"The White Room" by Fergus Hume is a gripping mystery novel set in the Victorian era, blending elements of suspense, crime, and detective work. The story revolves around a baffling murder that takes place in a secret room, known as the "White Room," which becomes the focal point of the investigation. The plot unfolds with a series of intriguing twists and turns as a detective is called upon to solve the crime. The mystery deepens as clues are uncovered, leading to a web of secrets and deceit. The novel is marked by its suspenseful atmosphere and gothic elements, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout. As the detective delves into the investigation, the reader is taken on a journey through a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives. The narrative is filled with unexpected plot twists that keep the reader guessing about the identity of the culprit. Overall, "The White Room" offers a classic whodunit experience, combining a mysterious crime with a compelling investigation. The novel's blend of suspense, mystery, and intricate plotting ensures an engaging and memorable reading experience.
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.
