The Secret Passage

<p><I>The Secret Passage</I> (1905) is a mystery novel by Fergus Hume. Although not as successful as <I>The Mystery of a Hansom Cab</I> (1886) an immediate bestseller for Hume <I>The Secret Passage</I> is a gripping novel with an atmospheric intensity and tightly wound mystery worthy of the best of Victorian fiction. From an author whose work inspired Arthur Conan Doyle <I>The Secret Passage</I> is a story of murder with a haunting original conclusion.</p><p>Susan Grant a young woman seeking employment arrives at Rose Cottage the home of Miss Loach. After a brief but intense interview Susan begins working as a parlor maid quickly discovering the high standard to which Miss Loach holds her employees. Across town her sister Mrs. Octagon a writer with a penchant for self-promotion lives with her husband Peter and daughter Juliet. Speaking with Juliet following afternoon tea one day Mrs. Octagon raises the topic of her sister whose quiet life she deeply disapproves of. At this moment as though by a stroke of fate her husband bursts in with the news of Miss Loach's murder. As Jennings a local detective begins his investigation he discovers a broad cast of friends employees and acquaintances all of whom harbor some motive-but who could have been driven to murder? Was it Susan whose history working for a mysterious Spaniard seems questionable at best? Was it Mrs. Octagon from whom the topic of her sister had always drawn the bitterest of words? As <I>The Secret Passage</I> winds toward its cunning conclusion one thing becomes clear-the line between malice and murder remains murky even under the brightest of lights.</p><p>With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript this edition of Fergus Hume's <I>The Secret Passage</I> is a classic of English mystery and detective fiction reimagined for modern readers.</p>