The Amethyst Cross by Fergus Hume

Name: The Amethyst Cross
Author: Fergus Hume

The story revolves around a mysterious amethyst cross with a dark history, which is stolen from a church and later found on the body of a murdered man. The investigation that follows uncovers a web of deceit, blackmail, and hidden secrets among the aristocracy. As the detective digs deeper, he unravels a complex plot involving multiple suspects, each with their own motives and alibis.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1902 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Mystery · 26 chapters · 106,863 words

First lines

THE blackbird knew. He had paired for the fifth time in as many years, and esteemed himself wise in the matters, of love. Therefore, from the budding chestnut wherein his nest was built, did he sympathetically watch the bachelor and maid who sat below. They were lovers as he knew very well, for only lovers could have gazed so persistently into one another's eyes, and therein did they behold each other as each wished to be. Which sentence is cryptic to those who are not lovers as these were.

What this Textopian page supports

The Amethyst Cross is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romance, Drama, Mystery, Literary Fiction, Adventure
Length: 106,863 words
Structure: 26 chapters, 2,311 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Amethyst Cross by Fergus Hume
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Amethyst Cross?
How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between George and Lesbia, exploring themes of love, commitment, and societal expectations.
Drama — The narrative includes intense emotional conflicts, particularly between Lesbia and her father, highlighting familial tensions and personal struggles.
Mystery — The origins and significance of the amethyst cross introduce an element of intrigue and suspense, prompting questions about its past and implications.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich in descriptive language and character development, focusing on the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters.