The Yellow Holly by Fergus Hume

Name: The Yellow Holly
Author: Fergus Hume

The story revolves around the mysterious death of Lady Emily, whose body is found in a holly bush on Christmas Eve. The investigation that follows reveals a complex web of relationships and motives among the characters, including Lady Emily's husband, her cousin, and a young woman who was once a servant at the estate. As the truth about Lady Emily's death slowly unravels, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seemed in the small English village where the story takes place.

By Fergus Hume · First published 1890 · Genre: Mystery, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 25 chapters · 125,087 words

First lines

She did not put the sacramental phrase on her cards, as no invitations were sent out. These were delivered verbally by boarders desirous of seeing their friends present on Friday evening. Mrs. Jersey dignified her gatherings with the name of "At Homes," but in truth the term was too majestic for the very mild entertainment she provided weekly.

What this Textopian page supports

The Yellow Holly is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fergus Hume, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Gothic Fiction
Length: 125,087 words
Structure: 25 chapters, 3,088 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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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 plot revolves around the enigmatic character of Mrs. Jersey and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her guests, particularly the newcomer Leonard Train and the significance of the yellow holly.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is reflective and character-driven, focusing on the interactions and social dynamics among the boarders in a Victorian setting.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social norms and the lives of the elderly and marginalized individuals, exploring themes of identity, respectability, and societal failure.
Drama — The interactions among the characters create a dramatic tension, particularly in the social gatherings and the underlying conflicts between them.