The White Room (ePub)

Fergusson Wright Hume, known as Fergus Hume, was an English novelist chiefly notable for his 1886 mystery novel 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab', one of the best-selling crime novels of the 19th century. Born in England, on July 8, 1859, Hume relocated to New Zealand with his family, where he was raised and educated before moving to Melbourne, Australia, where he became a barrister. Despite his legal work, Hume's passion for theater and writing led him to pen 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab', which, after an initial struggle, became a huge success, effectively kickstarting his literary career. Subsequently, he moved back to England, leveraging his newfound popularity to write prolifically. Over his lifetime, Hume authored over 130 novels, predominantly in the crime and mystery genres. 'The White Room' is one of his lesser-known works but reflects Hume's consistent fascination with the enigmatic and the thrilling. His literary style is characterized by meticulously constructed plots, vivid characterization, and an ability to capture the public's imagination. Although Hume's other works failed to reach the heights of his first novel, he is regarded as a significant figure in the development of the mystery and detective fiction genre, influencing contemporaries and later authors. Hume passed away on July 12, 1932, leaving a legacy as a principal architect of the modern detective story.