The venerable old mystery "The Millionaire Baby" by Anna Katharine Green is about the kidnapping of a wealthy man's grandchild. In order to earn the $50,000 reward, the story follows detective Ebenezer Gryce as he investigates the case and tries to find the stolen child. The author, a pioneering female writer in the detective genre, uses many of the components that would later become typical in mystery stories, such as maps, clues, and expert proof. The tale has two female sleuths who would later serve as models for mystery heroines in addition to the well-known investigator Gryce. The book keeps the readers on the edge of their seats. Readers are surprised at every step.
The American author Anna Katharine Green (1846–1955), who is recognized as one of the forerunners of detective fiction, was raised in a sophisticated and educated household and was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her debut book, "The Leavenworth Case," which was released in 1878, quickly rose to popularity. She produced countless short pieces in the genre in addition to almost 40 books. Intricate riddles, brilliant storytelling, and the use of forensic evidence were hallmarks of her books, which also often included characters like detective Ebenezer Gryce and the single sleuth Amelia Butterworth. Along with her contributions to the genre, Green pioneered the exploration of gender and social class issues in mysteries, often utilizing her characters to remark on societal injustices. She was on the executive committee of the New York State Suffrage Association and sponsored issues including public health and education, demonstrating her commitment to women's suffrage and charity. Her contributions to the detective fiction genre are still respected and recognized in modern times.
