The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
By Fergus Hume
- Release Date: 1886-12-31
- Genre: Police Procedural
Description
An Apple Books Classic edition.
We’ve all heard of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. But what about the novel that inspired Doyle-and outsold him? Fergus Hume’s <i>The Mystery of a Hansom Cab</i> made him the bestselling crime writer of the 19th century.
The story opens in the dead of night in Victorian-era Melbourne. A man pulls up to a police station and tells them he’s shuttling the body of a murder victim inside his hansom cab. And although he’s laid eyes on the man he believes to be the murderer, the driver can offer no concrete leads.
Hume’s novel is as famous for its plot as it is for its depiction of Melbourne’s class divides at the time. With its portraits of grimy, impoverished neighbourhoods alongside scenes of high-society opulence, The Mystery of a Hansom Cab is an absorbing historical mystery.
Reviews
Compares favorably with Conan Doyle
4By Left Coast BobAlmost like a blend of Conan Doyle and Jane Austen. I enjoyed it.Decent Little Mystery Book.
4By Rastus P. KumquatIt was a relatively easy read mystery book. Wasn’t too hard to follow. A bit winded at times. Otherwise was a fun read for me. Hope others can also enjoy this read.Historical Mystery
3By PaladinplaceThough somewhat predictable, the plot contains twists, and turns to keep the reader interested.Very good read
5By Goodman+The story moves along quickly, dialogue between the characters lends well to the pace. The chapters of the book are short making the progress of the story easy to read. There are a lot of misspellings in this version of the book.Say
5By sirFlickkaIt’s coolly😭The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
4By MxpklGotta love the classics.Family secrets
5By CubanosoThis early mystery is a historical document of life in Melbourne at the end of the 19th century. Gorby, the detective who opens the novel disappears one third of the way in the text. There’s humor and a few red herrings. Great book.Fabulous story
5By MsphytSo glad I read this story, it was worth it. Very interesting, period in history and the early days of Australia- I knew nothing about this author but mystery from authors of past are always welcome in my book lists!The mystery of the Hansom cab.
4By CP MooConsidering the time of writing, I thought it was quite good.Great story
5By Steve j mI truly enjoyed the intrigue and twists and turns in the well thought out story. A page turner.
