The Leavenworth Case

The Leavenworth Case is a landmark in detective fiction, often hailed as one of the first American mystery novels. When a wealthy New York merchant is found murdered in his library, suspicion falls on his two beautiful nieces—each with secrets of her own. Enter detective Ebenezer Gryce, whose sharp eye and steady reasoning guide readers through a maze of lies, hidden motives, and shocking revelations. Anna Katharine Green’s masterful plotting and intricate character work make this more than just a whodunit—it’s a gripping study of greed, love, and betrayal. First published in 1878, the novel influenced later giants like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. For fans of classic mysteries and courtroom drama, The Leavenworth Case remains a must-read that helped shape the entire detective genre.