"The Red Bicycle" by Fergus Hume is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the enigmatic arrival of Sir Hector Wyke, a baronet who takes residence in a notorious, ill-fated house named Maranatha. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of various local characters, particularly focusing on Neddy Mellin, the mischievous son of a washerwoman, who hears gossip about the new tenant and the strange happenings surrounding him. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the mundane life in the seaside village of Hedgerton, where Mrs. Mellin, the washerwoman, and her son Neddy transport laundry to the Rectory. As they pass the foreboding Maranatha, filled with rumors of a sinister history, Mrs. Mellin expresses her apprehensions about the newly arrived baronet and his mysterious housekeeper, Jane Vence. The atmosphere thickens with dread and intrigue when Sir Hector is found murdered shortly after a visitor's arrival. The opening chapters set the stage for a blend of gossip, mystery, and a potential crime drama that firmly hooks readers into the unfolding narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)