This book is the second in a series that stars Gryce and his associate Q. They are asked to look into the potential abduction of the family seamstress by Mrs. Daniels, a domestic worker at a Mr. Blake's home. The narrative moves slowly at first, but picks up speed as the plot develops and we learn more about the who, what, how, when, where, and why of the case. Although there is major romance in the book, the ladies are not naive simpletons. They are strong people who can make sacrifices for the people they care about.
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.
