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.

DIVTwo 19th century mysteries by one of the founding mothers of the genre./div

“That Affair Next Door” is a 1897 detective novel by Anne Katherine Green. The story revolves around a mysterious murder that has taken place in an otherwise unremarkable neighbourhood. The property next door to the murder scene is owned by the inquisitive Miss Butterworth, whose piqued curiosity leads to her becoming intrinsic to the solving of this horrific crime. The first instalment of Green's female detective series “The Amelia Butterworth Mysteries” and also number eight in the "Mr Gryce Series", “That Affair Next Door” is a riveting murder mystery not to be missed by fans and collectors of classic detective fiction. Contents include: “Miss Butterworth's Window”, “The Windings of a Labyrinth”, “The Girl in Gray”, and “The End of a Great Mystery”. 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 Sword of Damocles: A Story of New York Life” (1881). 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"" is a compelling mystery novel written by Anna Katharine Green, published in 1898. Set in a small New England village, the story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Agnes Blakely. She vanishes one evening while walking down a secluded lane known locally as Lost Man's Lane. The lane itself is shrouded in eerie tales and whispered legends, adding to the suspense of the novel. Its winding path through dense woods and overgrown thickets becomes a focal point for the investigation led by detective Ebenezer Gryce. As Gryce delves deeper into the case, he uncovers dark secrets and hidden motives within the close-knit community. The atmospheric descriptions of Lost Man's Lane evoke a sense of foreboding and mystery, mirroring the uncertainty surrounding Agnes Blakely's fate. Green's skillful prose and intricate plotting keep readers engaged as they follow Gryce's meticulous investigation, filled with twists and unexpected revelations. Ultimately, ""Lost Man's Lane"" is not just a tale of a missing person, but also a study of human nature and the complexities of rural life in late 19th-century America. It remains a classic example of Anna Katharine Green's mastery of the detective genre and her ability to craft suspenseful narratives that stand the test of time.