"The Green Mummy" by Fergus Hume is a thrilling mystery novel that captivates readers with its intricate plot, suspenseful environment, and a touch of the supernatural. This work showcases Hume's expertise for crafting engaging narratives inside the tradition of conventional detective fiction. The tale begins with the discovery of a mysterious mummy that appears to possess a malevolent pressure. As the characters delve into the secrets surrounding the historic artifact, they become entangled in an internet of deceit, murder, and the occult. The narrative unfolds towards the backdrop of London, adding an atmospheric and Victorian ambiance to the tale. Inspector Heatherstone, a pro detective, takes at the challenge of unraveling the enigma surrounding the green mummy. As he investigates, he encounters a cast of exciting characters, each with their personal motives and secrets. The novel weaves together factors of crime, suspense, and the supernatural, preserving readers on the threshold of their seats. Fergus Hume's storytelling prowess shines via in "The Green Mummy," as he skillfully combines elements of conventional mystery with a touch of the uncanny.
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.
