The Lost Parchment: A Detective Story

"The Lost Parchment: A Detective Story" by Fergus Hume is a mystery that unfolds in the early 1900s. It follows Rupert Hendle, a rich landowner, and Dean Carrington, his somewhat bitter friend, as they become entangled in village life and family matters. The story starts with the two friends remembering their school days while walking on Hendle's beautiful property, showing the differences between them: Hendle is easygoing and well-off, while Carrington struggles as a lawyer and is a bit jealous of Hendle's wealth. As they wander through the village, they discuss Hendle's upcoming wedding to his cousin Dorinda, and it's clear that her cold father, Julius Mallien, might cause problems. These first events create a complicated network of personal and social drama that seems ready to explode as the story moves forward.