"The Red Bicycle" by Fergus Hume is an engaging mystery novel set in the Victorian era, centered around the theft of a distinctive red bicycle. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense, crime, and detective work as the investigation into the bicycle's disappearance becomes the core of the plot. The narrative begins with the mysterious theft of the red bicycle, which sets off a complex investigation led by a determined detective. As the detective delves into the case, the story is filled with intrigue and suspense, with numerous clues emerging that point to a variety of suspects. The plot is marked by unexpected twists and turns as the detective uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives. The red bicycle, a seemingly simple object, becomes a key piece in unraveling the broader mystery. Through careful investigation and analysis of the clues, the detective navigates through layers of suspicion and deception. Ultimately, "The Red Bicycle" combines classic whodunit elements with a suspenseful narrative, delivering a captivating and intricate story. The resolution of the mystery provides a satisfying conclusion to the elaborate and thrilling investigation, showcasing Hume's skill in crafting engaging and complex detective fiction.
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.
