For the Defence by Fergus Hume

The story revolves around a murder trial where the defendant, a young woman, is accused of killing her lover. The prosecution presents a strong case, but the defence lawyer uncovers inconsistencies and contradictions in the evidence, raising doubts about the defendant's guilt. As the trial progresses, the lawyer's investigations reveal a complex web of relationships and motives that lead to a surprising conclusion.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1898 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance · 25 chapters · 70,778 words

First lines

Laurence Jen was a retired major, a bachelor, and the proprietor of a small estate at Hurstleigh, in Surrey. On leaving the service, he decided -- not unwisely -- that it was better to be a Triton in the country than a minnow in town; and acting upon this theory he purchased "Ashantee" from a ruined squire. Formerly the place had been called Sarbylands, after its original owners; but Jen had changed the name, in honor of the one campaign in which he had participated.

What this Textopian page supports

For the Defence is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1898 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Fergus Hume
• Date: 1898 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction
• Length: 70,778 words
• Structure: 25 chapters, 1,789 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for For the Defence by Fergus Hume
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering For the Defence?
• How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

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• The Wooden Hand by Fergus Hume
• Jonahs Luck by Fergus Hume
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Genres

• Literary Fiction — The book explores complex characters and their emotional and moral dilemmas, focusing on themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth.
• Drama — The narrative centers around interpersonal conflicts and relationships, particularly the love triangle and the tensions between the characters.
• Romance — The plot revolves around romantic entanglements, specifically the affections of the two young men for the same woman.
• Mystery — The character of Dr. Etwald introduces an element of intrigue and enigma, particularly regarding his past and his cryptic statements.

Tags

Mystery · Thriller · Crime Fiction · Detective Novel · Courtroom Drama · Suspense · Murder Mystery · Investigation · Lawyers · Trials · Justice System · Police Procedural

Contents

• The Major and his Household
• The Ashantee Devil-Stick
• Dido
• Voodoo! Voodoo!
• Dr. Etwald's Warning
• A Strange Occurrence
• The Rivals
• A Cry in the Night
• After the Deed
• Further Mystery
• Major Jen, Detective
• The Strange Perfume
• Isabella
• Lady Meg
• Cross-Examination
• The Evidence of Jaggard
• The Story of the Night
• The Devil-Stick Thief
• Further Evidence
• A Strange Request
• A Nine Days' Wonder
• For the Defense
• The Result of the Trial
• A Final Surprise
• Three Letters

More by Fergus Hume

• The Mystery Queen (1912)
• The Caravan Crime (1924)
• The Crowned Skull (1908)
• The Green Mummy (1908)
• The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886)
• The Secret Passage (1905)
• Madame Midas (1888)
• Red Money (1892)
• All works by Fergus Hume