The Scarlet Bat by Fergus Hume

The story revolves around a mysterious figure known as the Scarlet Bat, who is rumored to be a thief and a murderer. The protagonist, a young lawyer named Harold Vaughan, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the Scarlet Bat's identity. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and conspiracy that threatens to destroy his own life and reputation.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1909 · Genre: Mystery, Drama, Romance · 26 chapters · 93,972 words

First lines

"I say you're a bad lot!"

"And I reply that you're a liar!"

What this Textopian page supports

The Scarlet Bat is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1909 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: 1909 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Drama, Romance, Thriller, Literary Fiction
• Length: 93,972 words
• Structure: 26 chapters, 2,464 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Scarlet Bat 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 Scarlet Bat?
• 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

• The Harlequin Opal Volume 2 by Fergus Hume
• The Clock Struck One by Fergus Hume
• The Millionaire Mystery by Fergus Hume
• The Man With A Secret by Fergus Hume
• Little Miss Partridge by J. S. Fletcher
• The Gentleman Who Vanished by Fergus Hume

Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around conflicts, hidden motives, and a foreboding sense of danger, typical of mystery narratives.
• Drama — The story features intense interpersonal conflicts and emotional exchanges, characteristic of dramatic literature.
• Romance — The protagonist experiences romantic feelings, particularly towards Miss Starth, adding a romantic subplot to the narrative.
• Thriller — The presence of threats and the foreshadowing of violence contribute to a suspenseful atmosphere, aligning with thriller elements.

Tags

Mystery · Thriller · Detective Fiction · Crime · Suspense · Victorian Era · London Setting · Gothic Atmosphere · Dark Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Struggle

Contents

• Sowing the Wind
• Reaping the Whirlwind
• A Friend in Need
• Two Hundred Pounds Reward
• The Inquest
• A Scrap of Paper
• Cupid's Bargain
• A Pleasant Surprise
• The Old Romance
• A Queer Mark
• Frank's Story
• The Unexpected Happens
• A Quaker Lady
• A Public Clue
• A Strange Disappearance
• What Mildred Knew
• The Sealed Letter
• A Queer Visitor
• A Story of the Past
• A Strange Will
• An Unexpected Meeting
• Miss Cork Explains
• Balkis
• Tamaroo Speaks
• Nemesis
• A Wedding Present

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