The Silver Bullet 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 made many enemies throughout his life. The investigation that follows reveals a complex web of relationships and motives among the characters, including the victim's family members, business associates, and romantic partners. As the detective digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a series of surprising twists and turns that lead him to the killer.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1886 · Genre: Mystery, Gothic Fiction, Adventure · 27 chapters · 137,269 words

First lines

"We had better lie down and die," said Robin peevishly. "I can't go a step further," and to emphasise his words he deliberately sat.

"Infernal little duffer," growled Herrick. "Huh! Might have guessed you would Joyce. " He threw himself down beside his companion and continued grumbling. "You have tobacco, a fine night, and a heather couch of the finest, yet you talk as though the world were coming to an end."

What this Textopian page supports

The Silver Bullet is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1886 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: 1886 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Mystery, Gothic Fiction, Adventure, Psychological Fiction, Romance
• Length: 137,269 words
• Structure: 27 chapters, 2,854 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Silver Bullet 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 Silver Bullet?
• 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 Spider by Fergus Hume
• The Sacred Herb by Fergus Hume
• The Wooden Hand by Fergus Hume
• For The Defence by Fergus Hume
• A Creature Of The Night by Fergus Hume
• A Traitor In London by Fergus Hume

Genres

• Mystery — The plot revolves around a murder investigation, with elements of suspense and intrigue.
• Gothic Fiction — The setting includes a mysterious, abandoned mansion with eerie descriptions and a sense of foreboding.
• Adventure — The characters embark on a journey through a moor and encounter unexpected challenges and discoveries.
• Psychological Fiction — The narrative explores the mental states and emotional struggles of the characters, particularly Robin Joyce.

Tags

Mystery · Crime Fiction · Detective Novel · Thriller · Suspense · Murder Mystery · Investigation · London Setting · Victorian Era · Classic Detective Story · Whodunit · Police Procedural

Contents

• The House in the Pine Wood
• De Mortuis Nil Nisi Malum
• The Verdict of the Jury
• At Beorminster
• The Theory of Mrs. Marsh
• "the Changeling"
• A Nine Days' Wonder
• A Curious Discovery
• Herrick is Suspicious
• The Secret Writings
• Settling Down
• Second-Sight
• The Wooing of Robin Joyce
• The Confession of Bess
• Robin Joyce Explains Himself
• Bess the Detective
• Unexpected Evidence
• Part of the Truth
• Don Manuel's Recollections
• The Revd. Pentland Corn
• Another Mystery
• A Message from the Dead
• The Unexpected Happens
• The Story of Frisco
• Sidney Speaks Out
• The Truth
• A Final Surprise

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