The Mystery of a Hansom Cab is a detective novel written by Fergus Hume, first published in 1886. The book is considered one of the earliest examples of the "locked-room mystery" genre and became an instant success upon its release. It was hugely popular in its time, and its combination of suspense, intrigue, and its complex, twist-filled plot made it one of the most significant detective novels of the 19th century. The novel is set in Melbourne, Australia, and begins with the mysterious murder of a man named James Murray, who is found dead in a hansom cab (a type of horse-drawn carriage). The circumstances surrounding his death are puzzling, and the mystery seems impossible to solve. The cabman is the key witness, but his account of events is incomplete, and there is no obvious motive for the murder.
