The Leavenworth Case

The Leavenworth Case is a detective novel written by Anna Katharine Green and first published in 1878. It is regarded as one of the earliest American mystery novels and introduced the experienced detective Ebenezer Gryce.

The story begins when wealthy businessman Horatio Leavenworth is found murdered inside his locked New York mansion. Suspicion quickly falls on his two nieces, Mary and Eleanore, both of whom may have benefited from his death and appear to be hiding important information.

Young lawyer Everett Raymond becomes involved in the investigation and joins Gryce in examining conflicting testimony, family secrets, and carefully concealed clues. As the case develops, they uncover a complicated web of jealousy, inheritance, and deception.

Combining a locked-room mystery with courtroom drama and psychological suspense, the novel explores the difference between appearances and truth. Its intricate plot and methodical investigation helped shape the development of modern detective fiction.

"I had been a junior partner in the firm of Veeley, Carr & Raymond, attorneys and counsellors at law, for about a year, when one morning, in the temporary absence of both Mr. Veeley and Mr. Carr, there came into our office a young man whose whole appearance was so indicative of haste and agitation that I involuntarily rose at his approach and impetuously inquired..."