The Disappearing Eye

"The Disappearing Eye" by Fergus Hume is a murder mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the mysterious death of an elderly woman in a secluded village, where an unsuspecting playwright becomes embroiled in the intrigue when he finds himself locked in a room with her corpse. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist, Cyrus Vance, seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death and the theft of the woman's glass eye, leading to twists and unexpected revelations about the characters involved. The opening of the novel introduces us to Vance, who enjoys motoring and aspires to find inspiration for his next melodrama. While en route to a seaside resort, he experiences mechanical issues that lead him to a deserted shop where he discovers the body of the recently deceased Anne Caldershaw. Events take a turn when he realizes his car has been stolen, and he is accused of murder when witnesses misinterpret his presence at the scene. Vance's plight deepens as he encounters a colorful cast, including a rough villager, a mysterious woman named Miss Destiny, and various locals who each have their suspicions and theories about the crime. As the investigation begins, it becomes evident that the missing glass eye may hold the key to unraveling the mystery.

The Disappearing Eye, by Fergus Hume. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #56841.