The Bishop's Secret by Fergus Hume

The story revolves around the mysterious death of a wealthy businessman, whose will is contested by his relatives and business associates. The bishop, who is an executor of the will, becomes entangled in the mystery and must navigate a complex web of deceit, blackmail, and murder to uncover the truth. Along the way, he encounters a cast of suspicious characters, including a beautiful young woman with a questionable past, a cunning lawyer, and a ruthless businessman. As the bishop digs deeper into the case, he uncovers dark secrets and surprising revelations that threaten to destroy reputations and lives.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1898 · Genre: Mystery, Literary Fiction, Social Satire · 39 chapters · 135,781 words

First lines

Of late years an anonymous mathematician has declared that in the British Isles the female population is seven times greater than the male; therefore, in these days is fulfilled the scriptural prophecy that seven women shall lay hold of one man and entreat to be called by his name. Miss Daisy Norsham, a veteran Belgravian spinster, decided, after some disappointing seasons, that this text was particularly applicable to London. Doubtful, therefore, of securing a husband at the rate of one chance in seven, or dissatisfied at the prospect of a seventh share in a man, she resolved upon trying her matrimonial fortunes in the country. She was plain, this lady, as she was poor; nor could she rightly be said to be in the first flush of maidenhood. In all matters other than that of man-catching she was shallow past belief. Still, she did hope, by dint of some brisk campaigning in the diocese of Beorminster, to capture a whole man unto herself.

• Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

The Bishop's Secret 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: Mystery, Literary Fiction, Social Satire, Historical Fiction, Romance
• Length: 135,781 words
• Structure: 39 chapters, 2,843 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Bishop's Secret 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

Similar titles

• The Secret Passage by Fergus Hume
• The Burg by Egerton Castle
• The Red Window by Fergus Hume
• The Pagans Cup by Fergus Hume
• The Purple Fern by Fergus Hume
• The Sealed Message by Fergus Hume

Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around secrets, social intrigue, and the exploration of hidden truths, typical of the mystery genre.
• Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich in character development and social commentary, characteristic of literary fiction.
• Social Satire — The narrative critiques societal norms and behaviors, particularly regarding marriage and social status, aligning with social satire.
• Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the book reflects the social dynamics of the time, fitting the historical fiction genre.

Tags

Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Detective Fiction · Crime · Murder · Investigation · Secrets · Religion · Clergy · Church · Victorian Era

Contents

• 'Enter Mrs Pansey as Chorus'
• The Bishop is Wanted
• The Unforeseen Happens
• The Curiosity of Mr Cargrim
• The Derby Winner
• The Man with the Scar
• An Interesting Conversation
• On Saturday Night
• An Exciting Adventure
• Morning Service in the Minster
• Miss Whichello's Luncheon-Party
• Bell Mosk Pays a Visit
• A Stormy Night
• 'Rumour Full of Tongues'
• The Gipsy Ring
• The Zeal of Inspector Tinkler
• A Clerical Detective
• The Chaplain on the Warpath
• The Bishop's Request
• Mother Jael
• Mrs Pansey's Festival
• Mr Mosk is Indiscreet
• In the Library
• The Bishop Asserts Himself
• Mr Baltic, Missionary
• The Amazement of Sir Harry Brace
• What Mother Jael Knew
• The Return of Gabriel
• The Confession of Bishop Pendle
• Blackmail
• Mr Baltic on the Trail
• The Initials
• Mr Baltic Explains Himself
• The Wages of Sin
• The Honour of Gabriel
• The Rebellion of Mrs Pendle
• Dea Ex Machina
• Exit Mr Cargrim
• All's Well that Ends Well

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