Fergus Hume's 'The Scarlet Bat' is a gripping mystery novel set in late 19th-century London. The story follows Detective Cuthbert Clavering as he investigates a series of gruesome murders that appear to be linked to a mysterious figure known as the Scarlet Bat. Hume's writing style is reminiscent of other popular detective fiction of the time, with its intricate plot twists and well-developed characters. The novel's literary context is important in understanding the emergence of the detective genre as a popular form of entertainment in the late Victorian era. Hume's attention to detail and flair for storytelling make 'The Scarlet Bat' a must-read for fans of classic detective fiction.