A teenager explores the darkness hidden within his hometown in this spellbinding supernatural thriller from bestselling author Scott Carson. For a sixteen-year-old, a summer internship working for a private investigator seems like a dream come true—particularly since the PI is investigating the most shocking crime to hit Bloomington, Indiana, in decades. A local woman has vanished, and the last time anyone saw her, she was in the backseat of a police car driven by a man impersonating an officer. Marshall Miller’s internship puts him at the center of the action, a position he relishes until a terrifying moment that turns public praise for his sharp observations and uncanny memory into accusations of lying and imperiling the case. His detective mentor withdraws, friends and family worry and whisper, and Marshall alone understands that the darkness visiting his town this summer goes far beyond a single crime. Now his task is to explain it—and himself. Lost Man's Lane is a coming-of-age tale of terror that proves why its author has been hailed as “a master” by Stephen King and one who consistently offers “eerie, gripping storytelling” by Dean Koontz.

New York detective Mr. Gryce employs the aid of Miss Amelia Butterworth to unravel the mystery of multiple disappearances on a particular stretch of country road. The ninth book in Green's detective series featuring Mr. Gryce and the second featuring Miss. Butterworth, “Lost Man's Lane” is a riveting murder mystery not to be missed by fans of classic detective fiction. Anna Katharine Green (1846–1935) was an American novelist and poet. Among the first writers of detective fiction in America, she is considered to be the “mother” of the genre for her legally-accurate and well-thought-out plots. Other notable works by this author include: “The Leavenworth Case” (1878), “A Strange Disappearance” (1880), and “The Circular Study” (1900). Read & Co. Classics is proudly republishing this vintage detective novel now in a brand new edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

Lost Man's Lane: A Second Episode in the Life of Amelia Butterworth, has been considered important throughout human history. In an effort to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to secure its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for both current and future generations. This complete book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not scans of the authors' original publications, the text is readable and clear.

Anna Katharine Green was the most famous and prolific writer of detective fiction in the United States prior to Dashiell Hammett. Her first novel, The Leavenworth Case, was the bestseller of 1878. Green is credited with a number of “firsts” within the mystery genre, including the gentleman murdered as he makes out his will and the icicle as murder weapon. She created the first female detectives in American fiction. Her amateur spinster sleuth, Amelia Butterworth, became the prototype for numerous women detectives to follow, including Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. Nosy, opinionated, and tenacious, Amelia Butterworth engages in a sustained rivalry with Ebenezer Gryce, a police detective. In the interaction between these characters, Green developed two more conventions adopted by future generations of mystery writers: the investigation as battle between the sexes and between the professional and the unexpectedly sharp, observant amateur. This volume presents two of Green’s Amelia Butterworth tales: That Affair Next Door (1897) and Lost Man’s Lane (1898).

Anna Katharine Green's 'Amelia Butterworth Mysteries' collection, composed of 'That Affair Next Door', 'Lost Man's Lane: A Second Episode in the Life of Amelia Butterworth', and 'The Circular Study', is a literary treasure trove for mystery enthusiasts. Green's engaging writing style, filled with suspense and intricate plot twists, sets the tone for these captivating novels within the detective fiction genre. The stories are set in the late 19th century, offering readers a glimpse into the social and cultural norms of the time while providing an entertaining mystery-solving experience. Green's skillful storytelling and attention to detail make these novels a delightful read for fans of classic detective fiction. Anna Katharine Green, often referred to as the 'Mother of the Detective Novel', drew inspiration from her deep interest in criminal psychology and her own experiences working as a court stenographer. Her passion for mystery writing shines through in the rich character development and suspenseful narratives present in the Amelia Butterworth Mysteries. With its gripping plotlines and engaging characters, Green's collection is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling journey into the world of Victorian-era detective fiction.