
The Crowned Skull by Fergus Hume
The novel follows the story of John Dene, a young man who is sent to investigate the mysterious death of his uncle, Sir John Dene. Sir John was found dead in his study, with a crown-shaped skull on his desk. John soon discovers that his uncle had been involved in a secret society, and that the skull was a symbol of their power. He also discovers that his uncle had been involved in a number of shady dealings, and that his death may have been connected to these activities. John is determined to uncover the truth behind his uncle's death, and soon finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious figure known only as the 'Crowned Skull'. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that could have deadly consequences. Will John be able to uncover the truth before it's too late? Or will the Crowned Skull remain a mystery forever?
By Fergus Hume · First published 1908 · Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller · 26 chapters · 82,380 words
First lines
Sir Hannibal Trevick was a personage at St. Ewalds. Certainly he lacked money to support the dignity of his name, and therefore had been compelled to let Trevick Grange to a South African millionaire, and take up his abode in the Dower House at the Cornish watering-place. But he came of an old and distinguished family, and possessed to all appearances great force of character. Also, he was an ardent churchman, and a philanthropist. Finally, he had a most charming daughter, who was both clever and beautiful: two things not invariably found together.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crowned Skull is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller, Detective Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 82,380 words
- Structure: 26 chapters, 3,397 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Crowned Skull 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 Crowned Skull?
- How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mystery first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Mystery — The Crowned Skull is a classic mystery novel by Fergus Hume, featuring a complex plot and a detective protagonist who must solve a crime.
- Crime Fiction — The Crowned Skull is a crime fiction novel, featuring a detective protagonist who must solve a crime and uncover the truth.
- Thriller — The Crowned Skull is a thrilling novel, with a suspenseful plot and a detective protagonist who must solve a crime and uncover the truth.
- Detective Fiction — The Crowned Skull is a detective fiction novel, featuring a detective protagonist who must solve a crime and uncover the truth.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · historical · adventure · Gothic · supernatural · secrets · murder · investigation
Contents
- Chapter 1: The Tent of Mystery
- Chapter 2: The Prophecy Fulfilled
- Chapter 3: Queer Evidence
- Chapter 4: The Will
- Chapter 5: After-events
- Chapter 6: Mrs. Krent's Diplomacy
- Chapter 7: Retreat
- Chapter 8: An Amateur Detective
- Chapter 9: The Steward's Story
- Chapter 10: A Strange Disappearance
- Chapter 11: The Quarryman
- Chapter 12: News
- Chapter 13: Mrs. Krent's Story
- Chapter 14: An Unexpected Meeting
- Chapter 15: Husband and Wife
- Chapter 16: The Letter
- Chapter 17: Under the Earth
- Chapter 18: A Discovery
- Chapter 19: What Happened Next
- Chapter 20: A Terrible Night
- Chapter 21: Anne's Defence
- Chapter 22: The Red Skull
- Chapter 23: Anak's Mother
- Chapter 24: A Thorough Rascal
- Chapter 25: Disaster
- Chapter 26: The Deluge
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