10 Facts About Fergus Hume

Ferguson Wright Hume, known as Fergus Hume, was a prolific English novelist, known for his detective fiction, thrillers and mysteries.

Shortly after graduation Fergus Hume relocated to Melbourne, Australia, where he obtained a job as a barristers' clerk.

Fergus Hume began writing plays, but found it impossible to persuade the managers of Melbourne theatres to accept or even to read them.

Fergus Hume first came to attention after a play he had written, entitled The Bigamist was stolen by a rogue called Calthorpe, and presented by him as his own work under the title The Mormon.

Fergus Hume settled back in England, first in London, but after a few years in Thundersley, Essex at Church Cottage, probably at the invitation of the Reverend Thomas Noon Talfourd Major.

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Fergus Hume lived in Thundersley for thirty years, publishing in excess of 130 novels, plus several collections – most of them mystery stories, though he never recaptured the success of his first novel.

Fergus Hume wrote lyrics to songs composed by his brother-in-law, Charles Willeby, and book reviews for literary journals including The Bookman.

Fergus Hume regularly travelled to Italy, France, Switzerland and other European countries.

Fergus Hume was reputed to be deeply religious and intensely private and known to avoid publicity, but in his later years he lectured at young people's clubs and debating societies.

Fergus Hume died at Thundersley on 12 July 1932 and lies in an unmarked grave next to an actress and the Rev Maley.