Fergus Hume was a prolific English novelist renowned for his contribution to the mystery and detective fiction genres. Born as Fergusson Wright Hume on July 8, 1859, in England, he spent much of his early life in New Zealand where his family emigrated. Hume began his career as a lawyer but soon turned his focus to writing. His initial foray into literature did not yield significant success, prompting him to shift towards crime fiction, which was gaining popularity at the time. In 1886, he self-published his most famous work, 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,' which rapidly sold over 300,000 copies and established him as a leading author in his genre. Following his initial success, he moved to London to pursue his literary career with greater vigor. Hume's writing was characterized by plot-driven narratives and the elaborate unravelling of crimes, which engaged readers through suspense and cunning detective work. 'The Mandarin's Fan' is one example of his literary style, embodying a mix of mystery and intrigue within an exotic and atmospheric setting. Though less well-known than some of his other works, this book showcased Hume's versatility and imaginative storytelling. Throughout his prolific career, Hume authored over 130 novels, exploring different aspects of the mystery genre. Despite the overshadowing fame of contemporaries such as Conan Doyle, Hume's contribution to the development of detective fiction remains influential. He passed away on July 12, 1932, but his work continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts of classic crime novels.