The Millionaire Mystery

"The Millionaire Mystery" by Fergus Hume is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds around a mysterious millionaire's death and the subsequent bizarre events surrounding his burial, which lead to shocking discoveries. The opening introduces Cicero Gramp, a down-on-his-luck tramp, who finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue involving a stolen body, potential murders, and hidden secrets of the deceased millionaire, Richard Marlow. At the start of the novel, Gramp arrives in a quaint village after a long and arduous journey, only to learn about the recent death of Richard Marlow, a local magnate. As he seeks refuge in a local tavern, he overhears suspicious conversations about the deceased and a possible scandal. His curiosity piqued, he decides to investigate further. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he witnesses two shadowy figures exhuming Marlow's body from the grave. This shocking sight sets the stage for a series of events that promise to unravel the dark complexities surrounding Marlow's fortune, his relationships, and ultimately, his untimely demise. The stage is set for Gramp to delve deeper into this mystery, igniting a suspenseful saga.