The Gentleman who Vanished

Name: The Gentleman who Vanished
Author: Fergus Hume

The story revolves around a mysterious disappearance of a wealthy gentleman, Sir Verner, who vanishes during a train journey from London to Brighton. The investigation that follows reveals a complex web of deceit, blackmail, and murder. As the detective digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled network of relationships, motives, and alibis that lead him to the surprising truth behind Sir Verner's disappearance.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1900 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction · 15 chapters · 37,016 words

First lines

It was an oppressively hot night towards the end of June, and the heavy still atmosphere surcharged with electricity was full of premonitions of storm. Here in London the glare and glitter of myriad lamps seemed to be crushed down by a lowering sky, in which the stars were almost hidden by great masses of sombre clouds. Every now and then a thin thread of lightning flashed ghost-like through the murky air and the low hoarse roll of the thunder which followed, seemed to warn mankind that Nature was in one of her angry moods. So hot, terribly hot, one could hardly breathe in the crowded streets, where throngs of people, well-dressed and otherwise principally otherwise were sweeping along intent on business and pleasure, paying no attention to the sultry heavens pressing so cruelly down upon the panting earth.

What this Textopian page supports

The Gentleman who Vanished is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Drama, Gothic Fiction
Length: 37,016 words
Structure: 15 chapters, 712 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Fergus Hume fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder and the subsequent actions of the protagonist as he attempts to evade capture, which is central to the mystery genre.
Thriller — The tension and urgency of the protagonist's flight from justice create a thrilling atmosphere, characteristic of the thriller genre.
Crime Fiction — The narrative focuses on criminal acts, specifically murder, and the psychological implications of crime, fitting the crime fiction genre.
Drama — The emotional and psychological struggles of the characters, particularly the protagonist's guilt and fear, lend a dramatic quality to the story.