The Rainbow Feather (ePub)

Fergus Hume, the pen name of Ferguson Wright Hume (1859-1932), was an English novelist renowned for his mastery in the genre of mystery. Born in England, Hume moved to New Zealand with his family at an early age before settling in Australia, where he commenced his career as a writer. His propulsive foray into the world of crime fiction resulted from his legal training and his dissatisfaction with the unrealistic detective stories of his time. Hume's breakthrough novel, 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' (1886), became a phenomenal success, setting a new standard in crime fiction with its meticulous plotting and attention to forensic detail.

As Hume's prolific career evolved, he authored over 130 novels, although none matched his initial success. Among these works, 'The Rainbow Feather' is a notable title that showcases Hume's literary style-an amalgamation of intricate narratives, suspenseful twists, and vivid characterizations. Hume's contribution to the genre shaped the future of detective fiction, paving the way for later authors. While often overshadowed by his contemporaries like Arthur Conan Doyle, Hume's legacy persists among aficionados of classic crime novels, revealing an author fervently dedicated to his craft and influential in establishing the tropes and tenets of detective literature.