Scan barcode
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite detective solver protagonist have to be the amateur sleuth and this one had a very interesting example. Curious to she of Anna Katharine Green wrote more books about her
bubblesofbayla's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
gia's review against another edition
mysterious
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
affiknittyreads's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed reading this, which I believe was the first of the now-common spinster sleuth mysteries. If the actual resolution of the mystery had been less implausible, I would have rated it higher. Nevertheless, a fun read and I will definitely check out other books by the author.
cheryl6of8's review against another edition
4.0
A really well-written pair of mysteries with interesting characters and believable plot twists. Even more enjoyable when you stop to realize that Green was one of the early mystery writers, because her style of plot and character development is very similar to many contemporary best-selling authors. There is a definite period feel to it, but even that is not out of the ordinary these days. If I can find more by this author, I will happily read them.
stagasaurus's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. Read it in the wrong order, after reading Lost Man's Lane, but I didn't lose anything from that. Again, Amelia Butterworth is a great choice for first person narrator. Elsewhere the point of view jumps about in a way that wouldn't happen in a modern novel but I can see why the author did it.
Why is this woman not better known?! Why are all her books out of print?!
Spoiler
It kept me guessing and when the big reveal came I wasn't expecting it. Well played AKG!Why is this woman not better known?! Why are all her books out of print?!
jhbandcats's review against another edition
5.0
Written in 1897, this book introduces the elderly Miss Amelia Butterworth, a self-satisfied busybody who is considered rather old-fashioned. Seeing some mysterious goings-on around midnight next door, she insinuates (pushes) herself into the police investigation when it becomes apparent that a crime has indeed been committed. She comes up against the formidable, and more elderly, Detective Gryce, and, while working almost at cross purposes, she assists him in solving the mystery of the inexplicable murder.
I found this delightfully entertaining. Besides, it was wonderful to see life in New York City at the end of the 19th C as written by a contemporary, not as historical fiction.
I found this delightfully entertaining. Besides, it was wonderful to see life in New York City at the end of the 19th C as written by a contemporary, not as historical fiction.
manth1975's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic, lots of twists and turns. I like the old fashioned flowery style of narration and the idea of a lady not wearing a hat being scandalous made me giggle. Amazing piece of fiction and I'm going to read some more of theses.
danab's review against another edition
4.0
I love this book! Green was one of the first mystery writers and she was a woman. Her characters are echoed in many other prominent mystery writers. Her leading character, Amelia Butterworth is a closet sleuth an is instrumental in solving this mystery. I will confess to guessing the culprit but for the entirely long reason. Great read to the finish!