"The Vanishing of Tera" by Fergus Hume is a captivating mystery novel set in the Victorian era, centered around the perplexing disappearance of a young woman named Tera. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense, crime, and detective work as the investigation into Tera's vanishing becomes the focal point of the plot. The novel begins with Tera's mysterious disappearance, which triggers a detailed and suspenseful investigation led by a skilled detective. The detective uncovers a series of clues that point to a complex web of secrets and intrigue, making the case increasingly enigmatic. Throughout the investigation, the narrative is filled with unexpected plot twists and romantic elements that add depth and complexity to the story.As the detective delves deeper into the mystery, the search for Tera leads to various suspects and hidden motives, all contributing to the suspense and intrigue of the plot. The investigation reveals secrets and confronts numerous challenges, keeping readers on edge as they try to piece together the clues. Ultimately, "The Vanishing of Tera" combines elements of romance and crime with a classic whodunit approach, delivering an engaging and thrilling reading experience. The resolution of the mystery provides a satisfying conclusion to the intricate and suspenseful storyline.
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.
