Author(s): Fergus Hume
Who killed the man in the hansom cab? — Who is Sal Rawlins? — What will happen to Madge and Brian? — Murder and family secrets create the intrigue in this excellent Australian mystery. Fergus Hume’s novel, originally published in 1886, rapidly became a best-seller. It was very soon published in England and the United States, and over a hundred years later, Geoffrey Haines credited “The Mystery of a Hansom Cab” as doing “more than any book to give the outside world a picture of Melbourne of the late 1880’s” (in “A History of Victoria,” 2006). This is one of those old-time gems that continues to entertain, both in print form and on the air and screens. (Summary by Lynette Caulkins)
NOTE: The preface of this work mentions the culprit of the “whodunit” – which may spoil the project for some listeners. Be advised to skip the preface or listen to it at the end if you’d like to be surprised by the outcome of the story.
Cast ListNarrator: Peter DannMan in a Light Coat and Mr. Roger Moreland: Andrew LatheronOliver White, Crown Prosecutor, and Valpy: Jim HedrickMalcolm Royston: ToddDue Coroner and Mrs. Grundy: Tally TigerDr. Robert Chinston: Tad DavisClement Rankin: Derek BenisonMr. Gorby, Sebastian Brown, and Peterson: Greg GiordanoMrs. Rubina Hableton: WendyKatzHillerBarber of Midas: Scott CaulkinsDuncan Calton: Adrian StephensFelix Rolleston and Demetrius: Joanna Michal HoytMadge Frettlby: Michele EatonBrian Fitzgerald: CaveatMark Frettlby: Andrew KennedyDora Featherweight: ElizaJulia Featherweight: SoniaCabman, Other, Gaoler, Jury Foreperson, Doctor, and Legal Clerk: David PurdyMrs. Sampson: Susan EssaryHerald Newsperson, Traveler, Talleyrand, Sancho Panza, and Writer: Jake MaliziaMr. Kilsip: Algy PugNewspaper Woman, Old Woman, Court Crier, and Scotch Nurse: D GeierLizer: Mira williamsMother Guttersnipe and Albert Dendy: TriciaGSick Woman: Margaret LangeSal Rawlins: Lynette CaulkinsColonist, Moore, Footman, and Cynic: Therese LindhomIsaac Disraeli and Shakespeare: Elijah FisherFrench Proverb: Belinda Loveday
Book Coordinators: Lynette Caulkins and Annie Mars