The Black Patch by Fergus Hume
The story revolves around a mysterious murder that takes place at a country house in England. The victim is a wealthy businessman who has been receiving threatening letters from someone claiming to be the "Black Patch." The main suspect is the businessman's nephew, who stands to gain a large inheritance from his uncle's death. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems, and the true identity of the killer remains elusive until the very end.
By Fergus Hume · First published 1906 · Genre: Mystery, Romance, Drama · 26 chapters · 102,949 words
First lines
"Of course he's a wretch, dear; but oh! " -- with an ecstatic expression -- "what a nice wretch!"
"I see; you marry the adjective."
What this Textopian page supports
The Black Patch is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1906 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: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Romance, Drama, Gothic Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 102,949 words
- Structure: 26 chapters, 2,340 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Black Patch 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 The Black Patch?
- How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around secrets, hidden identities, and a central enigma involving the character Jarvis Alpenny and the 'Black Patch'.
- Romance — The narrative includes romantic relationships, particularly between Beatrice and Vivian, and explores themes of love and social class.
- Drama — The story features intense emotional exchanges and character conflicts, particularly regarding family dynamics and societal expectations.
- Gothic Fiction — Elements of isolation, a reclusive character, and a mysterious setting contribute to a gothic atmosphere.
Tags
Mystery · Thriller · Crime Fiction · Detective Novel · Suspense · Murder Mystery · Whodunit · Victorian Era · London Setting · Gothic Atmosphere · Dark Secrets · Family Drama
Contents
- In the Garden of Eden
- The Hints of Durban
- Mr. Alpenny's Proposal
- Seen in the Lightning
- Mrs. Snow's Discovery
- The Inquest
- The Inquest -- Continued
- The Will
- Lady Watson
- Mrs. Lilly's Story
- Major Ruck
- Vivian Explains
- The Ex-Butler
- Mrs. Snow's Past
- A Curious Coincidence
- An Interruption
- A Story of the Past
- What Orchard Knew
- Durban Speaks at Last
- A Great Surprise
- Lady Watson's Story
- Revelations
- Nemesis
- The Necklace
- Waterloo
- What Took Place