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The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (And 7 Other British Cozy Mysteries): Collection
This collection includes the following mystery novels:
A COIN OF EDWARD VII
THE SOLITARY FARM
HAGAR OF THE PAWN-SHOP
RED MONEY
THE BISHOP'S SECRET
THE GREEN MUMMY
THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB
THE MYSTERY QUEEN
A COIN OF EDWARD VII
THE SOLITARY FARM
HAGAR OF THE PAWN-SHOP
RED MONEY
THE BISHOP'S SECRET
THE GREEN MUMMY
THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB
THE MYSTERY QUEEN
2091 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
243 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Fergus Hume
861 books51 followersFergusson Wright Hume (1859–1932), New Zealand lawyer and prolific author particularly renowned for his debut novel, the international best-seller The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886).
Hume was born at Powick, Worcestershire, England, son of Glaswegian Dr. James Collin Hume, a steward at the Worcestershire Pauper Lunatic Asylum and his wife Mary Ferguson.
While Fergus was a very young child, in 1863 the Humes emigrated to New Zealand where James founded the first private mental hospital and Dunedin College. Young Fergus attended the Otago Boys' High School then went on to study law at Otago University. He followed up with articling in the attorney-general's office, called to the New Zealand bar in 1885.
In 1885 Hume moved to Melbourne. While he worked as a solicitors clerk he was bent on becoming a dramatist; but having only written a few short stories he was a virtual unknown. So as to gain the attentions of the theatre directors he asked a local bookseller what style of book he sold most. Emile Gaboriau's detective works were very popular and so Hume bought them all and studied them intently, thus turning his pen to writing his own style of crime novel and mystery.
Hume spent much time in Little Bourke Street to gather material and his first effort was The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886), a worthy contibution to the genre. It is full of literary references and quotations; finely crafted complex characters and their sometimes ambiguous seeming interrelationships with the other suspects, deepening the whodunit angle. It is somewhat of an exposé of the then extremes in Melbourne society, which caused some controversy for a time. Hume had it published privately after it had been downright rudely rejected by a number of publishers. "Having completed the book, I tried to get it published, but everyone to whom I offered it refused even to look at the manuscript on the grounds that no Colonial could write anything worth reading." He had sold the publishing rights for £50, but still retained the dramatic rights which he soon profited from by the long Australian and London theatre runs.
Except for short trips to France, Switzerland and Italy, in 1888 Hume settled and stayed in Essex, England where he would remain for the rest of his life. Although he was born, and lived the latter part of his life, in England, he thought of himself as 'a colonial' and identified as a New Zealander, having spent all of his formative years from preschool through to adulthood there. Hume died of cardiac failure at his home on 11 July 1932.
Hume was born at Powick, Worcestershire, England, son of Glaswegian Dr. James Collin Hume, a steward at the Worcestershire Pauper Lunatic Asylum and his wife Mary Ferguson.
While Fergus was a very young child, in 1863 the Humes emigrated to New Zealand where James founded the first private mental hospital and Dunedin College. Young Fergus attended the Otago Boys' High School then went on to study law at Otago University. He followed up with articling in the attorney-general's office, called to the New Zealand bar in 1885.
In 1885 Hume moved to Melbourne. While he worked as a solicitors clerk he was bent on becoming a dramatist; but having only written a few short stories he was a virtual unknown. So as to gain the attentions of the theatre directors he asked a local bookseller what style of book he sold most. Emile Gaboriau's detective works were very popular and so Hume bought them all and studied them intently, thus turning his pen to writing his own style of crime novel and mystery.
Hume spent much time in Little Bourke Street to gather material and his first effort was The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886), a worthy contibution to the genre. It is full of literary references and quotations; finely crafted complex characters and their sometimes ambiguous seeming interrelationships with the other suspects, deepening the whodunit angle. It is somewhat of an exposé of the then extremes in Melbourne society, which caused some controversy for a time. Hume had it published privately after it had been downright rudely rejected by a number of publishers. "Having completed the book, I tried to get it published, but everyone to whom I offered it refused even to look at the manuscript on the grounds that no Colonial could write anything worth reading." He had sold the publishing rights for £50, but still retained the dramatic rights which he soon profited from by the long Australian and London theatre runs.
