Anna Katharine Green first wrote the mystery novel That Affair Next Door in 1897. The novel centers on the wealthy Mrs. Van Burnam, who was murdered in her residence. Her neighbor, Mr. Van Burnam, is the primary suspect since he was sighted leaving her home around the same time as the murder. Nonetheless, numerous other individuals may have had a motive to commit the crime. Employing a variety of techniques, Detective Ebenezer Gryce resolutely perseveres in his effort to both unearth the truth and apprehend the guilty party. His arsenal includes shrewd observation, camouflaging himself, and the ability to detect tell-tale hints that others might overlook. This book is exceptional in its utilization of deductive reasoning and forensic science, methods that were novel at the period of its initial release. Keeping the reader guessing until the very end, the plot twists and turns in a way that can be unexpected.
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.
