<b>The Mystery of a Hansom Cab</b> is a novel written by <b>Fergus Hume</b>, first published in 1886. It is considered to be one of the first great mystery novels and one of the most successful detective novels of the Victorian era.&nbsp;The story is set in Melbourne, Australia, and revolves around the murder of a wealthy man named Oliver Whyte, who is found dead in the back of a hansom cab. The investigation into his death is led by Detective Inspector Frederick Waters and his assistant, Detective Sergeant George Parrish.<br /><br />As the investigation unfolds, a number of suspects are identified, including Whyte&#39;s fianc&eacute;e, his business partner, and a mysterious woman who was seen with him on the night of his murder. The detectives must navigate through a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth behind Whyte&#39;s death.<br /><br />The novel was an instant success and became a bestseller in Australia and the United Kingdom. It has been adapted into several stage plays and films, including a silent film version made in 1911 and a 2012 TV movie adaptation.<br /><br />&quot;The Mystery of a Hansom Cab&quot; is credited with helping to popularize the mystery genre and inspiring future writers, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who would go on to create his iconic detective character, Sherlock Holmes.<br /><br /><b>Fergusson Wright Hume</b> (1859-1932) was a British novelist who spent most of his life in New Zealand and Australia. He is best known for his novel &quot;The Mystery of a Hansom Cab,&quot; which is considered to be one of the first great mystery novels and a pioneering work in the detective fiction genre.