On the wedding night depicted in Anna Katharine Green's 'The Amethyst Box,' Sinclair realizes that the prized curiosity box, housing a vile of poison, has vanished. His suspicion of either his new bride or her cousin, Dorothy, stealing the box creates turmoil. Desperately searching for the poison and potential criminal, Sinclair reaches out to his companion, Mr. Worthington, to assist him in finding the culprit and preventing further danger. In the wake of a fatal poisoning, an inquiry ensues into whether the victim's demise was the result of suicide or murder - despite attempts to prevent such an outcome. All the while, Anna Katharine Green's novel boasts an electrifying storyline filled with unexpected detours that keep readers eagerly engrossed until the ultimate conclusion. Widely regarded as the 'Mother of Detective Fiction,' Green skillfully blends together elements of suspense, romanticism, and mysteriousness to deliver a truly spellbinding read.
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.