The Red Bicycle by Fergus Hume

Name: The Red Bicycle
Author: Fergus Hume

The story revolves around a mysterious red bicycle that appears in the small town of Oakham, sparking a series of unexplained events and crimes. The protagonist, a young doctor named Harold Vaughan, becomes entangled in the mystery when his fiancée, Mabel, disappears after being seen riding the bicycle. As Harold searches for Mabel, he uncovers a web of deceit, blackmail, and murder that leads him to uncover the dark secrets behind the red bicycle's appearances.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1906 · Genre: Mystery, Gothic Fiction, Drama · 26 chapters · 77,399 words

First lines

The dingy little cart containing the clean linen of the Rectory, was on its way by an unusually roundabout route. Neddy Mellin, the washer woman's son, who disliked work as much as he liked play, which was natural in a lad of thirteen, grumbled openly at the uncongenial task of driving the large white donkey. The animal herself, who answered to the name of Nelly, grumbled also in her own way, as she objected to innovations. Hitherto she had been allowed to take the short road to the parson's residence; now she was compelled to go by the long one, which was particularly annoying on this damp, misty November afternoon. With the obstinacy of her race she refused to trot, and although Neddy whipped her, coaxed her, and threatened her, Nelly tstill behaved as though she were attending a funeral. Mrs. Mellin did not mind. Throned amidst the bundles of linen, she peered through the fog for something she particularly wished to see.

What this Textopian page supports

The Red Bicycle 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, Gothic Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length: 77,399 words
Structure: 26 chapters, 1,781 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around the mysterious circumstances surrounding the character Sir Hector Wyke and the ominous history of the house Maranatha.
Gothic Fiction — The themes of a haunted house, dark secrets, and a sense of foreboding align with Gothic elements.
Drama — The interpersonal dynamics and gossip among the characters create a dramatic narrative.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is descriptive and character-driven, focusing on social commentary and the human condition.