Except for short trips to France, Switzerland and Italy, in 1888 Hume settled and stayed in Essex, England where he would remain for the rest of his life. Although he was born, and lived the latter part of his life, in England, he thought of himself as 'a colonial' and identified as a New Zealander, having spent all of his formative years from preschool through to adulthood there. Hume died of cardiac failure at his home on 11 July 1932.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 9, 2019
Very Mysterious, Indeed
If you can get past the politically and socially incorrect language and gross judgements that were once the norm but are now repugnant, these are some mighty fine mysteries! By Jove, they really used to know how to build a mystery without all the naked violence. I enjoyed these brain-twisters and was always surprised at the end when all was revealed as to how each one was carried out.
If you can get past the politically and socially incorrect language and gross judgements that were once the norm but are now repugnant, these are some mighty fine mysteries! By Jove, they really used to know how to build a mystery without all the naked violence. I enjoyed these brain-twisters and was always surprised at the end when all was revealed as to how each one was carried out.
July 10, 2020
Excellent mystery tales
At first I thought it was a collection of short stories with a mystery theme, but it is actually a collection of 8 full length novels written in a style similar to Agatha Christie. Very interesting and some so convoluted that you don't have a chance of figuring out whodunit until the very end. The books kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
At first I thought it was a collection of short stories with a mystery theme, but it is actually a collection of 8 full length novels written in a style similar to Agatha Christie. Very interesting and some so convoluted that you don't have a chance of figuring out whodunit until the very end. The books kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
May 2, 2025
This boxed set offers a delightful journey back to the golden age of British mystery, anchored by Fergus Hume's sensationally popular "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab." For lovers of traditional whodunits, intricate plots, and a distinct Victorian flavor, this collection is a charming and engaging find.
"The Mystery of a Hansom Cab" itself remains a fascinating read. Hume masterfully crafts a tangled web of suspicion and secrets surrounding a mysterious death in a hansom cab in Melbourne (a detail that adds a touch of Down Under intrigue to this otherwise British-feeling mystery). The characters are vividly drawn, each harboring their own potential motives, and the unraveling of the truth is a satisfyingly complex affair.
The inclusion of seven other traditional British mysteries further sweetens the deal. While the specific titles aren't listed in the request, the promise of "traditional" suggests tales filled with:
Intricate Puzzles: Expect clever clues, red herrings aplenty, and a focus on deduction rather than graphic violence or psychological suspense.
Atmospheric Settings: From foggy London streets to grand country estates, the settings often play a crucial role in establishing mood and providing context for the crimes.
Engaging Characters: You'll likely encounter a cast of memorable individuals, from shrewd amateur sleuths to well-meaning but sometimes bumbling police officers, and a host of suspicious suspects.
A Focus on Whodunit: The central question driving these narratives is typically the identity of the killer and the logical explanation behind their actions.
What Makes This Set Appealing:
A Taste of Literary History: Fergus Hume's success with "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab" paved the way for many later crime writers, making this a glimpse into the genre's early popularity.
Variety within Tradition: Even within the "traditional" framework, each included mystery likely offers its own unique twist and set of circumstances, providing a varied reading experience.
The Joy of Deduction: These are mysteries that invite the reader to play along, to piece together the clues and attempt to solve the crime alongside the investigators.
A Nostalgic Charm: There's an undeniable appeal to the language, social customs, and pacing of these older mysteries, offering a comforting and familiar reading experience for genre enthusiasts.
Potential Considerations:
Pacing: Compared to modern thrillers, the pacing of these traditional mysteries might feel slower to some readers, with more emphasis on character development and detailed descriptions.
Social Context: The social norms and attitudes reflected in the writing are products of their time and might occasionally feel dated to contemporary readers.
