"The Lady from Nowhere: A Detective Story" by Fergus Hume is a riveting Victorian-era mystery thriller. Set in the atmospheric backdrop of 19th-century London, it follows the seasoned detective as he delves into a perplexing crime. When a mysterious woman with no past suddenly appears amidst a web of secrets and deception, a thrilling investigation ensues. Murder lurks in the shadows, heightening the suspense and intrigue with each twist and turn. As the plot thickens, suspicions abound, and the detective uncovers a labyrinth of clues, leading to an ultimate whodunit revelation. Hume masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, crime, and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the gripping narrative. With its intricate plot twists and cleverly planted clues, "The Lady from Nowhere" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Victorian-era detective fiction. Prepare to be enthralled as you accompany the intrepid detective on a journey through the dark underbelly of society, where nothing is as it seems and every secret has its price.
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.
