Behind Closed Doors

Mr. Gryce #5

by Anna Katharine Green

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1906. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... XLIII. THE DOORS SWUNG BACK. Some six weeks later, Mr. Gryce received the following communication: "During the last few days, I have been told by my husband of the fearful suspicion which my conduct had given rise to in the minds of the police. Though I have done much that was blameworthy, and am in no degree worthy of the happiness which has fallen to my lot, I did no wrong to my sister, nor could I have done any, though consequences worse than any I anticipated had followed the disappointment of her return. To convince you of this I write these explanations, for though I can have no hope of regaining your regard, I certainly may expect from you that just estimate of my character, which is due to the wife of so noble a man as Walter Cameron. "I was never happy as a girl. Born with an ambitious spirit, and a strong taste for all that is elegant and inspiring in life, I not only was prevented by poverty from indulging in any of my numerous aspirations, but was kept back from that culture of my own powers, which is torture to one who feels her capabilities, but is denied all opportunity of exercising them. Then, I had to work, and work hard, and though it was a labor of love, I could not rid myself of the feeling that I ought not to be subjected to so many sacrifices; that I was fitted for better things and was in a measure trod upon. "For I knew that a sister, so like myself that our mother could see no physical difference between us, was in the direct possession of those very things for which my whole soul longed. She had wealth, she had leisure, she had accomplishments, she had love. She rode in a carriage, while I walked dismally on foot. She entered, as a welcome guest, houses which were palaces of romance to me, as remote and inaccessible as though they were...

Genres: Mystery

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1888

About the author

Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935) was an American poet and novelist. She was one of the first writers of detective fiction in America and distinguished herself by writing well plotted, legally accurate stories. Born in Brooklyn, New York, her early ambition was to write romantic verse, and she corresponded with Ralph Waldo Emerson. When her poetry failed to gain recognition, she produced her first and best known novel, The Leavenworth Case (1878). She became a bestselling author, eventually publishing about 40 books. She was in some ways a progressive woman for her time-succeeding in a genre dominated by male writers-but she did not approve of many of her feminist contemporaries, and she was opposed to women's suffrage. Her other works include A Strange Disappearance (1880), The Affair Next Door (1897), The Circular Study (1902), The Filigree Ball (1903), The Millionaire Baby (1905), The House in the Mist (1905), The Woman in the Alcove (1906), The House of the Whispering Pines (1910), Initials Only (1912), and The Mystery of the Hasty Arrow (1917).

Reviews

[Tiffany]

Don't know why this book was so hard to find. It's even better than her other books!

[Craig L.]

This another good entry in Anna Katharine Green’s Ebenezer Gryce series. The setup is interesting and there is quite a bit of character development. The latter part of the book includes a chase that ends up in a terrible blizzard. The problem with this one is that the “twist” revealed at the end is something the reader will have suspected long before Mr. Gryce does. As usual with the novels of AKG, you can expect melodrama — long speeches, over-wrought emotions, women fainting, etc. Nonetheless I enjoyed this one a lot. I liked the characters. The book held my interest — even though the mystery’s resolution was fully expected.

[JenniferFour]

I have enjoyed all the Green books I have read, this was no exception. They take their time but always keep my interest

[Bill Graf]

I really love AKG. This book takes you on a journey of surprises that doesn't stop 'till the last moments. A fast moving read

[Anne Smith]

Almost nothing to say because it'd give it away... but while i caught on pretty quickly there was still something i didnt know to make it all fall together. good read.

[Joan]

The book opens with a man contemplating his upcoming marriage. The ceremony is in 4 hours at the bride's home. The groom, a prominent NY doctor, feels his fiance is an excellent match for him. His only hesitation is her odd recent behavior. She refused to see him for the last week! There was no explanation given for this. No one told him that she was ill. Don't most brides want to spend time with their fiances? His reverie is cut short by a knock at the door. There is a man with important business that can't wait until after the wedding...

Published in 1888, Anna gives her readers a well written character study with a mystery. She explains in depth the heart and souls of all her characters - even Detective Gryce. In the earlier books of the series, the detective doesn't appear until the last part of the book. In "Behind Closed Doors", we really learn how this detective thinks. Mr. Gryce's knowledge of body language seems so modern to me. He has quickly become one of my favorite detectives - along with Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown, Miss Marple and Columbo.

I am careful in my reviews to not divulge more than the beginning of the story, so I can't understand why there is an excerpt on Good Reads from late in the book. Please avoid reading the excerpt above as it may diminish your enjoyment. Happy reading!

[Myrna]

I really enjoy all of Anna Katharine Green's books that I have read. This one was obviously scanned into Google Books ... has many errors but still worth the read. Had to read it on my phone as it was not available for Kindle.