Overall:
"The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (And 7 Other Traditional British Mysteries): Boxed Set" is a worthwhile addition to the collection of any reader who enjoys classic crime fiction. Fergus Hume's enduringly popular "Hansom Cab" is a strong anchor, and the promise of seven additional mysteries in the same vein offers hours of engaging and intellectually stimulating entertainment. If you appreciate intricate plots, atmospheric settings, and the satisfying click of a well-solved puzzle, this boxed set is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the traditions of British mystery writing.
"The Mystery of a Hansom Cab" itself remains a fascinating read. Hume masterfully crafts a tangled web of suspicion and secrets surrounding a mysterious death in a hansom cab in Melbourne (a detail that adds a touch of Down Under intrigue to this otherwise British-feeling mystery). The characters are vividly drawn, each harboring their own potential motives, and the unraveling of the truth is a satisfyingly complex affair.
The inclusion of seven other traditional British mysteries further sweetens the deal. While the specific titles aren't listed in the request, the promise of "traditional" suggests tales filled with:
Intricate Puzzles: Expect clever clues, red herrings aplenty, and a focus on deduction rather than graphic violence or psychological suspense.
Atmospheric Settings: From foggy London streets to grand country estates, the settings often play a crucial role in establishing mood and providing context for the crimes.
Engaging Characters: You'll likely encounter a cast of memorable individuals, from shrewd amateur sleuths to well-meaning but sometimes bumbling police officers, and a host of suspicious suspects.
A Focus on Whodunit: The central question driving these narratives is typically the identity of the killer and the logical explanation behind their actions.
What Makes This Set Appealing:
A Taste of Literary History: Fergus Hume's success with "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab" paved the way for many later crime writers, making this a glimpse into the genre's early popularity.
Variety within Tradition: Even within the "traditional" framework, each included mystery likely offers its own unique twist and set of circumstances, providing a varied reading experience.
The Joy of Deduction: These are mysteries that invite the reader to play along, to piece together the clues and attempt to solve the crime alongside the investigators.
A Nostalgic Charm: There's an undeniable appeal to the language, social customs, and pacing of these older mysteries, offering a comforting and familiar reading experience for genre enthusiasts.
Potential Considerations:
Pacing: Compared to modern thrillers, the pacing of these traditional mysteries might feel slower to some readers, with more emphasis on character development and detailed descriptions.
Social Context: The social norms and attitudes reflected in the writing are products of their time and might occasionally feel dated to contemporary readers.
Overall:
"The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (And 7 Other Traditional British Mysteries): Boxed Set" is a worthwhile addition to the collection of any reader who enjoys classic crime fiction. Fergus Hume's enduringly popular "Hansom Cab" is a strong anchor, and the promise of seven additional mysteries in the same vein offers hours of engaging and intellectually stimulating entertainment. If you appreciate intricate plots, atmospheric settings, and the satisfying click of a well-solved puzzle, this boxed set is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the traditions of British mystery writing.
October 4, 2020
I just watched a very good Australian film production of this story, so I reread the (slight) book. My original feeling still holds -- it's tremendously atmospheric, but the "mystery" isn't as much of a puzzle as I like. Still worthy of the best historical mysteries lists, particularly pre-Holmes.
April 7, 2020
I love English novels! Good read!
May 19, 2023
Hume's The Mystery of a Hansom Cab is a murder mystery-style novel set in mid-late 1800s Melbourne, Australia. As much as this novel explores the significant differences between upper and lower social classes in this period of time, the plot wasn't much of a 'mystery', and the characters didn't feel overly developed enough for me to really enjoy any of their presence. I feel as though Hume's highlight in this novel would be his writing style and the way that he could describe the setting and situations.
Not a text that I would recommend for those intrigued by mystery novels, but it wasn't a 'bad' read.
Not a text that I would recommend for those intrigued by mystery novels, but it wasn't a 'bad' read.
August 25, 2016
More interesting for what it says about common knowledge of the average reader in Victorian England than for the transparent plot and plodding resolution.
December 9, 2024
Pretty engaging both as a mystery and as a portrait of Australian society of the time. The plot was quite intricate for its time and the killer reveal was a twist.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews