian Bangle by Fergus Hume is a captivating detective novel that intertwines mystery and crime fiction within a Victorian England setting. The story centers around a puzzling whodunit involving an exotic Indian bangle, which serves as a crucial element in the unfolding intrigue. The narrative is rich with suspense and plot twists as the detective protagonist navigates a labyrinth of clues and red herrings to unravel hidden secrets. The atmospheric tension of Victorian society adds depth to the investigation, creating a compelling backdrop for the crime-solving process. Hume’s skillful storytelling ensures that each detail contributes to the suspense, keeping readers engaged as motives and secrets are gradually exposed. The novel exemplifies classic detective fiction with its intricate plot and engaging narrative, showcasing Hume’s talent for crafting suspenseful and memorable mysteries.
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.
