So, you want to know about The Leavenworth Case? Let's set the scene. It's New York City, 1878. Horatio Leavenworth, a man of immense wealth, is found dead in his private library. The door was locked from the inside, and a gunshot wound is the clear cause. Suspicion immediately falls on his household: his two nieces, Mary and Eleanore, who were his only heirs and are now suddenly incredibly rich. The evidence starts to pile up, and it looks very bad for one of them.

The Story

The case is handed to veteran police detective Ebenezer Gryce. He's not your flashy hero; he's quiet, methodical, and incredibly observant. He's paired with a young lawyer, Mr. Everett Raymond, who narrates the story and acts as Gryce's sometimes-baffled assistant. Together, they sift through the clues: a missing key, a disturbed will, mysterious letters, and the conflicting testimonies of the nieces and the household staff. Just when you think the solution is obvious, Green pulls the rug out from under you. The investigation leads them through high society drawing rooms and into the shadows of New York, revealing a plot far more complex than a simple family dispute.

Why You Should Read It

First, for Mr. Gryce. He's a fantastic character—the blueprint for the modern detective. He solves crimes with logic and careful deduction, not wild leaps of fancy. Reading his thought process is a joy. Second, for the sheer craft of the mystery. Green was a master of plot structure. She plants clues fairly but hides them in plain sight, making the final reveal both surprising and satisfying. She also creates genuine suspense around the fate of the nieces, making you care about the 'why' as much as the 'who.'

Final Verdict

This book is a must-read for any mystery fan who wants to see where the genre began. It's perfect for readers who love Agatha Christie's puzzles or Arthur Conan Doyle's logic, but want to explore their American roots. If you think classics are slow, this will change your mind. It's also a great pick for book clubs—there's so much to discuss about the clues, the characters, and the social world Green portrays. Grab a copy, settle in, and get ready to be outsmarted by a detective from 1878.