In this gripping detective story, a seasoned detective is called upon to solve a perplexing mystery surrounding a brutal crime. The story unfolds with a series of tense investigations, where the detective meticulously follows clues that lead him deeper into a web of secrets and deception. A colorful array of suspects emerges, each with their own motives, creating an atmosphere of intense suspense.
As the detective employs his sharp deduction skills, the plot thickens, leading to unexpected twists that challenge his every assumption. The story builds towards a thrilling whodunit climax, where the true villain is revealed in a moment of shocking clarity. The protagonist's relentless pursuit of the truth brings the case to a satisfying resolution, tying together the intricate threads of the plot in this classic thriller. The detective's pursuit of the villain becomes personal as he uncovers the sinister motivations behind the crimes.
The stakes are raised when the villain begins to taunt the detective, leaving cryptic messages and orchestrating events that strike close to home. The protagonist's determination to outsmart the villain is fueled by a deep-seated need to see justice served, not just for the victims but for the greater good.
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.
